tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79410857522134898852024-03-27T16:52:46.382-07:00Raquel Margaret CarterRaquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-91612319131997097332024-03-24T09:57:00.000-07:002024-03-24T09:58:15.409-07:00A Not-So-Grand Time Of Those Gone Before & Happy News<div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml5GXhxvVTVH0DdM_FrsoZoFs0hgkjJFK98TfUvkJAHaRGvrfEYyhH9clCjElS4Ek5wFbtzkRlyBKuijl5dLU1YTFPjUZRg3UUC_JW2RqYy2HcCd5ge5hb4G0weS96PMuhUKWG35Fcmnz5GMQ8jETZhm-NHeI2Yd_OzdyE8t3EFoloOt8j-5fLB8SM-Y/s640/raquel%20gardening.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml5GXhxvVTVH0DdM_FrsoZoFs0hgkjJFK98TfUvkJAHaRGvrfEYyhH9clCjElS4Ek5wFbtzkRlyBKuijl5dLU1YTFPjUZRg3UUC_JW2RqYy2HcCd5ge5hb4G0weS96PMuhUKWG35Fcmnz5GMQ8jETZhm-NHeI2Yd_OzdyE8t3EFoloOt8j-5fLB8SM-Y/w400-h400/raquel%20gardening.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, my dear mermaid hearts,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This morning, I made another video for you on YouTube. I've been uploading unfailingly about the law of assumption and my mermaid cottage core lifestyle. If that interests you, I know you would love to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/raquelmargaretcarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7f6000;">subscribe</span></a>. During the day, I visit the seaside, and in the evenings, I toil away on my new-fangled web design once everyone has settled in for the evening. I am entirely enjoying the moments of solitude. It has been bucketing down; therefore, i have been remaining indoors and have lit all of the kerosene lamps. I love how they flicker about bouncing off the cottage walls; it is such a heavenly delight, and the kittens are also bemused by them. I appreciate the fortes i am blessed with, and even when difficulties have strewn about, the Great Spiritual Creator has always guided me true north. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This morning, as I meditated, i thought about all the beautiful notions that are unique gifts. There are many of us quite prone to constantly look outside at the world beyond us and catch our eyes upon others' gardens rather than tending our own. It all goes by so fast, and this life deserves to be remembered. Some would argue that being interested in the lives of others is a subjective notion; one woman's entertainment is another woman's outrageous and wasteful behaviour. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">At present, perhaps that is how the abundant weeds grow, for we've lost sight of the beauty of where we stand as women. It takes quite a woman to remove the distractions and begin to dive deep into the failings of our lives, and quite truthfully, this is why many women sustain the refusal to do so. It is of utmost difficulty to unravel the kitten's yarn ball of knottiness. Speaking of gardens, how often do gardening duties seem to escape us, or we've outright avoided them only to realise the vines and weeds have run wild.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Work is closing in on us like an abandoned cottage in the thicket, no longer capable of seeing through the windows. The realisation is that now there is even more internal work to accomplish. Yet, we've utilised many distractions rather than viewing our own lives by taking inventory, and now we are bound to occupy wasteful nonsense on stilts. This wastefulness is a tremendous travesty, for whilst we're focused on everyone else, those folks relish in their manifested demonstrations. The loop continues, and we evade our proper purposes as women and artists.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've begun posting new videos on YouTube again, as I feel called to help spread my mermaid message of allowing women to rise to their true callings on the earth.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I wrote down all of the fun projects that i plan to have fun accomplishing for the year, and oh my, what a "Take Joy" moment I am having. I spend my time mostly quietly living out a cottage core lifestyle of spirituality and enjoying our little cottage. There were moments last year that had me in quite a conundrum. I was curious to know if we were coming or going, moving or not moving. This particular matter can be quite a displeasurable experience for an artist and, if permitted, can take a toll on oneself if we allow it. Don't you agree? Indecision is a fiddly thing, is it not?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Neville Goddard (or Daddy Neville, as i like to tease) spoke many times about folks in the field of spirituality; nearly all the content should be free. Neville did, however, allow for offerings or donations. Although they were not mandatory. He made the bulk of his money from his book sales, and he had an inheritance from his family's fortune. It should be free. He often said in his lectures that if someone is charging for spirituality (other than books or meetings where you can offer a donation to cover vendor locations), one should run for the hills. I agree, and Neville also states that this is how you can spot a phoney. That doesn't apply to an artist making a living; I'm speaking of spirituality and the religious kind. Spirituality is free and remains as such. In my desire and dream of creating The Carter Settlement, where folks will come to visit, enjoy tea and a lovely luncheon at the tea room, i plan to be financially independent (relying on my book sales, sale items, art, etc., and donations to the non-profit) I will not charge a fee. I do place ads on my YouTube videos, which is also acceptable. YouTube is a free platform. Please, my darlings, understand this is merely my opinion. Still, it is a wise way of settling my mindfulness and remaining true to my craft of transparency and centredness. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the olden times, spiritual folks were wise beyond most folks, and therefore, the authorities convinced the ordinary people that the spiritual folks, seers, and chosen ones were terrible. One must be cautious of them, and shunning them was best. In addition, spiritual teachers were admonished by the hierarchy to leave all their possessions, homes, and desires, claiming that being free of their ego is the way to help others. This tactic was another way to keep true spiritual leaders from prospering and have valid voices of profound abilities to support the movement of coming into oneself. That way, the leaders and those upon a pedestal had a way of keeping the wise, spiritually-minded folks under control and submission. It has worked and still does in many parts of the world, especially on lower dimensions of vibration. The exciting thing is I've had a near-death experience, and I know (not hearsay) that when we pass and transition from this world, many will be stunned to know it's not as severe as they think. Many will ponder to themselves, that's all it is, and i made such a big deal about religion, etc., but you can tell many people that, and yet they want no part of the truth; they want lies to their faces, pretending to be truths because that keeps them comfortable and unchanging. Many are called, and few are chosen because many refuse to do the work. Shame. Let's be honest: if a spiritual person has no financial independence, wealth, possessions or leadership, most people of large crowds will not listen to them. It is the popular ones the crowds listen to; this was a brilliant mind-controlling tactic, and it has worked for thousands of years worldwide. One will listen to someone as such, and this, my friends, is how the leaders kept the elevated vibrationally aligned people under submission and control. They created fear in them and continually reminded the people that to be among the meek, one must leave the world behind, and they shall inherit the earth. Bullocks! They spoon-fed Christians, and the meek and weak ate it by the cauldrons full. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The other day, I narrated The Tale of Merrymaid Scarlette Rose and uploaded it to my YouTube channel; here is the link for you, my dear hearts. All we must do is remember we lean unto our Mermaid Inner Being, and it will lead us properly.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have been writing the manuscript for The Little Mermaid's Transformational Tale, and many scales/ chapters are rising that I am going to share in the book. One belief I had for such a long time until I changed my belief system was that money equalled struggle, and it makes perfect sense why i would spend decades floundering to create an incredible income for myself. Thank goodness those days are behind me. Nothing feels worse than not being able to independently care for myself. I had that deep belief that I needed a man to save me, and that cycle kept swimming around me for entirely too long. Again, this is why I wholeheartedly know a woman must change her belief system. I've never struggled to make money, but where my belief of scarcity evolved was most definitely going back to my childhood. It's not always the fault of one parent; often, women use that role to their advantage because some women use the upper hand of remaining a perpetual damsel in distress; therefore, everyone must rescue her. Well, I am a woman who no longer needs to be rescued. I shed the scales of the woman I once was, and she no longer exists. If we are to BE the woman we desire, we must BE that woman in the NOW.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Act As If," as Neville Goddard writes in his books. My rescuer is the Great Creator. I want women to know their significance and utilise their strength. We are women, and we possess the power to create a human; therefore, there is nothing we can't do. This isn't a speech on the hilltop of feminism; it is a calling of mermaids. We are changing this world as we know it. We are creating an entirely new world. The changing of beliefs was the first thing I transformed in my new assumption tract. My darlings, if we do not modify our beliefs, we will struggle all our lives. Once we change the belief, we change the outcome.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are always young enough to change and achieve our dreams. I do not care if you're one foot in the watery grave; you still have a choice. What is yours going to be? You'll return, reincarnate, and do it all again. My dear friend that could not sound more unreasonable to the aerials. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Several years ago, I did internal reverse engineering; therefore, I won't bore you to the olympic degree; however, I hope to assist you in showing you how to change your money beliefs for good and sustaining those beliefs for the rest of your life. You can look into your life and realise how you feel about money. Do you feel abundant? Are you abundant? If you are financially secure (not on your spouse, but you as a woman), do you feel like a meiser, constantly trying to save money? Do you feel unworthy of having cash and either hoard cash and never do anything with your money that would fulfil your childhood dreams, or do you constantly rid yourself of your money because having money feels petrifying? Continually spending is a sign of a worthiness issue. If you don't feel worthy of having and possessing financial prosperity, you will subconsciously spend every penny. The other state of mind is also a sign of low self-worth. Are you constantly telling yourself I can't afford that, that's too expensive, etc? I'm not sure about you, but when I accepted that I was always making excuses for myself or blaming others, I was sick and tired of my predicament. When i divorced my ex-mate, i could easily make perfect money, though my self-worth got in the way, and I recycled olde stories until I reprogrammed my subconscious mind. It would eventually revert to me having an empty bank account. It's never how much a person has or makes; the self-belief that the person holds is crucial to change. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am so very much looking forward to us as Stillwater~A Petticoat Society and all of the ways we will make the world magical—a world of discovery, magic, fairytales, and happiness. You should think yourself lucky. "Take Joy," my dear hearts. I love you!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til my next swim, Razz</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-73320782309165788342024-03-03T09:46:00.000-08:002024-03-11T16:43:09.143-07:00The World Loves Colleen Hoover Books, And It Is Another Way Women And Young Ladies Are Being Hoodwinked (According To Me)<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2y1iJQXkSB7iIcrvAY-5AEV-Uszo2PwGKgpZoN0T9EP2dVKDIMFOsxZDVMpU4yK26c_ylz1yt9dV6o6_n7pYg9WxRh4rcByg1Ge1hA1PilLdNXWD2QNUbBs_-wtlqttF7brcfe2dn8ihXbFizCFFFFj5P3EAQagS-lNfC5UOmj9SoCRpp5Te6OW1jlU/s1284/mermaid%20saving%20prince%20painting.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1284" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2y1iJQXkSB7iIcrvAY-5AEV-Uszo2PwGKgpZoN0T9EP2dVKDIMFOsxZDVMpU4yK26c_ylz1yt9dV6o6_n7pYg9WxRh4rcByg1Ge1hA1PilLdNXWD2QNUbBs_-wtlqttF7brcfe2dn8ihXbFizCFFFFj5P3EAQagS-lNfC5UOmj9SoCRpp5Te6OW1jlU/w400-h390/mermaid%20saving%20prince%20painting.jpeg" width="400"></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, my dear mermaid hearts,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br>I have missed you, and our little prattles. All is well now, and I can pick up the dropped stitches.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2024/03/the-world-loves-colleen-hoover-books.html#more">Continue Reading</a>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-64004955304638044702024-02-10T14:46:00.000-08:002024-02-13T10:14:05.004-08:00A Supernumerary Of Projects<div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWHv-dbbGoVqmoEOr__QsCMOOYpBBiXg0m__-WDDfQFyr0t0rsjiQ96PzNATruw-KWWCbrijXIXf4XuLus-upMfc7fqT89IiwDtgCpNmY3spBiMLT4zZ_j_y49dFpnjaWjbvkW9WZ2_LDCXabLC60Ls3VSeqcFBWR3t4CubPAyKvnPxHT0SzqiOYEAkQ/s1440/victorian%20valentines%20painting.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1026" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWHv-dbbGoVqmoEOr__QsCMOOYpBBiXg0m__-WDDfQFyr0t0rsjiQ96PzNATruw-KWWCbrijXIXf4XuLus-upMfc7fqT89IiwDtgCpNmY3spBiMLT4zZ_j_y49dFpnjaWjbvkW9WZ2_LDCXabLC60Ls3VSeqcFBWR3t4CubPAyKvnPxHT0SzqiOYEAkQ/w285-h400/victorian%20valentines%20painting.jpeg" width="285" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">My Shiny New Blog Design Plans, Ye Olde YouTube News, Beatrix Potter and Me, A New Little Book; The Tale of Sybrena Ewe And Louis Vuitton Agendas </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">My oh my dear mermaid hearts, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeTpNbMT2Ezv60_ePDhezpcr0sHTPgDNHj5Ti7uzemdsRDVSp-3KG2UoG-btXSm_kyKZTD3J4gATs9n3tsx9BPcbifZcn7b_B2O4y5iQl08W0D0FaFk3MQqtQGQ9ZP8TIq_8QCuIdKiWJ-jukxiuZPz3gv8qE8dtZU6Bw4FUR2cbexXDe1junGUXvrs4/s640/victorian%20mermaid%20clip%20art.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="558" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeTpNbMT2Ezv60_ePDhezpcr0sHTPgDNHj5Ti7uzemdsRDVSp-3KG2UoG-btXSm_kyKZTD3J4gATs9n3tsx9BPcbifZcn7b_B2O4y5iQl08W0D0FaFk3MQqtQGQ9ZP8TIq_8QCuIdKiWJ-jukxiuZPz3gv8qE8dtZU6Bw4FUR2cbexXDe1junGUXvrs4/s320/victorian%20mermaid%20clip%20art.jpeg" width="279" /></a></div>If you've been on ye olde blog as of late, you've seen the mischievous makings of my attempts to hire a website designer to add Adsense to my blog. It failed miserably (no offence to the dear lass who did the work as she did what she promised); however, I am hopeful and have plans to create a whole new blog. However, I will continue to put posts on this template, and all of my other posts are still here, just as before. I plan to hire someone to do the coding, but I'll do the rest, such as the design using my old-timey paintings to make the blog look like an old-fashioned Victorian newspaper with mermaids galore. I purchased some fonts that are stunning that I'll use as well. Below is my inspiration for what I am striving for, obviously, with my sketches, designs, header, and drop-downs. I will paint and create the entirety of it from the ground up because if there's something I learned many years ago, do most things yourself; that way, you know you'll have it the way you like it. I love my old template, but there was a problem with that template as my reading audience grew. I didn't have a drop-down with the different pages, which was a constant issue. This lack of option posed a matter when folks would search on ye olde blog for a post and could never go directly and find my Amazon book links or items for shopping in my little store. Remember, there's nothing that a determined woman can't execute. I do believe it is perfectly fine to ask for help, but try to do most things for yourself; it makes for an independent and strong woman. Of course, take this with a pinch of salt my dears when I am speaking of arduous tasks that a broad-shouldered, handsome man can do much better always allow them to show their strength. If I never prune a Bougenvilla, dig a hole for a large oak tree or cut tile, I will forever be a well-chuffed lass. I have nothing to prove, so let's not get it twisted, my fruit, I'm not drinking seawater. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgac-N5sVPBW-5f70zpSH_1GmAnm9kVdxEZPJBD1r6imiXJ8SPNLFFRE1eA4NwE2YvBu-pQE1HzDqwR54eiFw9sG3pzOLwnA-zR9E_9Dt37pWPdfPUiY57O3BY_2ati56pVVlV4bLl6vkQt9sR04mYXFwkuVswnyOQLLoyMCra-kVWFMVhyphenhyphenECmFaFdnmf8/s635/victorian%20newspaper%20sample%20for%20website.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="635" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgac-N5sVPBW-5f70zpSH_1GmAnm9kVdxEZPJBD1r6imiXJ8SPNLFFRE1eA4NwE2YvBu-pQE1HzDqwR54eiFw9sG3pzOLwnA-zR9E_9Dt37pWPdfPUiY57O3BY_2ati56pVVlV4bLl6vkQt9sR04mYXFwkuVswnyOQLLoyMCra-kVWFMVhyphenhyphenECmFaFdnmf8/w640-h282/victorian%20newspaper%20sample%20for%20website.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">My plate is full and tight as dicks hat band, and I am trying to keep it all in hand; however, if I am being transparent here, I'm not happy bag ragdoll Annie all of the time. </span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I'm sketching every time I have a moment. I have finally settled into beginning the Louis Vuitton Agenda planner kits. They will be PDF printables with my cheery planner pages. They will be comparable to the A4, and larger agenda (Louis Vuitton) size but mainly, you will be able to adjust a hole punch (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/WORKLION-Adjustable-Hole-Punch-Planners/dp/B08D7KLHCW/ref=asc_df_B08D7KLHCW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642173752274&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13176818068816944236&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012367&hvtargid=pla-1216665969496&psc=1&mcid=cdf13c9e3baf349084ac06844e8883cf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">i use this one for my Louis Vuitton agenda</span></a>) to make it fit your agenda, planner or Franklin Covey. I do understand not everyone has gone off and are mad (like me) who spends 680-1200 dollars on a Louis Vuitton Agenda. My LV collection is, for me, considered a worthwhile investment, so I have no qualms about spending that kind of money. A woman's planner, calendar, handbag, wallet, makeup pouch, etc., is something a woman always has to have. To spend a fraction every few years on a no-name bag or less expensive brand is purely a waste to me. My darlings that's my opinion, on the matter. To i</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">nvest in quality items is very English, and my folks taught my siblings and me to always choose quality over quantity every time. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It has been frigid in the cottage lately, so I've pulled out my trusty Victorian English water bottle. I collected mine from a sweet little Etsy shoppe from England. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I thought I would write a little about The Tale of Sawyer Lamb, and why it took me over three years to self-publish it, although I wrote the book in less than four hours and quite literally shortly after Sawyer passed. The illustrations came later.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I would venture to guess what Beatrix Potter felt when writing her books before she had her very own home at Hilltop. I had to use different locations and homes from my actual childhood and from my imagination because I am not in my forever home as of yet. I have the vision for it, and that is where it lies until the actuality of the demonstrated measure of manifestation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I wrote the book (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Sawyer-Lamb-Raquel-Carter/dp/B0C6P8FQ2W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The Tale of Sawyer Lamb</span></a>); upon the onset of when Sawyer passed. I knew in my soul (and those videos remain on my YouTube from back then) that I had to find a way for his death not to be in vain. For whatever reason, I recorded myself in a YouTube video quite shortly after I received the call. I also wanted to write a little children's book so that it may help others teach their children about death and write it in a lovely way which doesn't entail violence. I think there is a bit of apprehension in folks before buying the storybook, and I discovered this when I was a vendor of Heritage Days back in December when I sold my books, oils, paintings, etc. I say this because when I made mention of the book, the folks demonstrated physical uneasiness. I assured them oh no, it's a lovely book about my son's passing, and it's not a ferocious tale, but in fact, it's rather charming. If you have ever read Beatrix Potter's books, most specifically The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, think of when the dogs came to the rescue of Jemima and took care of the whiskered-tailed gentleman.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When something so profoundly horrific happens to a person (as I'm sure you've seen and heard many times), the parent or survivors want to make a difference. It is our way of helping to facilitate our healing. It gives us purpose and a way to create a difference in the world. I want the world to remember my boy Sawyer. I have devoted my remaining years to helping mothers, women and children. It makes me so happy and tickled beyond measure to create a life of fairytale magic, writing books and painting. I am also fulfilling my little girl's dreams. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">As of late, as you know, I am getting sheep, and I spent last year on Sawyer's book all about sheep, so the next manuscript that I have been writing is called "The Tale of Sybrena Ewe" and is strongly calling my name, and so I write. It's been in my queue for a while now, but as of late, it's taking precedence in my mind. I know when this happens, it is the great creator intuitively guiding me. I don't always understand the reason, but I heed the call. I spoke with Bette from Stone Arches Bed and Breakfast to give her the lovely news that I am using her little cottage as Lucinda's home in the book. The cottage's name is Fernwood Thistletop. Isn't that name sweet and utterly charming? </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-hWtApc6wcQjvnJFkyKKaT2lGfUnZj-mNZKQxMZwN_AyTe2IKnOy9Y4Jlce74Uy67CJB-qX5e_CWJU-ylZlf6fD6gPRhJuQ6-mgk2524V458MJ8d5ACZ34K-PgusJzvmPLDvc2Fu5nL_d8piJ_fJgPiTTFothkW3Jb6nbofE0Zqe1qhR37KN-T5i6tU/s1251/guinivere%20von%20sneeden%20cottage%20in%20new%20england.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1245" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-hWtApc6wcQjvnJFkyKKaT2lGfUnZj-mNZKQxMZwN_AyTe2IKnOy9Y4Jlce74Uy67CJB-qX5e_CWJU-ylZlf6fD6gPRhJuQ6-mgk2524V458MJ8d5ACZ34K-PgusJzvmPLDvc2Fu5nL_d8piJ_fJgPiTTFothkW3Jb6nbofE0Zqe1qhR37KN-T5i6tU/w398-h400/guinivere%20von%20sneeden%20cottage%20in%20new%20england.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most Affably, yours til my next swim, Razzy</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-73375036525689091952024-02-06T14:50:00.000-08:002024-02-06T15:06:16.289-08:00I Am Getting A New Website! Bear With Me!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj5wyHxKU44TqLPY2legKTJ8hCwR0yWR3KNc-VBHamY-nn-2EMBTO3CT1RM27kPnpRuvXR6G1keIBZ-1lLLctdLhbdNMgCyX1jzewJ5MZLR47E2HJy-GPBrXimqLyNaydt3RihtPHHghjHHxGDwKXgwO3-O4q5MLaZ16DoFzhFWuekRKlSjoGaHXJ0Fs/s640/new%20blog%20design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj5wyHxKU44TqLPY2legKTJ8hCwR0yWR3KNc-VBHamY-nn-2EMBTO3CT1RM27kPnpRuvXR6G1keIBZ-1lLLctdLhbdNMgCyX1jzewJ5MZLR47E2HJy-GPBrXimqLyNaydt3RihtPHHghjHHxGDwKXgwO3-O4q5MLaZ16DoFzhFWuekRKlSjoGaHXJ0Fs/w428-h640/new%20blog%20design.png" width="428" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large;">This blog template is quite daft; however, I am toiling away at things behind the scenes, so bear with me. We shall soon have a new-fangled shiny blog! </span></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-21828532745473357782024-01-31T10:18:00.000-08:002024-01-31T10:22:23.964-08:00The Cobbled Together Bathroom Progress, Elegant Economy And A Bit Of Advice For Women's Mental Health <div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmBPo95zpAlNUy2QNj0i1GplGCy3MnwsxhRhrzIwq1aicOs5JTl52qnj_fpwgoIJyYGOW3mJmZD1QZdmRWbTjVJRO_VoJTJnjgWuKOtmWwhZyff-ZroQcjl2-FZlbstz5meUH-gcE-kdehPVQ5BprmKYdsoH2I5F_pv8pnoN10PhMxbCLQaBiuV8B2nE/s1661/sr%20cottage%20mincemeat%20slice.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1661" data-original-width="1209" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmBPo95zpAlNUy2QNj0i1GplGCy3MnwsxhRhrzIwq1aicOs5JTl52qnj_fpwgoIJyYGOW3mJmZD1QZdmRWbTjVJRO_VoJTJnjgWuKOtmWwhZyff-ZroQcjl2-FZlbstz5meUH-gcE-kdehPVQ5BprmKYdsoH2I5F_pv8pnoN10PhMxbCLQaBiuV8B2nE/w466-h640/sr%20cottage%20mincemeat%20slice.jpeg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><i>"I cannot rest; I must draw, however poor the result, and when I have a bad time come over me, it is a stronger desire than ever. </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #76a5af; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">For quiet, solitary and observant children create their own world and live in it, nourishing their imaginations on the material at hand.”</span></span><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><i>~Beatrix Potter</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, my dear mermaid hearts, </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As of late, I’m working around the clock to keep me and my betrothed out of the Victorian workhouse.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Most recently, I've learned a bit more about myself, and I must confess that as I have stayed sat in one attitude, I am most proud and deserve the word. I realised how much I've grown and progressed in the state of affairs when it pertains to cutting things off at the crosswalk, for as much as many may not like it, I am quite severe on my own sex, and my timing has become matchless.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Women can be quite dodgy (because of deep insecurities and perpetuated jealousy), and whereas I'm not here polishing a halo, I am forthright in my ethics as well as my ability to summon things as I see them. Life is entirely too precious to waste our time, allowing other women to take us apart like clocks. If you feel a pull that someone is gossiping or talking backwards nonsense, let them go, my darlings. Absolutely, let them go about their lives and make haste when performing such matters. There is no need to take vengeful action; allow karma to take its course at its perfect timing; this way, we do not heap like coal reverse karmic debt upon our own heads. I am contemplating making a video for YouTube all about the details of how karmic universal law works. I've yet to see anyone know it as well as I do, much less explain it properly and accurately. And while I am at it, I am planning a video all about forgiveness and how Neville Goddard squares this extremely controversial subject up in such a perfect way that there'll be no need ever to have it explained again. Yet, I most undoubtedly will speak about it because repetition (at nausea) is the best way to assist someone in understanding a subject. Most folks do not change unless one thing occurs, and that is to understand something. People fear what they do not comprehend. It's okay, my darlings; I'll die on the hill, or the sword, or any other accoutrement you'd like to toss my way as sharing my views on the points of life is my forte; no one is better than I rest assured.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, I speak with authority and experience on the matter. I've also exercised (most recently) my psychic abilities in receiving downloads to understand it from a universal (Collective Consciousness) perspective. The knowledge will assist in my helping women feel proud and confident.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="256" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XIqANbRUkT8" width="475" youtube-src-id="XIqANbRUkT8"></iframe></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week, I uploaded several <a href="https://youtu.be/EoGHbGYgGSE?si=Y4CPo50wfoBOMHB5" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">videos</span></a> on ye olde <a href="https://youtu.be/EoGHbGYgGSE?si=uPr1sEDKKLLWp0Ij" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">YouTube in reference</span></a> to which I am speaking. I’m a writer; therefore, my employment is to make notions convincing as well as be as truthful and complete of transparency as i possibly can, whilst also refraining from intimate exposure as i am consciously aware there are some dodgy folks in our realm too.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">My painting and new little storybooks are swimming along nicely, and my folk's little bathroom is taking shape rather superbly, too.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSiffljvpdVTZGcb7ZhP_XDuTZt-X8Sw759-_iNNZ1r9dUXJ1u3zyyhbOv_ChvJ07F5q5f2hdPP6T6CfYujtOLY7rG55QY5DzcqIsXoSD7iGXdmh46WmCPXedTBM8q1I52Q4gmFppTHUAOlQ4M7c4a1YKw08m3UeeApJvizgUNVxB5NLQMcqkrJGk-_I/s640/carter%20bathroom%20renovation.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="352" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSiffljvpdVTZGcb7ZhP_XDuTZt-X8Sw759-_iNNZ1r9dUXJ1u3zyyhbOv_ChvJ07F5q5f2hdPP6T6CfYujtOLY7rG55QY5DzcqIsXoSD7iGXdmh46WmCPXedTBM8q1I52Q4gmFppTHUAOlQ4M7c4a1YKw08m3UeeApJvizgUNVxB5NLQMcqkrJGk-_I/w352-h640/carter%20bathroom%20renovation.jpeg" width="352" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These are the progress images. Much has changed even from now. However, I wanted you to see what ole' Razz has been getting up to as of late. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcga51pZrPUgDhPDDPKSXy7DtnBORUXCsnU1_3OncVxLE-bI1O7OZjIlc3ORJ6DCRquVWj6BUWoh5xKQtmp_pGXHgjAbAXATqMWw3nQ_3vwbyxHMr0jOyKMSAea6Az3an8tG6GIiXlkP7BjPorr1bdx9q-Os36hV9AkoJnQDPdfR8qRb-yNyEV8zsszo/s640/bathroom%20faux%20window.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="490" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcga51pZrPUgDhPDDPKSXy7DtnBORUXCsnU1_3OncVxLE-bI1O7OZjIlc3ORJ6DCRquVWj6BUWoh5xKQtmp_pGXHgjAbAXATqMWw3nQ_3vwbyxHMr0jOyKMSAea6Az3an8tG6GIiXlkP7BjPorr1bdx9q-Os36hV9AkoJnQDPdfR8qRb-yNyEV8zsszo/w490-h640/bathroom%20faux%20window.jpeg" width="490" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This window is framed outside of the original. I am on a budget for my parent's cottage bath; therefore, rather than install a new window, I opted for a frame, and I will place <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Artscape-Light-Effects-Old-English-24-in-W-x-36-in-L-Textured-Old-English-Privacy-Decorative-Window-Film/1000204439?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-dcr-_-ggl-_-LIA_DCR_163_Blinds-Shades-_-1000204439-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_OetBhAtEiwAPTeQZz9TlBarJgLsCbf5AIUBpa3vuPEeWMoC4mu0vvOTs5hYzF8Si-vkBBoCyokQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">stained glass</span></a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Luminara-Flameless-Unscented-Function-Decoration/dp/B0CCXQVBR4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">candles</span></a> that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Luminara-Flameless-Unscented-Function-Decoration/dp/B0CCXQVBR4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">battery-lit</span></a> behind the window. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxeKeryKG_WpsZ11AXnkx9O9Ali2GYJ6WF4l8yKnHh_F1v_QT7I1qwUjV3gZ93DPU3dOYRW6HsrHk0RH5OBI2gU5pqRs0ma7FPNmxCKSAdGQA2xyDb-L3rLn8kLuBEkofS5-9ZxpEtt3jPKOV6qnQ9veky_Phn27G-klhoUan_nz8NZE4V2C7ULaIFY4/s640/shower%20cornace%20bathroom%20reno.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="640" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxeKeryKG_WpsZ11AXnkx9O9Ali2GYJ6WF4l8yKnHh_F1v_QT7I1qwUjV3gZ93DPU3dOYRW6HsrHk0RH5OBI2gU5pqRs0ma7FPNmxCKSAdGQA2xyDb-L3rLn8kLuBEkofS5-9ZxpEtt3jPKOV6qnQ9veky_Phn27G-klhoUan_nz8NZE4V2C7ULaIFY4/w640-h352/shower%20cornace%20bathroom%20reno.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">When I've accomplished a few more of the particulars, i will share images and links in case you are interested in the Victorian sources. For now, though, here are a few progress images. <br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have I told you most recently how much i love writing, painting, farming and slow living? I've found my house of belonging. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I suppose the reason for sharing my appreciation for the excellent life is rather a vital notion to testify of, for we know life can be challenging sometimes. Therefore, it is essential to be grateful and show forth that to the universal spirit, which will give us a return tenfold on our gratitude. I informed Jeffrey Shawn yesterday that’s why I fall into an olde-fashioned, <a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/01/extraordinary-news-i-manifested-one-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">cottage core slow living way of life</span></a>. I find romanticising my life and playing house in a cosy Victorian fairytale cottage such an escape. I am rather fond of isolation, and it indeed has valuable benefits. To be alone is quite normal, an attribute for a Pisces Sun, Cancer moon and Sagittarius rising. However, Pisces also needs change. In fact, we thrive on change. Oftentimes, I've heard folks complain that Pisces are unmanageable because we are onto many different paths seemingly all at once. I want to dispel this myth; we are indeed flowing in opposite directions; however, that makes for a very unpredictable multi, multi-faceted mermaid. She's quite unpredictable as she possesses all of the signs of the zodiac rolled into one. If you have a Pisces in your life, know full well we are magnificent beings. We have too long received opinions about ourselves that i consider backwards nonsense. Well, note that those olde beliefs went out with the babies' bathwater long ago. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I must confess, having a life that is slow living and focused on a timey life comes very naturally to me. Jeffrey Shawn said once that i honestly had to have been born in another time, reincarnated many times. I agree with him. I've always known that about myself. <a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/07/the-mermaid-and-gardener-introduction.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">In my previous marriage</span></a>, i would most often have a difficult go of things because my deepest innate desire (even from childhood) was to live on a little farm with chickens, bunnies, and sheep, walk, garden, write novels, self-help and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Sawyer-Lamb-Raquel-Carter/dp/B0C6P8FQ2W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">children’s storybooks</span></a>, living a lifestyle like Tasha Tudor, painting and writing, modelling the tone of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tale-MerryMaid-Scarlette-Rose/dp/1717239773" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Beatrix Potter</span></a>. I am living that little dream. For many years, I was told by others not to “big myself up” about achieving and manifesting my demonstrated goals, and I now find that quite displeasing. Let us share with others the knowledge that they, too, can also achieve their dreams as well. If we remain quiet all our lives, we will not be an example to other beautiful women that dreams do indeed come to fruition.</span></div><div><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><br /><i>"We cannot stay home all our lives; we must present ourselves to the world, and we must look upon it as an adventure.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit world of childhood?"~Beatrix Potter</span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have closed down (for the interim) my Patreon; however, I have placed all of those videos onto my YouTube channel for you to enjoy for free. Here is the link. I would ask that if you feel any resonance with my content either here on ye olde blog or my YouTube channel, would you please subscribe? Subscribe to my email list and or subscribe to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MermaidJunkieTV" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">YouTube channel</span></a>. It is free, and you can unsubscribe any time you like.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til' my next swim, Razz</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-13186998559308438962024-01-10T18:37:00.000-08:002024-01-20T13:36:25.511-08:00How To Sew A Tasha Tudor Apron, And How To Wear A Tasha Tudor Scarf<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJscMpboQZm23CoGteVDDJAZD0Mf_XPZwDTOJc2Ih9OPLDU5yTA6OlUwP0-ZPi7W1DEZQa67DATj_rW38w7MNLcKIN4K3MlEWAs0EWRh8hQ__CDuWs1bEKo-hJQhqaX6uJAoi9-oDjH7VjmQBLJ4-KBMpScSmivfR3wkPTo75xA4Ze-d3VYLnVM6_ZHM/s280/raquel%20in%20tasha%20tudor%20outfit.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJscMpboQZm23CoGteVDDJAZD0Mf_XPZwDTOJc2Ih9OPLDU5yTA6OlUwP0-ZPi7W1DEZQa67DATj_rW38w7MNLcKIN4K3MlEWAs0EWRh8hQ__CDuWs1bEKo-hJQhqaX6uJAoi9-oDjH7VjmQBLJ4-KBMpScSmivfR3wkPTo75xA4Ze-d3VYLnVM6_ZHM/w400-h300/raquel%20in%20tasha%20tudor%20outfit.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, my dear mermaid hearts, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am working on a video for making a Tasha Tudor apron and a bonnet (which I wear daily around my farm). I know Tasha wore a scarf, so I'll show you exactly how to create a darling updo, just like Tasha. I'll also have several of the scarfs with the exact prints she donned (the same company Tasha bought from), which was her signature look. I will have a selected few available for purchase; therefore, look boldly to that, my darlings.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgRWB773rj1vPUHrLNEE2ZVo5rON6VbQpWic2H8mzeSG8IPRy8AhQ5cHilzRd17wB1Y-Br5DQZzj65h4vPARI5mzLSucvdOdrVN20HVm-zem7I665HqeJQg4nmOPrgOH2JQLTHY8nX1KkAaKLb-1CTXgsBYV-G1vOYg9d8c3MBpgKszZoTjWRz7lHIyI/s640/raquel%20with%20book%20on%20blanket.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="636" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgRWB773rj1vPUHrLNEE2ZVo5rON6VbQpWic2H8mzeSG8IPRy8AhQ5cHilzRd17wB1Y-Br5DQZzj65h4vPARI5mzLSucvdOdrVN20HVm-zem7I665HqeJQg4nmOPrgOH2JQLTHY8nX1KkAaKLb-1CTXgsBYV-G1vOYg9d8c3MBpgKszZoTjWRz7lHIyI/w398-h400/raquel%20with%20book%20on%20blanket.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I will also be diving deep into one's voyage of how to have the self-confidence to embody the life Tasha (and myself) dress and live. A little hint: it's not merely putting on the clothes for a day of cosplay photos for Instagram. It is an absolute mindset that requires many things to become the woman you wish to be; nonetheless, don't fret, my darlings; I am here to guide you on your pilgrimage. The great focus I will concentrate on is embarking on the style of Tasha's (and my) clothing and wearing them daily. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkbk-cY7N-06t5LxsTMUfxs-p__J3y4L7Mu0wmopDl3Fq0GUbANsV3ZSIeDDkweg_ADyM-RjpQQeKgdnXhbys6XP7v2PMKySteGRyQIVOUT-kkZTcDcpS2RzO7aOtjdCW9gqkkOtK9yZMi76MD2DEbBwh4YBvuy0DBDwiVFR_dMK-nYFPoTR1dXkN3po/s640/raquel%20in%20tasha%20tudor%20scarf.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkbk-cY7N-06t5LxsTMUfxs-p__J3y4L7Mu0wmopDl3Fq0GUbANsV3ZSIeDDkweg_ADyM-RjpQQeKgdnXhbys6XP7v2PMKySteGRyQIVOUT-kkZTcDcpS2RzO7aOtjdCW9gqkkOtK9yZMi76MD2DEbBwh4YBvuy0DBDwiVFR_dMK-nYFPoTR1dXkN3po/w400-h400/raquel%20in%20tasha%20tudor%20scarf.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkBKLNm14_6dAO2HwX3aBocdoqqVNeo51r6CAikrv_Pny7bYqLuJl5A-tZhDBpUQo98pvN2ZKOk5XrbAu9YavnNWPTJl03nBUbNIlbnIaQju9fmYbWx7Kw4Lh4HX05-UF1-6ci1fbL5VXW4HRGEmwpFJtug8sBNtNeL5li_JsiOP5xHht3Mfgae7yyDw/s640/bonnets%20hanging%20on%20hooks.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="602" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkBKLNm14_6dAO2HwX3aBocdoqqVNeo51r6CAikrv_Pny7bYqLuJl5A-tZhDBpUQo98pvN2ZKOk5XrbAu9YavnNWPTJl03nBUbNIlbnIaQju9fmYbWx7Kw4Lh4HX05-UF1-6ci1fbL5VXW4HRGEmwpFJtug8sBNtNeL5li_JsiOP5xHht3Mfgae7yyDw/w376-h400/bonnets%20hanging%20on%20hooks.jpeg" width="376" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's a place where women feel </span>safe sharing and building relationships with one another whilst also having like-minded ambitions. I am incredibly proud of our Stillwater- A Petticoat Society because you don't have to be any religion, and there is a placidness for feeling we are all in this thing called life together, for we are friends. Thank you for supporting my work. I am very appreciative. I love you each very, very much!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0WX_7qtT1l6u29B9JyCKKu00EPVdb4SRoKJrPSDbQycSC5jlPfsn8jYZamVsy-HAGs25Uta6lOs_RCNgSVW7eodgoDutYLcS8zp6j06Iu89api7KoUXW1gBAnKM5zcCn7lQZH9YPXRjysFp5nE5jpv8EGG_SA7WE1gaa0QqYrxF1i3zkSOhiyGxKO8w/s1280/the%20tale%20of%20merrymaid%20scarlette%20rose%20book.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0WX_7qtT1l6u29B9JyCKKu00EPVdb4SRoKJrPSDbQycSC5jlPfsn8jYZamVsy-HAGs25Uta6lOs_RCNgSVW7eodgoDutYLcS8zp6j06Iu89api7KoUXW1gBAnKM5zcCn7lQZH9YPXRjysFp5nE5jpv8EGG_SA7WE1gaa0QqYrxF1i3zkSOhiyGxKO8w/s320/the%20tale%20of%20merrymaid%20scarlette%20rose%20book.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Be sure to collect my books on Amazon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tale-MerryMaid-Scarlette-Rose/dp/1717239773" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The Tale of Merrymaid Scarlette Rose</span></a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "IM Fell Double Pica SC";"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "IM Fell Double Pica SC";"><i>A mischievous and disobedient young Mermaid, Scarlette Rose, is chased about the water garden of the antagonist, Sir Mr Barbaric. Finally, she escapes and returns home to her mother, who puts her to bed after dosing her with tea. It is a tale that encourages following one's heart, seeking joy and trust in ourselves. Hence, if we believe in our power, we will always find our way home {true north}. It is also a tale of sowing and reaping and is derivative of The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.</i></span></div></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dgjSUKtUzel8ReC3UcDNkGaovyEFti5pXbQRKuKnMNyW9pS2kwHGFewmivfRW2kA50yo8S_Uz7Fxaozg-nqqclIBk1TeU7VvwNul7bm9FL-u5jNr6wpB_nKAp6YBmkjcJI7tLfeB5aVf8OvUR5usu1Uj-TcEK_GIAw9XhNQBfVhTDy8984HISaB1Sq0/s640/the%20tale%20of%20sawyer%20lamb%20open%20book.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dgjSUKtUzel8ReC3UcDNkGaovyEFti5pXbQRKuKnMNyW9pS2kwHGFewmivfRW2kA50yo8S_Uz7Fxaozg-nqqclIBk1TeU7VvwNul7bm9FL-u5jNr6wpB_nKAp6YBmkjcJI7tLfeB5aVf8OvUR5usu1Uj-TcEK_GIAw9XhNQBfVhTDy8984HISaB1Sq0/w301-h400/the%20tale%20of%20sawyer%20lamb%20open%20book.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Sawyer-Lamb-Raquel-Carter/dp/B0C6P8FQ2W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The Tale of Sawyer Lamb</span></a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sawyer and Johnny Lamb are sent away on a spirited adventure where they become lost on the way to town. The butcher takes Sawyer Lamb in, who has already stolen another lamb (Briar Rose), and the butcher's intentions are less altruistic than the lambs expect, and things go off course.</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a lovely day, my friends.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most affably yours til' my next swim, Razz</span></span></div></span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-91077886227541563602024-01-06T09:43:00.000-08:002024-01-06T10:02:57.211-08:00Ewe Have My Heart<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoUE7pVHJ60DQaAtZKDBaQUckJuP2a_avYxheY_CA4uehu9BdBQeCTC1RVWhenj7LDm3c6LU9Obt_5SrUE3R7qZdfoZH-dHiOouNaIG9Yaz5e-k9FthiJ3yGI2RRLPoHbKFeVLr33k6XmxfnsIj1O80f71JW3App_y2-Nu0JEc8Xad0nK9gQhCG7ndDE/s640/swans%20with%20manor%20house%20in%20england.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoUE7pVHJ60DQaAtZKDBaQUckJuP2a_avYxheY_CA4uehu9BdBQeCTC1RVWhenj7LDm3c6LU9Obt_5SrUE3R7qZdfoZH-dHiOouNaIG9Yaz5e-k9FthiJ3yGI2RRLPoHbKFeVLr33k6XmxfnsIj1O80f71JW3App_y2-Nu0JEc8Xad0nK9gQhCG7ndDE/w400-h320/swans%20with%20manor%20house%20in%20england.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good day dear mermaid hearts, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I spoke often and jotted down the desire to have a little flock outside my cottage garden window, and now we're in the process of its manifestation. Wait, I've already shared that news, haven't I?</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju48WbKx1NgycnoADn_P4GyDLgColqJvcTW9OXywMK8rl0GaQapTLzEIZxjWUb3PdrEmUENnB4vQg8W7gHgMjbhn4eFreA5ZiIz7EkgLPjL9OnSISBN8MdgxBKsps7l7dUoAV2P_atjRsP0JWouFJKg_rcOYrxlqdBD0kgEfnT3HrI2ctD4s1EcOraRlA/s960/Florida%20Cracker%20sheep.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju48WbKx1NgycnoADn_P4GyDLgColqJvcTW9OXywMK8rl0GaQapTLzEIZxjWUb3PdrEmUENnB4vQg8W7gHgMjbhn4eFreA5ZiIz7EkgLPjL9OnSISBN8MdgxBKsps7l7dUoAV2P_atjRsP0JWouFJKg_rcOYrxlqdBD0kgEfnT3HrI2ctD4s1EcOraRlA/s320/Florida%20Cracker%20sheep.jpeg" width="319" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's another charming picture of a flock of sheep. Do you like how I have everything in a sepia tone? If one adores the olde, timey ways, of course, you change the filter to a sepia or black and white. Actually, that is my brilliant idea to have all of your coloured photos switched into black and white or sepia and then hang them back up. I've been doing this for a little over 30 plus years. (Remember when we’d have to send away our film to have it developed and then have a drug store change the colour for you? Yes, that long ago, my fruits.) Since my early childhood and throughout my life, I've always been ahead of my time with most things; such as I've been saying there will come a time when olde timey clothes will come back into fashion (hence the cottage core phenomenon), women will begin homeschooling their children and learning homesteading skills, styling a home a particular way etc.) It always makes things look like the Victorian era in your little abode, and we all know I am a sucker for the Victorian-era English cottage charm. If it sounds posh and arrogant that I stake claims that I'm ahead of my time, I am no longer in the business of dimming my light to make others comfortable. That there ole’ gal died a long time ago. I've spent too many years of my life making allowances simply for others to disrespect me brazenly, and that is no longer a tolerable favour.</span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKsMP0SlWhrkXvcbbmEi3Pm2RXYdzfwqWmv9aVrKxsZ1SChu4MSLgyOk2PF8YmBMLdQsWe31ksEcMDXg3NbVAmsRwwVl-F2q2s4I6YHrGvGF6DL9XClROCQ5ejsdtFYAxfqcTQc1vvu9USAUK2MIQyBAeFXnEdQtJ0wjTsV_huwtKd8ssXzqsvzZY_pc/s640/Raquel%20holding%20the%20tale%20of%20scarlette%20rose%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKsMP0SlWhrkXvcbbmEi3Pm2RXYdzfwqWmv9aVrKxsZ1SChu4MSLgyOk2PF8YmBMLdQsWe31ksEcMDXg3NbVAmsRwwVl-F2q2s4I6YHrGvGF6DL9XClROCQ5ejsdtFYAxfqcTQc1vvu9USAUK2MIQyBAeFXnEdQtJ0wjTsV_huwtKd8ssXzqsvzZY_pc/w400-h301/Raquel%20holding%20the%20tale%20of%20scarlette%20rose%20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay, my dear mermaid hearts, where was I?</span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am one for endlessly getting sidetracked.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh yes, I was banging on about manifestation and how we dim</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">our dreams. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Often, The truth is we will place barriers for ourselves, immediately creating resistance where there needs to be none. How often than not have you indeed sent off an inner desire, throwing caution to the wind but then directly back peddling your passions with abandonment because the dream isn't practical? I speak of this because I know how notorious I was for doing this to myself as if I wasn't worthy of having what I wanted. Bestowed upon us as women is a learned behaviour that we aren't worthy of having what we want. Perhaps a blessing each of us could clutch onto is the remembrance of our most authentic passions. It's rather enlightening to uncover that often what a woman calls the search for belonging isn't what she thought at all; it arises to be her repressed desires she loved as a young person that imprinted on her heart, made her feel alive, joyful and an undeniable bliss for life. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">An artist and a writer takes time to conquer. There's an art in waiting, and as of yet, I've not had the pleasure of mastering it, but I am getting there. Patience requires time and knowledge, which makes perfect sense; look at a gardener understanding the cycles of seasons. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEH0ZRH-8RjZ8ooh-7E9GfE2a7oAhQxdi03U5D758uY-90P2-_-AcdjCRzE79bAQUtqOkpmxE80nhj_ty6M-wfk21M-2C7JLDeJ6IcudHbAk9R49NJWW3mjJzbQ2cCR_BcSeCBGYYOXMwW7dFXk46fTWyFL_fmId5AZgDudNR5sxgAoC_WXgGyo2abNgM/s1284/Raquel%20black%20and%20white%20mermaid%20tail.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1284" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEH0ZRH-8RjZ8ooh-7E9GfE2a7oAhQxdi03U5D758uY-90P2-_-AcdjCRzE79bAQUtqOkpmxE80nhj_ty6M-wfk21M-2C7JLDeJ6IcudHbAk9R49NJWW3mjJzbQ2cCR_BcSeCBGYYOXMwW7dFXk46fTWyFL_fmId5AZgDudNR5sxgAoC_WXgGyo2abNgM/w400-h368/Raquel%20black%20and%20white%20mermaid%20tail.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYCWAic3KvkopFTCCUZt21tG_5AZrqcujR8eqC0UuUWciVCUoggEj7BYaY4B77SIvu1RO_4FI0YwdzAbBonrWdrUo0FqIl0ncCQF5HWnAIIrNlk_kBtI2us8J0xkDFQCeZ4a1wLVXOFuh9CQ-w9sKKz-0w3fzF_qmMHf-kUPbnA4mGLH2IPiEEHCkap8/s1284/Raquel%20mermaid%20black%20and%20white.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1284" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYCWAic3KvkopFTCCUZt21tG_5AZrqcujR8eqC0UuUWciVCUoggEj7BYaY4B77SIvu1RO_4FI0YwdzAbBonrWdrUo0FqIl0ncCQF5HWnAIIrNlk_kBtI2us8J0xkDFQCeZ4a1wLVXOFuh9CQ-w9sKKz-0w3fzF_qmMHf-kUPbnA4mGLH2IPiEEHCkap8/w400-h386/Raquel%20mermaid%20black%20and%20white.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">"He'd talk, and I'd lose sight of the truth." ~ Elizabeth, Deceit and Dissension </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmpNLe9UFA6dFt9f95U5qpiWXZ8pH9lX-5y-c-5NR4-LWR_tcZZgTt-XUYsBeQnDDUFXxgIr9ubi2fHukJYOSFdHZ4zXcAOePdaR7CSEJKgVyIqT_rVdJgIlEjg6Y0S1C6oImLIeQNYZcMBzBL3vbBZpeRveDD8COLw8gsnGy9hWR69B8xs0SxUCBgjc/s1512/male%20charcater%20in%20Deceit%20and%20Dissension.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1248" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmpNLe9UFA6dFt9f95U5qpiWXZ8pH9lX-5y-c-5NR4-LWR_tcZZgTt-XUYsBeQnDDUFXxgIr9ubi2fHukJYOSFdHZ4zXcAOePdaR7CSEJKgVyIqT_rVdJgIlEjg6Y0S1C6oImLIeQNYZcMBzBL3vbBZpeRveDD8COLw8gsnGy9hWR69B8xs0SxUCBgjc/w330-h400/male%20charcater%20in%20Deceit%20and%20Dissension.jpeg" width="330" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've got a million and one matters on the ole' boiler at the moment, one being I am deep into research and plot for my 19th-century British romantic novel Deceit and Dissension. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can right jolly bet I am loving every aspect of it. This book is pure perfection. I use my imagination and think of what actors and actresses I'd like to play my characters if the book became a film. It's indeed perfect enough. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have also been doing a bit of gardening. I cooked several fresh garden greens, turnips, and collards for the new year. I also have some onions too. The rabbits loved the greens; they devoured them straight away. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5FBfKJoTEz3oBdhMqJ-A8ijD_PU7qySxBaxzhmJM_U8QAi3Fl8cq7PSgw44rSBO_eBngQ1IoEvbz9BMNLlAzUOSzmFkjM-v2xhyDNIUtoh1rMTcWmWmhHz3VDfXdujdkxzoiNAvgya79FwGmu4_oLu80uTZcYM0RLjErN0wBoIidxPHVozTJAAARZvY/s640/cleaning%20turnips.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5FBfKJoTEz3oBdhMqJ-A8ijD_PU7qySxBaxzhmJM_U8QAi3Fl8cq7PSgw44rSBO_eBngQ1IoEvbz9BMNLlAzUOSzmFkjM-v2xhyDNIUtoh1rMTcWmWmhHz3VDfXdujdkxzoiNAvgya79FwGmu4_oLu80uTZcYM0RLjErN0wBoIidxPHVozTJAAARZvY/w400-h301/cleaning%20turnips.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgX7Ivi_BXmEJ8KMD3pDOSu-xViOPJCdrizXDCZ_DgOGpBQFxkeaV6kzbNF0BN2HZaX6tOUd40veT1-Utb9tNIsKMApbHrlXJB8OKqdFuuf93vXgJoj5GYRLrZ96w0yKmf7QEa-lJe6v-wQlZpsTjXrIK9Ystu1-sjO2pnUhh_7ebd_QPp8qBMqmMHp0/s640/raquel%20in%20the%20garden%20picking%20greens.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="574" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgX7Ivi_BXmEJ8KMD3pDOSu-xViOPJCdrizXDCZ_DgOGpBQFxkeaV6kzbNF0BN2HZaX6tOUd40veT1-Utb9tNIsKMApbHrlXJB8OKqdFuuf93vXgJoj5GYRLrZ96w0yKmf7QEa-lJe6v-wQlZpsTjXrIK9Ystu1-sjO2pnUhh_7ebd_QPp8qBMqmMHp0/w359-h400/raquel%20in%20the%20garden%20picking%20greens.jpeg" width="359" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjspHHVgLC2wc8mMnP6fCMuWBzzuIX08GQvxHwgt3xUxszd2ee196CqEcjkLpN9_-xZys8Lt5QNNwT2qR4C1HSyKz8Jlc2rNCvobTDvCva0IpJM_iLqmIt_UVsQfk9Y6U4DRbepbPY6OWyo8lC9rZwuAPWi-kEls_pSHX6m1heD4y-IS_SeJIUK3ETnk/s640/raquel%20gardening%20with%20annie%20turnip%20greens.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjspHHVgLC2wc8mMnP6fCMuWBzzuIX08GQvxHwgt3xUxszd2ee196CqEcjkLpN9_-xZys8Lt5QNNwT2qR4C1HSyKz8Jlc2rNCvobTDvCva0IpJM_iLqmIt_UVsQfk9Y6U4DRbepbPY6OWyo8lC9rZwuAPWi-kEls_pSHX6m1heD4y-IS_SeJIUK3ETnk/w300-h400/raquel%20gardening%20with%20annie%20turnip%20greens.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've also been doing a bit of organising and proper cleaning of the cottage. I am making more plans than ever. You know me, I've got a million ideas and want to accomplish them all. What fun to have exciting little projects. One project is I took up all the bricks in front of the cottage doors, and I will bring in flagstone and a fun little Irish moss-type ground covering to grow between the stones. I've also become aware by little chitchatting birds that I may have to go with another clever notion. I've read up on Irish Moss in Florida (zone 9), and it struggles to survive. We shall see, though; perhaps I manifest it thrives where I plant it. Nothing is beyond me manifesting. I'll tell you that, my friend. There's an illustration I painted for you of the path. Unfortunately, I don't have a picturesque real-time image (to show you) yet, but we shall get there, my darlings. All things in due time. Though the painting is quite charming, don't you think?</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xxx-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukJFlilqZM2ayUbVEHkX8RCEoNMrYi6kVg8Iqg6EZDe_wmV38m3zdAYfd-gz4xgMyiC9k25nHA2d-ZI63V9JF-PdVYIzRla0FAg1km6Jx4SFYGxwM9rsE0RbteBq3Ei7q7BFZ2Uo_OD2KgN-d7h6iiDM7TRhKwojbwDvPe86l28sxy2H1Rhr3mPY5nek/s640/scarlette%20rose%20cottage%20painting.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukJFlilqZM2ayUbVEHkX8RCEoNMrYi6kVg8Iqg6EZDe_wmV38m3zdAYfd-gz4xgMyiC9k25nHA2d-ZI63V9JF-PdVYIzRla0FAg1km6Jx4SFYGxwM9rsE0RbteBq3Ei7q7BFZ2Uo_OD2KgN-d7h6iiDM7TRhKwojbwDvPe86l28sxy2H1Rhr3mPY5nek/w301-h400/scarlette%20rose%20cottage%20painting.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The tea cups and teapots are officially on their way from England (Staffordshire). Thank goodness, perhaps they'll be here in time for our first 2024 small gathering of The Petticoat Society (aka The Carter Settlement). I'll explain that bit of news in the next post. Please sign up on my email pop-up list, and you'll get notifications. I rarely (and I mean rarely, if ever send email newsletters, or you can constantly check here on the blog) about announcements of when and where I will be and what events I'm at. I'm more than happy to post about particular events here on ye olde blog, so check back occasionally to see what sort of mischief I've got up to, if you, please. Teehee.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a wonderful weekend and toddle-pip! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til my next swim, Razz</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-83500772354011902302023-12-11T10:58:00.000-08:002023-12-11T11:05:22.554-08:00A Snippet Of My Christmas Mermaid (Scarlette Rose) Cottage Tour, And A Scant Of Housekeeping Announcements<div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDxtS0iEYKeDc4xLa6UusBR0y82eeq7QjUbZr8QWe3ELA1qlv2ckkkZEMMdyEw1Gd8C8ieohX6OsMvyS3fHosmJTU6qZkYhbdU7rQV-ASRrtWCCpgPpUclhPW7Etjf7shg3ymYClQUqfVXQb4b4QMXLhHeV-ewFiGKeuAkzYIc-aL5rbojvudtS0qfhw/s640/scarlette%20Rose%20Cottage%20at%20Christmas.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDxtS0iEYKeDc4xLa6UusBR0y82eeq7QjUbZr8QWe3ELA1qlv2ckkkZEMMdyEw1Gd8C8ieohX6OsMvyS3fHosmJTU6qZkYhbdU7rQV-ASRrtWCCpgPpUclhPW7Etjf7shg3ymYClQUqfVXQb4b4QMXLhHeV-ewFiGKeuAkzYIc-aL5rbojvudtS0qfhw/w301-h400/scarlette%20Rose%20Cottage%20at%20Christmas.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, dear mermaid hearts, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you are privy to the state of affairs, my mind is in; I have been copying down quotes and one-liners from Lark Rise to Candleford into my diary for over a year now. Among other beautiful, enriching British programmes, however, this is my current mainstay. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This attention to detail is what a writer does to get the most promising dialogues for her books. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am writing and creating new notions (of which you will rather fancy); I do recommend this fetching bit in the meantime. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="284" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rbt2U9BrhXU" width="456" youtube-src-id="Rbt2U9BrhXU"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I posted a snippet of the cottage beings I had all the lanterns freshly filled and tidied up the chimneys. Enjoy! Again, a little reminder: If you'd like daily enlightening thoughts and quotes along your way to inspire and uplift, you might consider following me on ye olde <a href="<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rbt2U9BrhXU?si=4auglBfR6XuaN62C" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Instagram</span></a>; I send out several a day. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Also, I've got some delightful plans for the new year for "The Petticoat Society" (aka The Carter Settlement); therefore, look forward to all that planning as well! Stay tuned, my dear hearts.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til my next swim, Lady R </span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-8736770033997145022023-11-28T12:21:00.000-08:002023-11-28T12:33:32.807-08:00A Charming Olde Brooksville Village, My First Cowslip Christmas Fair & The Carter Settlement Has Sheep<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqWMdtTh61bdZ1CeX3ljt4BWUZorDe2OnKfIQsmC3In2pxZotImt59LRUE5iJDw1rqc-ILMslO2ul0G71iWcf0p5lyXTJy8Rjw0EHerK2-Z6klDUG7s5jls_FjwJRGPPEycYzp2o8osfrc7dKHni8n1KFIr4oPwAjcTc2i-B-phH3x0F6NDR8gq5hcao/s1692/Merry%20Christmas%20sign%20Blist%20Victorian%20Town.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="1284" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqWMdtTh61bdZ1CeX3ljt4BWUZorDe2OnKfIQsmC3In2pxZotImt59LRUE5iJDw1rqc-ILMslO2ul0G71iWcf0p5lyXTJy8Rjw0EHerK2-Z6klDUG7s5jls_FjwJRGPPEycYzp2o8osfrc7dKHni8n1KFIr4oPwAjcTc2i-B-phH3x0F6NDR8gq5hcao/w304-h400/Merry%20Christmas%20sign%20Blist%20Victorian%20Town.jpeg" width="304" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, my dear mermaid hearts,</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">In my </span><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/10/ive-been-crying-entirely-too-much.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">last blog post</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">, I seemed to create a few alarm bells with the title when I said I had been crying a lot and had a breakthrough; therefore, I wanted to clarify as I had a few folks reach out to encourage me. I must confess, my dears, that it wasn't what it sounded like. I suppose anyone who knows anything about growth and the many levels of rising up in expansion through the great creator (universe, consciousness) knows that life consistently places us in circumstances to build our inner strength. Therefore, having changed my beliefs several years ago, I've never felt even a slight bit of depression or gloom; although I am a human being, I do cry and release those stress hormones through my tears. Also, let's remember I am currently going through menopause.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">However, I'm not too fond of labelling myself as menopausal because I don't believe in placing limiting beliefs and self-inflicted excuses on myself. We, as women, already have it hard enough without adding nonsense onto our lives to give validation for our dilemmas. I am not a fatalist, wah wah...</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I have been terribly busy with many things on the horizon. I am also not the kind of person to write aimlessly without inspired action being prevalent. Unfortunately for my public persona, the notions I am working on are not instant gratification for everyone to see. And for those of you who know me, I am not one to allocate for purely remaining in the public by posting nonsense on stilts just for the sake of it. I actually appreciate and prefer a bit of mystery. Don't you? Regarding your favourite folks on social media, in public or those you admire, would you rather think, "Where's Raquel?" or, </span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">there's Raquel, again</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">!" (insert, playing a tiny violin. teehee)</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay, my darlings. I must confess I haven't been on ye olde blog, and there's a delightful reason for it. I am busy! In fact, last month, my blog went viral, with over 40,000 sweet, dear folks reading it. If you didn't know it, that's quite a bit of folks, especially since some bloggers have been writing for over a decade, and the height of their blogging is about 70,000 a month. I managed to manifest those numbers on ye olde blog; hence, I feel quite happy. Therefore, thank you for supporting me here and showing up to read my work.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Writing about my life in this little square of the universe is a great manifestation. Although many people have given up on blogging, I am onto something, my dear mermaid hearts. I have seen visions of where blogging makes a comeback.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay, onto some "good things", as the 1980s Martha Stewart would say.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We will soon have sheep! Yes, actual real sheep like in my storybooks, but sheep you can actually pet. Meet Sawyer and Johnny Lamb. The two babies in the picture below are mine. They aren't officially home at the farm as of yet because Sawyer lamb has to be castrated, and they have to be weaned from their mummy. Beyond measure, I'm tickled!</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtzrfLXqa5Xw6cX2SOFcJSGKT_ZgPE6uzYAWxwyUleHXYgWBBqkT7-qoOtxgGjj4l6GXESuZLotjD0OB1mvY-UOEcFRBdJgSBXPavUq8VMUmInPsZU7xVUiVcnbdK9SW6-UmrUXZUfLacF44vhhEROM6sSBxomAi7oXCGmxQwGoXPbXdnhzOBonQhe8g/s640/real%20sheep%20sawyer%20lamb%20and%20johnny.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtzrfLXqa5Xw6cX2SOFcJSGKT_ZgPE6uzYAWxwyUleHXYgWBBqkT7-qoOtxgGjj4l6GXESuZLotjD0OB1mvY-UOEcFRBdJgSBXPavUq8VMUmInPsZU7xVUiVcnbdK9SW6-UmrUXZUfLacF44vhhEROM6sSBxomAi7oXCGmxQwGoXPbXdnhzOBonQhe8g/w400-h400/real%20sheep%20sawyer%20lamb%20and%20johnny.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></span></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Tale of the Christmas Bunnies is near completion, and if that weren't enough, I'm feverishly working on Heritage Days. If you enjoy Victorian-old-timey things, such as my books, cottage industry homemade items, etc., I'll be at the Stable Faith Heritage and Festival Fair on December 2nd, 2023. It's from 10- 2 pm. So if you're around our little village towne, nip in and say hello; I'd love to see you. I'll be signing and selling my books and charming homesteading notions. </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsdIe0k6IS_A3Vr1ecsV_83nQYWJ_j7ronOb3Fd95sRt6qszFvIiE4ltVQV8JqZ6kSmxcQ7w9lT5KeAihLjwfNM9F2683DuHFpJN6zVb_Yu12qPFFECexTNjU6g9Wzigy0AC6J3z-cEF9-3aa_-cyXkDYSAr-ojtIaukyQZTEwrt4I4qt1ly2vZYt1IE/s640/cowboy%20church.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="452" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsdIe0k6IS_A3Vr1ecsV_83nQYWJ_j7ronOb3Fd95sRt6qszFvIiE4ltVQV8JqZ6kSmxcQ7w9lT5KeAihLjwfNM9F2683DuHFpJN6zVb_Yu12qPFFECexTNjU6g9Wzigy0AC6J3z-cEF9-3aa_-cyXkDYSAr-ojtIaukyQZTEwrt4I4qt1ly2vZYt1IE/w453-h640/cowboy%20church.png" width="453" /></a></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you are having lovely holiday preparations and life brings you joy.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Again, If you're around on December 2nd, I'll be at Heritage Days. Come by and see me at my booth, The Carter Settlement. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a lovely week, my dear friends, and thank you so much for reading.<br /></span></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til' my next swim, Lady R</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">{My sweet little blog is a hand-rolled, algorithm-free, entirely reader-supported publication; therefore, If you'd like to support my work, please purchase </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07JFM8M9N" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">my books</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">, order a commissioned </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RaquelMargaretCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">bespoke painting, or shop my Etsy mercantile</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">.}Cuddles, darlings!</span></span></span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-58697295242038259562023-10-13T09:38:00.010-07:002023-10-13T09:56:09.683-07:00I've Been Crying Entirely Too Much Lately; Therefore, I Am Scaling Back And A Wee Bit Of Tasha Tudor Inspiration<div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUTG3hJcw8rIEJyD5zpkkQm0N4FYtH49LcWP1xa-u7bRZDY4-DlIg-OgtTdEg7fhw0iBOqTBE4qVU7kjIece6jxKbacTpp_J6LXtOslwOBCazcX3EPZS8BBgFSt7UI7qPKE_49BDOGTXJyu66N8IEzqX4leAf5Mzgi3nzb2nlTiJ6oZonZr5pvKPdCJ4/s640/tasha%20tudor%20in%20victoria%20magazine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="608" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUTG3hJcw8rIEJyD5zpkkQm0N4FYtH49LcWP1xa-u7bRZDY4-DlIg-OgtTdEg7fhw0iBOqTBE4qVU7kjIece6jxKbacTpp_J6LXtOslwOBCazcX3EPZS8BBgFSt7UI7qPKE_49BDOGTXJyu66N8IEzqX4leAf5Mzgi3nzb2nlTiJ6oZonZr5pvKPdCJ4/w380-h400/tasha%20tudor%20in%20victoria%20magazine.jpeg" width="380" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning, my dear mermaid hearts, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The title is very woe is me, I am aware. (wink wink). Last week, I was struggling, and that, my darlings, is why I didn't put out much content. Don't worry, I'm all fine now, but I needed a bit to process what was happening. I had another spiritual breakthrough, for which I am so grateful. To be appreciative of our woes is something we should learn to embrace, for if we're trusting the beautiful process, we know we are to learn something of significance. It takes great courage to acknowledge that when particulars go awry, we are fully capable of looking within and sitting with ourselves to see what the meaning of our experience is and what Mother Nature is teaching. My darlings, once upon a time, I felt entirely embarrassed sharing my frailties, and these days, I am more my true self, and I want to remain that way with you: open, vulnerable and transparent. I know I am not alone in that notion. For many folks, the stashing of emotions is quite common. When we learn to embrace our whole selves, this is what unites us in togetherness. There is a productive way of sharing that sends off signals to other women, thus encouraging self-healing among one another. Here is a lovely little quote from the Tasha Tudor book The Private World of Tasha Tudor.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">"People have rose-coloured lenses when they look at me. They don't realise I'm human. They don't see the real me. As Mark Twain said, we are like the moon; we all have our dark side that we never show anybody." ~Tasha Tudor</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvwyvPuc1fmGATPUTC1rcssFzkPTLvf7fVkvcjUmuZ_0d7T9mRJIUI5ci70mEDqX7XCTib2DI8Unr2o-y-Pp0So6JDdDvyV1NR30C7bgO8nuPdCmuu9gzPzcwApmVEojkdd6s0s9T7dum1CHuxweTE-lSxqALaZZQInlSiFkzp9QtfibTiznEISzPXFk/s400/tasha%20tudor%20under%20the%20moon%20with%20pumpkin.jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvwyvPuc1fmGATPUTC1rcssFzkPTLvf7fVkvcjUmuZ_0d7T9mRJIUI5ci70mEDqX7XCTib2DI8Unr2o-y-Pp0So6JDdDvyV1NR30C7bgO8nuPdCmuu9gzPzcwApmVEojkdd6s0s9T7dum1CHuxweTE-lSxqALaZZQInlSiFkzp9QtfibTiznEISzPXFk/w320-h320/tasha%20tudor%20under%20the%20moon%20with%20pumpkin.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JKoiaDwJ43OlyuBhYAQqozCy1V8tBfXLW6Z9vhL_yW86F4oPlPER5STPA03GmMrae7qjEdy70-ZpSHg3BGCrsIqDOYOH0uC2FHm760nCq957fHH4ZOqdjUe2EbhTixhP2pbgBxNpNbYMqg9dAuMY2wAbjQaZMDridLTsWOJIzaRi3eHpABQI8_tf67Q/s400/Raquel%20with%20pumpkin.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JKoiaDwJ43OlyuBhYAQqozCy1V8tBfXLW6Z9vhL_yW86F4oPlPER5STPA03GmMrae7qjEdy70-ZpSHg3BGCrsIqDOYOH0uC2FHm760nCq957fHH4ZOqdjUe2EbhTixhP2pbgBxNpNbYMqg9dAuMY2wAbjQaZMDridLTsWOJIzaRi3eHpABQI8_tf67Q/s16000/Raquel%20with%20pumpkin.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love to emulate my muses and idols in reenactment photographs. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have so much to say today, so might you pour a cuppa tea, being we're all friends here? Please allow me to bang on for a few thousand words. It has given me time, and I've stayed sat with myself and deeply recognised where I intend to make changes. So, allow me to start with the feral kittens.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you recall the mum cat named Molly Mipsy and her three feral kittens, Peter, Constantine and Prudence? All of which I had the vet spay and neuter, and they are happily living in the cottage with me. Yes, all of that turned out well. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYpfyZ_ne268u8us8XQLoD1dP2uRCOaHT5zKeatSw2PAdDGJR0KjsN1Japd3BqGYa5X1tnaYI6wi5VwdFV3Je9DyKLRT4z1R6Juqpt-QVmODjwmNTjaszddaRS3vv33BlJyp0SZBuHPk-Sms15P43y6v13jEj5rxFy4a3b1a4pLqUAa5Bdm0ObA9Fim4/s640/the%20three%20kittens%20with%20flowers.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYpfyZ_ne268u8us8XQLoD1dP2uRCOaHT5zKeatSw2PAdDGJR0KjsN1Japd3BqGYa5X1tnaYI6wi5VwdFV3Je9DyKLRT4z1R6Juqpt-QVmODjwmNTjaszddaRS3vv33BlJyp0SZBuHPk-Sms15P43y6v13jEj5rxFy4a3b1a4pLqUAa5Bdm0ObA9Fim4/s16000/the%20three%20kittens%20with%20flowers.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prudence, Constantine and Peter- The kittens in The Tale of Molly Kitten.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Last week, my mum and Jeffrey Shawn said in a passing conversation that I had too many projects at once and should focus on one thing at a time, or I was sure to find myself stressed and overwhelmed. As I often do when someone tells me I can't do something (such as handling loads of undertakings), I often prove them wrong and accomplish said objective with ease. I am sure that defiant behaviour is Sagittarius rising in that I don't particularly appreciate when told what to do. Not last week, though. I might add here now that prior to all of the activities I began piling on, I had set the intention that I wanted spirit to guide me to focus and to expand even more in any areas that I was blocking, which I wasn't possibly recognising. So keep that in mind whilst reading this post further. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The first day, I awoke with a headache. Now, that might not sound extreme, but for a person who never has headaches, it was for me, and peppermint oil wasn't helping. So, I took a few Aleves, and that didn't help. The only thing I should've leaned into from the start was WATER! I was severely dehydrated. I kept going; however, that was my first sign of spirit, and I didn't pay attention. The next day, I woke up with a kink in my neck that was so painful, and again, neck pains.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've never struggled with such things in my life. I couldn't get the pain to leave for over a week. Again, I didn't heed my body's call and listen. Here is where it brings absolute upset. I went to the garden to water the flowers as I do every morning, and as I was just about to turn the hose on, I heard a loud screeching sound. At first, I thought it was a bird stuck in the plants, but no! It was an entire litter of four more feral kittens, of which the mum was, at that moment, birthing the last one (I think), and then she took off. I left the kittens (for the amount of time the vet said to wait) where they were and hoped the mum would return. She didn't. I couldn't bear listening to the kittens crying for the day, so I scooped them up and got them settled. I began keeping them warm and bottle-feeding them. I was so stressed because of more feral kittens, and no one would take the poor things. I called everyone. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">By this point, the number of feral cats was taking over and coming out from the woodwork. My mum and I began getting up every two hours and bottle-feeding the poor little motherless kittens. Well, on the third morning, all four kittens were dead. I tried for three days my best; perhaps the mum knew all along they were sickly. I'll never really know, but I know I wanted to keep them alive. To support this post from becoming absorbably long, my dear father buried them, and I have taken to being more rigid in the feral cats I am now feeding. Now that I have controlled the feeding, the cats have all disappeared. Im not going to tell a porkie; I felt a sigh of relief when the poor little kittens had all passed in the night. All of the death I've had with animals was too much. I know death is a part of life, especially when having a small farm. However, I realised what my lesson was, as I was spreading myself too thin. When we don't hear matters when the spirit attempts to show us on the metaphysical scale, we then receive it where it will get our attention. I must laser focus and realise I can't try to save everyone. I am no longer in the business of taking the backseat in some regions of my life. It took this experience for me to step into my power.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the next post, I'll tell you about an exciting series of paintings I've been working on. I think you'll love it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably, yours til' my next swim, Love Razz </span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-51072408272269969502023-10-02T04:23:00.011-07:002023-10-25T10:16:05.586-07:00How A Mermaid Rises Above Waves of Judgement <div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPEFT-ydwzbxG0vUUJCHahdpdtBxEcXPOmMku53Fj9HyMe_uIx1jejopbqE6CgcaiuCyIroV9FtYJDztcQWaXYpf6Z2fPTuv8T7u_8BfYdntaxLNJYdjGjJsJQq48yvUWitYw94opCclzNn026Xnt7NGHFmw7IweY04tN1lPOGxOQDf7SmTRJ7FAu7i4/s481/October%20painting%20of%20the%20word%20October.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPEFT-ydwzbxG0vUUJCHahdpdtBxEcXPOmMku53Fj9HyMe_uIx1jejopbqE6CgcaiuCyIroV9FtYJDztcQWaXYpf6Z2fPTuv8T7u_8BfYdntaxLNJYdjGjJsJQq48yvUWitYw94opCclzNn026Xnt7NGHFmw7IweY04tN1lPOGxOQDf7SmTRJ7FAu7i4/w400-h400/October%20painting%20of%20the%20word%20October.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"It's not my job to please people who can't tolerate anything but lukewarm baths." ~</span></span>Ottessa Moshfegh </div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Good morning, my dear mermaid hearts,</div></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Some folks are simply mean and unkind, and that meanness is usually from those closest to us, as disgruntled family members or maybe from older friends we knew in high school. Either way, they throw little digs in a conversation with the desire to edge one in there because they're absolutely at the core of their being tragic and bitter (and that's my proper way of positioning it.) Even when we know and understand why people do what they do, those who've yet to reprogram their minds with new beliefs will perpetually be taken off guard or upset by the mean person's comments.</span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I will assist you in how to avoid regretful encounters with unkind folks. There is a long and short of it. The short answer is to stop spending time in their presence, but that's not always the solution, is it, my dear? Listening to new beliefs at night is the short answer, as it solves everything. However, a person might say, I see them here and there, this and that. It's not that simple. It is that simple, but everyone seems to enjoy making life difficult. It's not simple because they've decided to make it hard on themself. If the decision to merely end a relationship with someone appears too difficult, there must be a return of mutual benefit for both parties. That is simply all there is to it.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Some folks will not cut relationships off entirely, which is their responsibility. It's as though a person has poison in their cupped palm, dips their fingertip into the poison a little at a time, and dies slowly, knowing they are dying, but continues to dip their finger and partake. We do this manner of thing for several reasons. It's usually a trauma bonding to unhealthy people, a belief in the family, attachment issues, insecurities, fear, guilt, and, well, the list is endless.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Did you know the ability to cut someone out of your life and never look back is a trauma response to believing you could never rely on anyone? It stems from childhood, where you had to learn to depend on yourself.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Indeed, it is true. I harboured to relearn that it is okay for me to let go of folks, not in anger or rigid boundaries, but because I care about my well-being more than anyone else in the world, and you should care equally about yourself. Self-care is self-love, and don't let anyone even begin to bang on about how you are being selfish, this, that and the tenth. Anytime a person feels threatened or jealous, they will spout such nonsense on stilts in offence to someone changing the rules.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When bitter folks try to make little jabs, gossip, and stir up the emotions of another through passive-aggressive mentions, I find it unfortunate. Mainly because they do not know what they do and are reaping coals upon their own heads, and they have no clue about the karmic debt they will face. You talk badly about someone, and you'll become the target of gossip tenfold. I want to preface that; indeed, there will be a selected few who will say to me, well, you speak of your ex-mate badly. Allow me to clarify. I do not feel as though I am speaking badly. However, I am talking of him as truthful and brutally honest. Why? It should be used as a cautionary tale. I share my version and experiences that I went through for decades and why I beg to differ, as there are hopes that sharing my stories will assist others (especially women) in their lives. I have long ago permitted myself to speak my authentic truth how I see it.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Karmic debt is real! </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you complain that someone squanders money, your money will drain from your bank account like a sieve. You judge another woman for her choices, and you will become the mark of someone very close to you. We would all do well to clean our own homes and stop thinking we are getting away with such acts and that they're no big deal. They are a big deal because the one thing that is the Achilles heel will become the undoing of that person. I seem to bear a mighty grievance against my ex-mate M; however, that is not the case at all. I have many personal life events that I pull from, and I've seen loads of ways not to do life, so I will share them just as I would with an ex-friend, family member, child, etc.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For example, I recall when thee olde sod would cry out among the roof pinnacles in protest that he would never return to labouring in radio when I asked him to support my dream as an author and artist. He declared it was beneath him and that working for his old boss was not an option, for he was better than that and had long before paid his dues. Shall we look a gift horse in the mouth, my fruits? He is skint, the show is on YouTube (it is not a nationally syndicated show), he currently works for his ex-boss where the ratings are nearly non-existent, and he has been pigeonholed into radio as no one would any longer hire him in television as every boss has sacked him. He allowed his EGO to invade and edge out his true spiritual nature. I partially concluded that he felt I was cutting in and intruding upon his situation. However, when a dark horse lacks self-confidence, which is always the case, everyone threatens them. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgjSqOz_GqyTEORgIncyAoAnyTfQW7USYGyB1HjcG5bk_OaVWfmfe-sy4Kf8Ydf2WW0PtxO9rWTMlC9A9YhKSBNN5efR4aylq7hwettmoPRU1WlLvXvDFHjdNtOZBfNsXnDaYFya-XYv2GS6d0am51S9aKJoHtHHBsCJj4o7pmHMdRMXwLh-EO1zNHKI/s640/I%20trigger%20healing%20quote.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgjSqOz_GqyTEORgIncyAoAnyTfQW7USYGyB1HjcG5bk_OaVWfmfe-sy4Kf8Ydf2WW0PtxO9rWTMlC9A9YhKSBNN5efR4aylq7hwettmoPRU1WlLvXvDFHjdNtOZBfNsXnDaYFya-XYv2GS6d0am51S9aKJoHtHHBsCJj4o7pmHMdRMXwLh-EO1zNHKI/w360-h640/I%20trigger%20healing%20quote.png" width="360" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">E- Edging <br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">G=God<br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">O=Out</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I will throw myself into this mix so that you see I am willing to lay my frailties open to this landlocked world as well. My example is when I was mean to women back in the day; indeed, behind the walls of my own home, I gossiped about single women in the church and never had anything to do with them. I would judge them and say I would never get a divorce. Well, what happened to me, my darlings? I directly filed for a divorce myself and became a single mother. The universe most assuredly has a wicked sense of humour. I received my penance, that's for sure, and I learned an incredible lesson. I will NEVER, and I mean NEVER, be unkind to other women, especially religious single women. I obtained that karma around 1000 times heaped upon my head. I know at all times what I am thinking, and I act accordingly. It is not only a healthy body we put into it good food. We must be beneficial in our spiritual life as well by thinking good thoughts. Make it a habit to keep an excellent mental diet. </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another thing to remember is that our karmic debt will always be that of identical penance—an eye for an eye. Might you get on and make harming merriment of someone being overweight, and watch how either you develop a weight issue or your child struggles? It'll be something concrete and karmic to you, precisely straight from your thoughts. In your youth, laugh at a man for being bald and watch how you lose your hair in your latter years. If you steal, someone will steal from you; if you complain and judge someone for having tattoos, look for your child or grandchild to tattoo up his whole body and face. If you were an awful person to your mother-in-law, watch how your child's partner is horrible to you. Alena from The Darling Academy stonewalled me (for no reason at all except for pure jealousy), and you see how she was, in return, stonewalled by several large Instagram accounts. It</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> became so bad that Alena (The Darling Academy) left Instagram altogether, deleting her account.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I am telling the truth out loud because this is the problem with Instagram (and life in general) and must be remedied. As a society and as individuals, we will take a lifetime to change until someone's mirror reflects back and helps others see the error of their ways. No one can afford to be my enemy, as I will call it as I see it. If you have a problem with it, that's not my problem. We all must tend to our insufficiencies. I believe we can be good and kind and have a pure heart full of love. It doesn't have to become tainted and mean.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Furthermore, as I have said many times, every person who intentionally harms another will pay karmically. </span><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2020/07/thats-pot-calling-kettle-black.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Remember when Guinivere Von Sneeden (aka Jenny Sneeden) on Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">, who was once friendly, then unkind, and assisted (behind the scenes) all of her friends in witchcraft by trying to silence me in attempting to shut down my Etsy business, blog and YouTube channel. Look at Guinevere today. Everyone thinks she is entirely incredible and lovely, which, for the most part, I am sure she is, but she has a deviant dark horse side to her that she should look after and change. I chalk it up to her extreme insecurities that I witnessed firsthand. Today, she is suffering financially by not selling much of her artwork, thus having to flog dresses for Sondeflor. Do you think that is a coincidence? My friend, it is not. She is getting her karmic debt for bullying and relentlessly harassing me by trying to take away my money stream when I was attempting to provide for myself. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Guinevere can put on Atelier dresses and twirl all day long, but the truth is she was a wretched person to me, and the universe was watching. She will suffer from her actions (if she hasn't already), just as we all do when we harm another, regardless of whether someone believes it's innocently done. Nope! Universal law does not work like that, my dear hearts. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you are envious of someone for having absorbent wealth, watch yours be gone in a whipstitch. That is how it works, my dears. However, most people live as if they can do this and that and get by with it without repercussions. I am here to advise you, my dear friends, time and again, we get away with </span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">absolutely nothing</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Therefore, why not be a well-intentioned, good person? We all will learn, and I would far rather walk the line for my own sake than contend with finding fault with my sister/brother. I keep my side of the street clean; I hope you will, too. Please continue pondering on this post, save it or share it with others if you feel inclined to do so.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It is a universal law, and no one can defy the law.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I always remember the Golden Rule.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Do unto others as you would have done unto you."</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I no longer cut people out with staunch boundaries or become haughty. I merely wish them well (to myself), and I remove myself from their lives. Oftentimes, the universe does it for us, or those people do it subconsciously themselves as we are no longer equally yoked with low vibrational individuals. It's not a dire matter; it's merely life, my darlings.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I will not say the same thing I hear constantly from other spiritual authors or gurus. I find it revolting that folks continuously want to play a victim role, as if these folks must have boundaries set for them. No, they don't. I do not need to develop a boundary for someone; my energy exudes that I am a boundary person, and I possess respect internally to such degrees, and it, therefore, projects outwards like an undetected radar. When we have deep internal self-respect, no one can come close to us without also having self-respect. We will not come into contact with that type of energy. That is the beauty of trusting ourselves and keeping to our "nittens", as my great-grandmother would say, meaning keep your belongings together and tidy, or I like to define it also as minding my own business. It can be both. </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">People who grow up in religion have this misconception. To change and be a new person, everyone around them needs to wear kit gloves as if the person is a poor, delicate soul and has no personal power. Nonsense, You are a God, I am God, and everyone is a God. I must break it to you that we all have the DNA of God. No, you cannot go out and move a mountain or fly or do anything that defies physics because you are a mortal. You became man, to become God, to become man again, and the cycle continues. When I tell people that they are a God, they have (in the past) lost their bloody minds.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Do you know why this occurs? Because what I am telling them is the truth. It is not mere speculation or something I read in a book somewhere. I am telling the absolute truth through experience, and somewhere deep in their soul, they know what I am saying is true but ravaged with fear. I empathise and sympathise with them. I know what they're going through. They don't want to wrap their head around it. I am stoning them with facts. I am taking the one thing they stood firm in and ripping it from them. That scares folks, especially those in religion. I terrify them no end. So they either try to adjust accordingly or deem me crazy (which is old, worn and tired out), try to warn others off me, or stay away from me altogether. I am completely fine with that. They will come back around to me, I am sure of it. I am so confident and built for this; nothing can get to me, and I know spirit has made me this strong. It is why I was in two religions, why I left and divorced my ex-mate with no job, money, no alimony, not a penny to my name and then my son was killed. I can handle hardships. Do I want to? No, but I can; that is the point. I am fully qualified to assist folks in showing them how to return to themselves. My employment is not to be an all mighty but to guide folks up the mountain, not to stand upon the hill and expect everyone to climb up alone. I'll be their guide, and they get to enjoy the mountain top alone. It's their lives, and they will be the ones doing the work.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">No one needs saving my darlings, and most especially not by us. So many folks use the response of, well, if it weren't for me, this and that. But the truth is no one in this world is doing anything unless it's for a mutual benefit. We don't care for others, give up our resources, etc., without getting that hit of dopamine for ourselves. There is ALWAYS a mutual benefit. Sometimes, it's merely to make oneself feel better. "See how much I do for you" kind of mentality. Yes, you do things, but the mutual benefit is to make yourself feel better, TaDa Mutual Benefit.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I know folks like to exude this narrative of "see how much I am a selfless person." No, in fact, Kathy from Demoine, Iowa, you are not selfless. You do everything for a personal payoff. We all do. We were born selfish, live selfish and will die selfish. It is not a bad word; it stops here, my fruits. That's so archaic anyway; when someone spouts off, you're being selfish! "You can now say, you damn right I am, as are you!"</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, in the end, I was correct. We are all SELFISH, and I am proud to use the word with cheerfulness. I advocate for selfishness. I am flipping that word on its head, and it will be a positive and confident, happy, encouraged observation—no bones about it.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(My gracious alive, after 3000 words, can you imagine the dues my insufferable mother must go through having to hear me bang on about spirituality every day? Teehee…)</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I love you!</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Moat affably yours til my next swim, Razz</span></span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-23242429973310944232023-09-26T10:27:00.001-07:002023-09-26T10:27:49.364-07:00A Victorian Mermaid's Secret Keys To The Treasure Chest Of Our Kingdom<div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSeBIcgzZcDNhXMy-9QSS2XYgOdauX9tVVmLaAJ85354EANoNSkgygVOGtZfu7qIoMddlK3WkpEmpDarCQ2CA0oFc7-z7hpgZz2tzZc2NnfXXr11Nn7sJ0IyaHbzxURUxddqpZNVPnHlFKsowWDkfljXjQuuMdpjvQeS7YyI7ycCBLAI-IuoEKjz45HU/s640/helen%20allingham%20baking%20bread%20painting.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSeBIcgzZcDNhXMy-9QSS2XYgOdauX9tVVmLaAJ85354EANoNSkgygVOGtZfu7qIoMddlK3WkpEmpDarCQ2CA0oFc7-z7hpgZz2tzZc2NnfXXr11Nn7sJ0IyaHbzxURUxddqpZNVPnHlFKsowWDkfljXjQuuMdpjvQeS7YyI7ycCBLAI-IuoEKjz45HU/w301-h400/helen%20allingham%20baking%20bread%20painting.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, my darling dear mermaid hearts,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The other morning, through meditation, It came to me that the toiling of our moments upon this earth, for myself and all of us, is to gain clarity. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I shared a few manifesting success stories on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquelmargaretcarter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Instagram</span></a> reels yesterday and one on gaining translucence about ourselves and our world. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I write on my blog about what I deeply care about, what I believe profoundly within my heart, and what will make the world a better place for those who come across my writings and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07JFM8M9N" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">books</span></a>. I have always desired a place where folks feel inspired and genuinely uncover what they wish to cultivate by reading my work. I have held the intention that even if I write something that touches upon the wounds of another, it is all meant for the greatest good of the individual as well as the collective as a whole. For the power to ignite within a soul the disturbance to want to and decide to change their lives is what I do this for and will continue forth with doing so. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As individuals, we should look at our lives and decide what we want to spend our days in pursuit of, what groups we want to remain a part of and which ones we should let go; a kind of catch and release, my darlings. What do we want to continue listening to, and when do we turn the other cheek and disengage? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As the threshold of the holidays is soon to arrive upon us, I find the autumnal season a precious time of year to create our list of expectations. I also think wholeheartedly (and I've seen the vision for decades) that our universe is at an altogether precipice. The beliefs people hold, activities folks engage in, people we once deemed on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquelmargaretcarter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">social media</span></a> of importance, all of this will become something of an olde world. Our new world will be homesteading, living off of our land, and bartering; enlightenment will come to the masses; the abundance and extraordinary wealth beyond measure will come to many; the unpopular on social media will become the most popular and profound speakers of the day. Trashy, shouty television will be a thing of the past. There will be good, happy, and wholesome shows created. Naught, will there be any more mainstream media? It will fall away entirely. Many will develop their form of entertainment through outlets yet to manifest, and cable television will disappear. We as a nation (in America) will live as we once did in particular areas that brought us joy and pure charm, not all ways, but the beautiful aspects of our archaic history. The poorly times will eradicate. Human folks will be more self-sufficient and teach their children likewise. We will once again treasure the day-to-day pleasantries such as fellowship, heritage activities, kindness, helping one's neighbour and monumental grassroots assembly from an earlier time will be at the forefront. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The clutter of the mind will fall away from those who become enlightened, and I am very much "Taking Joy" and relishing in the thought of it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have the happiest day, my darling, dear mermaid hearts. I love you most affably and beyond measure. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRdPLIEIdUZCDr8HeTk7LxpdspN5XHtpNgwTAl9gg2uE_TWcPZ773TnOAtNE1GL42pXGvd501f6UVCe7_9mgw0D4qnNrEC37Zn6n8of66QAru6bwtPNKGCq586nUQ26a5hMnt-wOTrZLHkmYMf9y1gT-jF7A7rOBIn7UxT-_zDN7HLxIGluK7pefXzfk/s640/wreath%20craft%20halloween%20spears.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRdPLIEIdUZCDr8HeTk7LxpdspN5XHtpNgwTAl9gg2uE_TWcPZ773TnOAtNE1GL42pXGvd501f6UVCe7_9mgw0D4qnNrEC37Zn6n8of66QAru6bwtPNKGCq586nUQ26a5hMnt-wOTrZLHkmYMf9y1gT-jF7A7rOBIn7UxT-_zDN7HLxIGluK7pefXzfk/w400-h225/wreath%20craft%20halloween%20spears.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>(If you want to see a delightful and fun video, I posted my cottage Halloween wreath craft along on </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Patreon</span></a><span> if you're interested.)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til my next swim, Love Razz</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-27821707202678530852023-09-24T06:16:00.007-07:002023-09-24T06:27:25.970-07:00I Love Little House on the Prairie So Much I've Decided To Live In It! (For Now)<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKJAoHE2l9FE4tRThqz2SccOJFYZVvQrApa-tsRO4lw_aOhSfwZ5AFhd1RPKehy7it7MBZ-BMmUhhnsecsLPI6JPSA5N452iGbApLgRllE4gzTdkZV9VuWsYb8OC3txD3AF5aRFNIHqaxDAtS8fKYU9lcU8mhzuTvdheU9lAksMzHEOoG_E16QBJIg0E/s640/little%20house%20on%20the%20prairie%20set%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="640" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKJAoHE2l9FE4tRThqz2SccOJFYZVvQrApa-tsRO4lw_aOhSfwZ5AFhd1RPKehy7it7MBZ-BMmUhhnsecsLPI6JPSA5N452iGbApLgRllE4gzTdkZV9VuWsYb8OC3txD3AF5aRFNIHqaxDAtS8fKYU9lcU8mhzuTvdheU9lAksMzHEOoG_E16QBJIg0E/s320/little%20house%20on%20the%20prairie%20set%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning, my dear mermaid hearts, </span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is one of the most vulnerable I've written in quite some time. As many of you, my dear friends, know, I grew up in a detrimental environment, which caused me to develop a need (for most of my life until I changed my belief system three years ago) to have a strong desire to control as much as conceivable, whether that was my home decorating design, people, situations and the list goes on. Most of my anxiety and want to control disappeared after I divorced the narcissistic dark horse; nonetheless, I had some fine-tuning and pruning in a few more areas.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, I must preface: I will not say that things won't alter drastically from one point to another, but that's the vulnerable aspect of why I am sharing. It's necessary to state that merely because a person meanders from one idea to another does not mean I or any other woman is a flake, all over the place, unpredictable, indecisive, unstable, etc. It is that most Pisces, like unto myself, are highly creative and artistic. We have so many ideas, and our imagination is popping off at every whim, and that is why we appear wish-washy, although that is not the case. I'm eliminating those predictable labels and boxes in which folks want to place us. The buck stops here, my fruits. (smile) </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I want you to know how much I value each of you who read my writings. How much and how long it took for me to get where I am today, and one of those aspects of myself that I am proud of is being vulnerable and down to earth. I think that's why my blog is so successful. For one, I am writing from my heart and trying to put out little merriment seeds of happiness and joy with each post. I love this wee little corner of the interweb. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Along our lives, and mainly when someone is manifesting and is purposefully aware of one's ability to create consciously, there can be much prattle about </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-imposter-syndrome" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">imposter syndrome</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">. Significantly, when conscious manifestors (such as myself) decide to begin sharing their lives publically and teach about how to manifest, usually it's for the reason we can honestly say we have displayed such and such. For example, I will bang on for two fortnights concerning how to manifest a twin flame and how to have a healthy, happy and sustainable marriage for over eight years. I can also share how to successfully use </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuvotjngn3Y" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Neville Goddard's revision technique</span></a><span><span style="color: #0e101a;">, as I did when Sawyer passed. Neville's revision technique made that possible. Again, I can speak on thousands of manifesting demonstrations; another one, for example, is being cast on a </span><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/01/extraordinary-news-i-manifested-one-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">(Hello Sunshine) reality show.</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> However, I've never talked too openly about manifesting my dream home because it's not a tangible demonstration (as of yet). It </span></span></span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">was</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> due to imposter syndrome, and many spiritual teachers and leaders, such as myself, blunder with imposter syndrome to varying degrees. </span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is the skettle of fish, or perhaps it's a blessing in disguise or the silver lining at the end of the rainbow, or whichever way you'd describe it. I will be the optimistic gal and proceed with all is well, and the joy is in the journey. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, what's all this prattle about being vulnerable of which you are eluding to Razz? Let us get on, shall we? </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am constantly meditating, and after I reprogrammed my subconscious mind with all new beliefs, I am on autopilot with all the beautiful pleasantries and notions of where my spirit (Mermaid Inner Being) nudges me, and I follow the inspired action. So here is what I received in spiritual prompting last night, and here is where my story unfolds. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">When Sawyer died, Jeffrey Shawn and I moved into my folks home, and that was nearly four years ago. Into the second year, when the pandemic (the black plague) was in full effect, I pleaded with my father to let me have a go-in with his old storage building and turn it into a little Victorian mermaid cottage. As I've spoken about before, I needed something to distract me and fling my sadness at, and utilising my energy in an old storage room did the trick. Well, I began tearing old cattle fences down and recycled them for flooring; I then used old pavers and made a hearth, painted, decorated and found loads of antiques on Facebook marketplace, antique shoppes, estate sales and charity shoppes. I had nestled in quite comfortably. Then, about three months ago, I felt as though I wanted to begin searching for our Victorian forever home, which I have quite the list of ticking off, which includes substantial land, an authentic Victorian home, also including a stone cottage, a tea room, a place for my farm animals, sheep, barns, etc. I mean, honestly, you could merely look at my </span><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/p/the-carter-settlement.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">page about The Carter Settlement </span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">and know what my significant dream is: a little village, The Carter Settlement. I will have it one day, and I think that day is closer and closer to my natural state. I'm a powerfully master mermaid manifestor whenever it has anything to do with manifesting. The particular element human folks get hung on is time and trust. However, I will profess that is merely because most landlocked folks haven't reprogrammed their minds with a whole new set of beliefs. If you'd like to work with me on changing your life, I have the map for creating a life you love, my darling. All you have to do is e-mail me at Raquel@RaquelCarter.com</span></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay, where was I? </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh yes. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The other day's accreditation, I saw intentions for the day, and without going into explicit detail (well, because my golly, it's long, my darlings), I was thinking about what to do as Jeffrey Shawn is now having to have extensive hip surgery. That has now put a wrench in our moving or continued forth in finding our forever home as he will need several months of healing and convalescing.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The cognitive energy will adequately require me to remain focused and stress-free. As I am always conscious of my mental well-being, I will not place unnecessary measures upon myself. Now, this led me to another thought. What am I going to do now for these months of my inability to move and yet be comfy and cosy in my little cottage? I petitioned spirit and set the intentions. What do I do in the meantime? Leave crates and boxes, merely shove them to one side, rent a storage facility and store them all, unpack and live life by taking one day at a time; what should I do? In addition, I am still waiting for the writer's strike to know about filming for the reality show Cottage to the Core. It was causing me a bit of grief, I must admit it. I thought I was proceeding, and I am being vulnerable and sharing my story because I wager others can relate to me; as Aaron Dougherty says in The Conscious Coaching Accelerator program, folks love vulnerability.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It has been a wee conundrum, I must say. Ask my dearest friend in all the world, Patti Anne, and she will tell you I was at a beggar's knot, not knowing what to do, but I knew if I kept trusting and knowing with faith, I'd always receive my answer to every question. Fast forward to last night, and I received my answer, and im sharing it with you now! Eeekkk! </span></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXUq_awk3wZ85V0oMMC8KvZCaMuwVl43KxF_OjhgMczSL4qlgztgmMH5wq2VNXej9u6fUCWsK3CKZrwvoyNQWClI65JBgBTcqL0zQBgWizomFAyfHgood12pHnYGFEmv4M8KsK0pI8DNjqD02dtpRi7AMCXUKBUfR2m59z8Mc9u_BSs2PslEwKLKHSRM/s640/little%20house%20on%20the%20prairie,%20set.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="640" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXUq_awk3wZ85V0oMMC8KvZCaMuwVl43KxF_OjhgMczSL4qlgztgmMH5wq2VNXej9u6fUCWsK3CKZrwvoyNQWClI65JBgBTcqL0zQBgWizomFAyfHgood12pHnYGFEmv4M8KsK0pI8DNjqD02dtpRi7AMCXUKBUfR2m59z8Mc9u_BSs2PslEwKLKHSRM/w400-h296/little%20house%20on%20the%20prairie,%20set.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was strolling Instagram, which I have not customarily been doing for quite some time as it had lost its savour for me; however, I stumbled upon an account where this gal is turning her old home into the equivalent of the Outlander set. Well, that thought was of no significance to me; I've never even seen one episode of the show Outlander. So I kept scrolling and was about to move on, and the thought hit me like a ton of bricks. What do I love and have built much of my life upon? Little House on the Prairie! Many years ago, I actually received plans I had drawn up of the schoolhouse for one day when I had the land for The Carter Settlement. The thought was whilst you are waiting on your manifestation for your land and Victorian home, tea room, etc., turn your little cottage into The Little House on the Prairie. That set me right, I must confess. It's nearly like that now, but a few changes of rocking the fireplace and building a loft, a little decorating, and it'll be complete.</span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Turn your cottage into The Little House on the Prairie! Well, after 1800 words, there you have it, my fruits! </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I began that day. I called around and found a storage unit to put all of our boxes and furniture in for a few months, and I have started drawing up plans on how to transform the cottage. There are several aspects that I can start straight away, as I don't feel it's quite the stretch as it sounds. I had already planned on implementing various items, such as an outhouse and fireplace, anyway, so this makes it quite the natural fit. Now, does that mean I know what will happen tomorrow or the next month and so forth? No. But that's the fun of it, is it not? There must be trust in the not-knowing and ride those waves of uncertainty like a mermaid goddess. As we've often been told, my darlings, it's not in the destination; it's all about the voyage (journey).</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I love Little House so much I've decided to live in it (for now)! What do you think my Pa (hahaha, dad) will say when I tell him I want his help in the transformation? I may have to go about it alone, for my "Pa" is currently having some health issues. I shall prevail. If these darling women on Instagram can </span><span style="font-size: medium;">DIY</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">, I most certainly can, too. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">I hope you follow me on </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">my voyage</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> on Patreon and watch how it turns out. If you enjoy personal development, spirituality, the Law of Assumption, old-timey lifestyle (Little House on the Praire, Beatrix Potter, Tasha Tudor), home renovations, dreamy fairytale living, books, artistry, and mermaids, of course, well then my </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquelmargaretcarter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Instagram account</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> is for you. Mind you, my darlings, some of my content is on Patreon, where it is behind the paywall. It is five dollars to join, and you can cancel anytime if you feel you're not receiving your money's worth, but you do, my dear hearts.</span></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Have a lovely Sunday. I am off to work on the guest bathroom in my folk's cottage. I am renovating it. I have been sharing my stories all about it on Instagram if you're interested. </span></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Also, if you are interested in commissioned bespoke illustrations for Christmas cards, I am taking a few orders this year. Here is my latest one. Her name is Annabelle, and she's a little fancy Victorian cat. E-mail me at (Raquel@RaquelCarter.com) with the subject line "bespoke painting" or message me on my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RaquelMargaretCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Etsy</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> shoppe. I am so happy to paint for you. Just think of how unique and personal your holiday cards will be this year, and goodness knows we need some "Take Joy" in these troubling waters as of late. </span></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvXQBX2ZdZlrkTNKOqVUb4RzGM8gC5gOLmkHpXT8DXZLhjyw9JD-YiRGvQ7WcuT_S6k0JgZtxtvgN-WRTv4jb6e-V4MBwzGWsyHNixe0SNkzwyIMAT-adARuYCyTVtAxgBxFMoKkYuL3xxvHsYPWnBWKC1l1Dwiwqfy-zi7oWDbV3EP8vu1qhNfd1KXk/s640/annabelle%20patti%20annes%20christmas%20card%20painting.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="447" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvXQBX2ZdZlrkTNKOqVUb4RzGM8gC5gOLmkHpXT8DXZLhjyw9JD-YiRGvQ7WcuT_S6k0JgZtxtvgN-WRTv4jb6e-V4MBwzGWsyHNixe0SNkzwyIMAT-adARuYCyTVtAxgBxFMoKkYuL3xxvHsYPWnBWKC1l1Dwiwqfy-zi7oWDbV3EP8vu1qhNfd1KXk/w280-h400/annabelle%20patti%20annes%20christmas%20card%20painting.jpeg" width="280" /></a></span></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Most affably yours til' my next swim, Razz </span></span><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></span></span><p></p></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-60880769146018272872023-09-12T09:10:00.006-07:002023-09-12T09:26:08.700-07:00Carter's Cottage Loo Renovations, Ole' Homestead Updates And Books<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRYPdfv1KF5FqNCiyKA4o5JvniOGUiP-znX3dtQXu97mfFkfsxBXA5-6Wm3eAGkMbaTQlNzQEsn4z-UimQZErofS3Sx6Kqv_jJNntTzeeyqQxKY9vxcV15s0AXlT_yoOrMrLCK9TE6t0qCn2bxqrsToOGG0p-Q--UEkniNZcHT1cKM2SN2USLPVxuxMs/s416/oliver%20on%20basket%20with%20leaves%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="416" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRYPdfv1KF5FqNCiyKA4o5JvniOGUiP-znX3dtQXu97mfFkfsxBXA5-6Wm3eAGkMbaTQlNzQEsn4z-UimQZErofS3Sx6Kqv_jJNntTzeeyqQxKY9vxcV15s0AXlT_yoOrMrLCK9TE6t0qCn2bxqrsToOGG0p-Q--UEkniNZcHT1cKM2SN2USLPVxuxMs/w400-h381/oliver%20on%20basket%20with%20leaves%20.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning, dear mermaid hearts,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've made a cup of pumpkin spice with a dollop of cremé. It's delicious and will give me the wind-up energy this bygone mermaid requires to accomplish such landlocked duties. Human folk are quite extraordinary in that they enjoy dressing up their coves. It's, by all means, a new sensation for me. Although I am 251 years olde,' I remain in the adaptation mode of adjusting to my sea legs. Teehee…</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I had been feeling slightly melancholy with congestion, dizziness, depressing thoughts and fatigue. I began making an effort in trying to pin down one thing or another, and I think I've discovered what it is: mould in the cottage. There will be more investigating, and I may be jumping to conclusions like a Jack in the Box; however, I'll keep you updated as I slowly uncover more details. My dad is having a looksie, and I will know more in a little while. Wouldn't it be hysterical If that is the way I manifest the cottage roof replaced to a 12/12 roof pitch? I know the Universe/God has a wicked sense of humour, and I wouldn't put past the Collective to make such a move. Remember when I spoke about how I was able to obtain my manifestation of the removal of the mauve carpet in Staffordshire Cottage? You can <a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2019/12/what-flood-taught-me-about-trust.html?m=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">read the post here</span></a>, as it's a lovely perspective on manifestation and having faith.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you recollect when I spoke about renovating my parent's little cottage guest bathroom?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, it is coming along quite well also, but I must admit it's taking me longer than I expected, but that is due to my fatigue, so perhaps now that there may be a reason for my tiredness, we shall get on and finish it up soon. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gkmzDHuhJ8r_BW-X3QRZbYfNx2e5zRVSELUnI1NcJD40ry7QLshhkDfvNe9tgy6CTiBNxRMTvi3AK9cv2_fbdHLyPi-OLuyfrbi0QbfBrj4VCJQ0VR8MJgf6uX2_lCcspEiFjzLhxpmeUC9fifKqwyhGrZiYPFINNYYZRGFiFpS5RFjtmkKD-O2fURE/s500/raquel%20dressed%20as%20Tasha%20Tudor%20for%20Halloween.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gkmzDHuhJ8r_BW-X3QRZbYfNx2e5zRVSELUnI1NcJD40ry7QLshhkDfvNe9tgy6CTiBNxRMTvi3AK9cv2_fbdHLyPi-OLuyfrbi0QbfBrj4VCJQ0VR8MJgf6uX2_lCcspEiFjzLhxpmeUC9fifKqwyhGrZiYPFINNYYZRGFiFpS5RFjtmkKD-O2fURE/w400-h400/raquel%20dressed%20as%20Tasha%20Tudor%20for%20Halloween.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is a charming notion that I will be using as inspiration for the flooring in the bathroom renovation. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirERdDeKkN8tuEIww0_jzQd91Ja71tAD6r9ClFnVXhMHo7ppK4f2J5U3_KBdm4qxNePsdkggKycf-HuBMDdYzixS29C8-dxx_Fv9n7o-c2JCTGBhMGXqsY1cXI9-b_kykgvCn0sv2FOCgyxzLGM5HRY0rjNtDxxTV3NVgYMIT03tsbZhwfIiklP19wHwA/s736/victorian%20tile%20sample%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="736" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirERdDeKkN8tuEIww0_jzQd91Ja71tAD6r9ClFnVXhMHo7ppK4f2J5U3_KBdm4qxNePsdkggKycf-HuBMDdYzixS29C8-dxx_Fv9n7o-c2JCTGBhMGXqsY1cXI9-b_kykgvCn0sv2FOCgyxzLGM5HRY0rjNtDxxTV3NVgYMIT03tsbZhwfIiklP19wHwA/w400-h300/victorian%20tile%20sample%20.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="https://mrvictorian.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">MrVictorian.co.uk</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-align: center;">Hold up, darlings. I must explain something before I get on.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span>I want to clarify what's what and where's who because when I speak of this cottage, that bathroom, Scarlette Rose Cottage, Carter's Cottage, etc.. I do realise it may be a bit confusing. Not that you necessarily care one whit, but for some of you who may appreciate elucidating, I will commence. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who wouldn't be? Pisces are notorious for zany notions. First off, I name nearly every home a cottage. You know, how they do in England. Did you know Prince William and Princess Kate call their home a cottage, even though it's enormous? For the most part, It's the English way and because I love everything English, there you have it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">So here it goes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Carter's Cottage (aka the Ole' Homestead Place) is my parent's home, which they bought from my father's mother. Everyone called her Memaw, and she lived here with my folks until her passing. My grandfather passed when my dad was 16. My grandmother had a lifetime estate here with my mum and dad. If you're like my best friend Patti Anne, you like to know what the person looks like when speaking of those I'm talking about. Therefore, here's a photo of my Memaw and my grandfather Carter. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've been working on the bath and hopefully entice you enough to sign up for Patreon to see the results. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As many of you know that have been following me for years, I moved in with my parents whilst I proceeded with my divorce bill. Well, in my parent's home (which is called the Carter's Cottage, aka thee ole' homestead place), the bathroom had never seen the likes of a remodel, maybe a lick of paint on the walls, but that was about the extent of it. The house was built in 1958, I believe. I was tired of looking at the same ole' ceiling tile, upside-down trim moulding and outdated terrazzo floors. I remain stupefied that terrazzo floors have come back into style. However, because my folks have given me full reign to utilise my interior design degree, I sketched, dreamed and spent numerous amounts of time trying as much as possible to throw back the bathroom to the Victorian era. Now, mind you, because it is my folk's home, I had to adjust some aspects as my mum was uncompromising and said she must have some modern notions left untouched. I also will clarify that until Jeffrey Shawn and I move along, we have to leave the original cast iron tub in place. Although my dream is to one day put a claw foot tub in, that'll have to wait until another juncture convenes. In the meantime, I plan to use a white colour kit to give it a lick of paint. I hope you'll be curious enough to sign up for my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Patreon</span></a> to see the final reveal of the bathroom. It's coming along brilliantly. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh my, let me tell you about books! Today, this isn't about my books. Well, the one thing I will tell you about my book is that in October, the release of The Tale of the Christmas Bunnies will be released, and I'm thrilled beyond measure.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4yYvisW1pYQJJoB32P5EJ2tHIGR9YH09yufkfqtEHXHFkLG5YPItXzcIp83T3NKgSh2VEb-ajqC6AGYV6gKmxxQh7Z1w3bdcCr6RVfuWs9rrigGxHV4tx1XYSR9MkIj-scLZtDCSLdaNjKFvv0aadc-1q_qjKuzxzUEru_yGWidAsjXKDNxiYjLQstg/s640/the%20tale%20of%20the%20christmas%20bunnies%20book%20cover%20final.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="401" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4yYvisW1pYQJJoB32P5EJ2tHIGR9YH09yufkfqtEHXHFkLG5YPItXzcIp83T3NKgSh2VEb-ajqC6AGYV6gKmxxQh7Z1w3bdcCr6RVfuWs9rrigGxHV4tx1XYSR9MkIj-scLZtDCSLdaNjKFvv0aadc-1q_qjKuzxzUEru_yGWidAsjXKDNxiYjLQstg/w251-h400/the%20tale%20of%20the%20christmas%20bunnies%20book%20cover%20final.png" width="251" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, let me get on about a sweet English woman that I was introduced to named Miranda Mills. She has a monthly newsletter, and she recommends books for each month. I've never come across someone who has the same reading likeness except for my dear Patti Anne. I love the recommendations.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've not read any yet, as I've always dug my heels in for outstanding nonfiction except for children's books, such as Little House on the Prairie, Little Women, etc. Yet, this year is the time for changes in my alchemy, so upward and onward, it's time to expand my literature selections. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGdvMNBzbfI_8ITMZGg-NVQ36nVyNp-sW1eBbPAkerSsdbm6rHKh5qOydEIb9OTZ3AA6-WNHMJWi_zdMwTS_KV2HZ7X1aqO7bjEOqvnOQJxP_D_AY6vW33ztC54rtq0VQ1fUV-9M9rE5qc8l41uCf2Hh5E1SLLh9ErfSImNXGSOOcVr0Y565XUbwqdnQ/s640/Miranda%20Mills%20Autumn%20book%20list.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="405" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGdvMNBzbfI_8ITMZGg-NVQ36nVyNp-sW1eBbPAkerSsdbm6rHKh5qOydEIb9OTZ3AA6-WNHMJWi_zdMwTS_KV2HZ7X1aqO7bjEOqvnOQJxP_D_AY6vW33ztC54rtq0VQ1fUV-9M9rE5qc8l41uCf2Hh5E1SLLh9ErfSImNXGSOOcVr0Y565XUbwqdnQ/w254-h400/Miranda%20Mills%20Autumn%20book%20list.jpeg" width="254" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://MirandaJaneMills.com"><span style="color: #76a5af;">MirandaJaneMills.com</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is the list of books I ordered online. They have yet to arrive, so I thought I'd share Mirandas's list. She also has a lovely YouTube channel that I feel confident you'll adapt to in the Shake of a Lamb's Tail.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til my next swim, Razz</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-75462368021298201182023-09-05T10:21:00.002-07:002023-09-05T10:30:07.873-07:00When Identity And Importance Tethers To Money, Self-Worth Is Insufficient & Why Folks Have A Bee In Their Bonnet About Ballerina Farm Winning Mrs. America(n)<div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmwCVhjmj_idWF-lJ4ERcHDItfzLMURrKeLUyE7zRtx_MbVO5_sGVo1Mt_lhsIraTJq3LxZ_v3IxFit3cs07RGV24_GKObcKIQoVyODLiWdd8XWHhEbuekZMgWMQ_Pup6PEI9EYFcwFt9z2grm-Giii38ya3UI88nK8i9LGbV-jDrMag_NFYVpK8Cu3Q/s640/Raquel%20with%20Peter%20the%20feral%20kitten.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmwCVhjmj_idWF-lJ4ERcHDItfzLMURrKeLUyE7zRtx_MbVO5_sGVo1Mt_lhsIraTJq3LxZ_v3IxFit3cs07RGV24_GKObcKIQoVyODLiWdd8XWHhEbuekZMgWMQ_Pup6PEI9EYFcwFt9z2grm-Giii38ya3UI88nK8i9LGbV-jDrMag_NFYVpK8Cu3Q/w482-h640/Raquel%20with%20Peter%20the%20feral%20kitten.jpeg" width="482" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning, my dear mermaid hearts, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">[Now, before I plunge right in, I want you to pay notice that I share my subjective opinion on this matter, as it is my perspective, and I am entitled. Also, I've paid great attention upon my writing that my dander is not up, and you most certainly don't have to agree with me. I likewise directly comprehend that I attracted all of this into my life as it was brought on my behalf from my personal beliefs (at that time). We are all walking around on our sea legs and must learn how to walk upon our stems (legs) as we all have belief systems that prop up our assumptions. Therefore, in every article I compose, this is why I relentlessly bang on about why we all would do well to imprint new beliefs. Thus, we would no longer have such negative life experiences. Okay, now that I've taken care of that little bit of housekeeping, let me get on.]</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've spoken for many years on the topic of the ostracising that my son Sawyer and I underwent in the Mormon faith, and once again, I will call this into focus today. I must confess it was the most unkind experience from people supposedly Christian that I've ever witnessed in my life. In all honesty, I took an unavoidable amount of unkindness in the church, but when you stir about and on every whim decide to begin targeting my dear boy (or any of my children, for that matter), that's where I drew the line. Furthermore, I was the only one to advocate for my son, as his own father left him out to dry, which was despicable. A father (and supposed man of God) who has revealed his entire church membership today was unadulterated hypocrisy that bears no bounds. To drive a woman and child/children to feel unsafe and unprotected is most unappealing. I do not apologise for revealing the disposition of anyone's true character.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The crisis nowadays with society is that uncharacteristic individuals have been utilising their nasty behaviour and getting away with it because most folks look the other way. Bloody hell, someone takes a stand. In addition, I don't indicate running about to social media, making a meme and believing that will improve things. That's not taking a stand, nor is clacking on about it in interviews or foddering about relentlessly. This kind of change requires problem solvers, not talking heads, who desire ratings for their shows with millions of views. What nonsense. That makes people see we are all collectively in agreement, but now what? Let's actually </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>DO SOMETHING</i></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">. We have too many people talking the talk, but nobody wants to walk the walk. How long before it will take one person to have had enough to snap? And we wonder at the notion we have school shootings and sociopaths gunning down folks in our local restaurants. It doesn't take rocket science to know why this happens. It's not guns that's the problem; it's the folks who possess the guns of which where the issue lies. Nine times out of ten, go back and investigate the perpetrator's nature. I will guarantee you this individual was most likely suffering from psychological or mental health issues, such as emotional wounds in their environment. We must dig and excavate at these ailments from the rooted core. We as a society promenade with little rose-coloured glasses on in public, but behind closed doors, these egregious individuals are repeatedly awful people—duplicity where art thou.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pardon the tangent. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Evil prevails when good men do nothing."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you want to know why I share my background with you, it is most certainly not to disparage anyone for their religious beliefs. I powerfully advocate for folks worshipping and believing in their faiths. I love everyone equally for their views because I respect others. However, I also, in that same regard, must be granted my sentiments. I do not expect that in sharing my story for every woman to leave their Mormon or Pentecostal faith; however, my standing up and having a voice will most assuredly give others the compassion and understanding where no one else is advocating for them. My incidents aren't irregular; they are much more common than you know, yet no one speaks on it for fear of alienation. I'm simply the only woman bold enough to do so without fear of the backlash. Most women are petrified to speak out for fear they, too, would encounter what I underwent.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now allow me to get on with the tethering conversation about identity and the feeling evoked of importance (significance) tied to the amount of money one possesses. Directly, you may wonder how money, prestige and Hannah Nelleman have anything in common. Darling, lend me a few minutes, and I'll explain. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This subject did not come on the heels of the BF (Ballerina Farm) Hannah Nelleman and her winning Mrs. America(n). It came from a conversation I had with my folks this week, and then this morning, I read a snippet substack article as the writer had her knickers in a twist regarding Instagram mum influencers.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">"A suspension of disbelief feels necessary when asked to consider that someone with seven young children could take care of those children, homeschool some of those children, help attend to a 328-acre ranch teeming with cattle, hogs, donkeys, horses, ducks, chickens, and cats; cook seemingly every meal from scratch; prevent her house from gobbling her whole; find time to dance; and do it all with a smile on her face. BF attracts so many eyeballs because Nelleman is the embodiment of a maternal ideal wholly impossible for most of us to attain." ~Sarah Petersen</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nonetheless, I recognise that when we take umbrage with someone, it's because, inevitably, we have an unresolved self-worth wound rising to the surface that needs mending. I think this may be the case with Sarah Petersen. I don't fault her by any means, as we all have wounds that get brushed. That is the beauty of life and what makes it go round'. However, as many bloggers are conversing about the matter, I would also give my two pence, as I have an entirely valid and different perspective. I like to make my point coming from a woman who left the Mormon church eight years ago, and you'll soon learn one of the reasons why. Bless Hannah Nelleman; I am sure she's a lovely lass. I had never heard of her, but a few years back, a relative asked, "Oh, do you know of the Instagram account Ballerina Farm? You should follow her." I thought to myself, no, thank you, because I don't swoon over famous folks, celebrity types and certainly not a random adorable ballerina Mormon lass. Mind you, I do not mean anything disparagingly about Hannah, again, as I am sure she is most assuredly lovely, and I don't have a dog in this fight; merely, she is front and centre and asleep like most folks in religion not yet awakened, which seems to be rather more common than not these days.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Organised religion and many religions in general will do that to a woman. I have such devotion and sympathy for women caught up in the controlling disposition of faith, honestly, because I know the truth on the other side of that life, and it's not pleasurable. The Mormon church heads of authority hand-appoint particular individuals, such as Ballerina Farm, and make them the epitome of what other Mormon women should strive to become. It's subtlest idol worship at its finest. They 'big up' these certain women and run them through the mill of idolatry. Do you think it's a coincidence BF is a Mormon woman, with all the "aspects" of what motherhood, homesteading, perfectionism, wealth, and praise should be with 6.3 million followers? She's pumped through the Mormonism culture system, and it's worked for decades upon decades, and it's still working. The church needs well-behaved women riddled with comparing themselves to their sisterhood. Instagram fame and low self-worth (for most women in the church and religions) go hand in hand. The church convinces members to remember to be devout, good little subservient wives (and tithe payers), all in the name of building the kingdom of God with obedience and an eternal promise of a place in the celestial kingdom. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Did no one learn a thing from the Pentecostal worshipping <a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2020/06/rachel-hollis-girl-you-should-apologize.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Rachel Hollis's</span></a> charade? I ask you.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">'You might as well try to turn back Niagara as me from my purpose.' — Elizabeth Robins </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I love my friends in religion (both Pentecostal and Mormonism); however, I will never stand by and say nothing about society and how many women are living a veneer life; the absurdity is beyond measure. Evidently, we all need a refresher course in self-love and idol worship, and I'm leading the charge. I intend to prattle on about this type of hypocrisy until folks begin listening, and there's not a cat's chance in hell without claws I plan on stopping anytime soon. So buckle up my fruits. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">(And a little disclaimer that if any of this post stands bothersome, It is all in good fun. Perhaps my tonic for those offended would be to recite the Taylor Swift lyrics,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">"It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">At tea time, everybody agrees</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.”)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Three years ago, I went to work on creating new subconscious beliefs about money and value. Just yesterday, I was having a chatter with my folks, and this topic came up again. I began explaining that I was (unknowingly at the time of my upbringing) placing constant importance on people who possessed money, such as what makes BF a tantalising life to emulate. She comes from money, and she married money, so having wealth surely charades the truth, as there's no possible way she's accomplishing all of those things listed earlier by herself. Sure, she makes it look easy peasy because that's what the Mormon culture creates. And if she is trying to do it all, I assure you she will eventually have some sort of a breakdown. It's not humanly possible to be and do everything to perfection, but hell, if the church won't make you effort til you drop dead or kill yourself first. Even if it's most challenging, it's never enough, and it will never be good enough. This exact reason is why the number one state statistically in the country for women taking depression medication and getting breast augmentation comes from the state of Utah among Mormon women. Do you think that's another coincidence? If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">There was always a significant emphasis from the Carter side of the family that, through my upbringing, if a person possessed wealth, they were deemed important. Mind you, when I met my ex, dated and married him, we were poor as church mice. My love language is gifts because that equals love to me. Do you know what your <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/dp/080241270X/ref=asc_df_080241270X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312111868709&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13942897771461957246&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012359&hvtargid=pla-404289621350&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">love language</span></a> is? I do not speak on this to place blame on how my folks raised me, merely to teach others to take a vested interest in themselves to understand that money (nor fame) equates to significance. Even so much as following accounts like the BF and ideally believing she has it all. No one has it all, and I don't care one whit how much something appears to look that way. Let's not unquestioningly believe everything we see. One must learn to feather this foe; if not, the continued awful feelings of unworthiness and comparison will haunt relentlessly, and why many women end up leaving or having terrible anxiety from consuming <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquelmargaretcarter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Instagram</span></a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Loads of people in the world will allow many o' misgiving if a person is wealthy. And it is true in our world; there are often folks who were maybe poor growing up and then get a little or a lot of money and will use it to try and fix external fortes to make things "appear" better than they are. The profound reason for my teachings is to bring an awareness that having money doesn't make a person happy. No, but it makes things loads easier in life. To have money is quite fun and very much a Take Joy moment in my life. Yes, you may say to me in response, "Everyone knows that money doesn't make a person happy, Razz." However, I will reiterate yes, that is true to an extent, but if one loves oneself purely, whether money is there or not, it is a beautiful experience to have wealth rather than not. Wealth and abundance are natural benefactors for raising one's vibration and positive self-concept. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Folks will say that money doesn't buy happiness, but they won't necessarily go about truly living that, for their actions show differently. Most folks are out in the world trying to get and have money because they think when they get the money, they will feel better and so on and so forth. This mindset never works, but by gosh, people will die trying. People are trying to attain money to fill the vapid hole in their souls, and they think money will fix it, but soon learn it never does. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">My blog is to create and invoke self-awareness of the many contradictions of the nauseating masses. We must BE the change for the world to change. Capesh? Please understand me; I've never viewed money as a negative belief. You could tell me till the cows come home that money is the root of all evil and having money is wrong, etc. I would say to you, if you believe that, that's on you, not me. You're not going to project your money scarcity beliefs onto me. I believe money is a lovely energy, and it's so fun having money. If you hold a negative money belief, you must not have money, or the money you do have is straining through your fingers like a sieve. My desire was always to possess loads of money; nevertheless, I wanted to have it for notions such as founding my nonprofit, The Carter Settlement, bringing into the world little workshops to create change for humanity, etc. Many years ago, I came to terms with myself and healed from requiring the money to make me feel significant. This deficient matter is quite common if you've ever seen the world as those who have wealth and aren't happy. They spend their fortunes buying all the external measures in hopes it will fill the void they have within. Have a looksie at the many singers, comedians, or entertainers wreaking havoc because they achieved money yet soon learn all the money in the world does not make for authentic happiness. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">There was a conversation betwixt my folks where I was giving an example about a woman who had begun a relationship with a man. And because he was financially wealthy, the other aspects of this person were looked over. I began banging on about the justifications folks will give; 'If a person has money,' many people will overlook many o' things or pay to make things that might be deemed disapproving disappear; just throw a little quid at it. Well, I should reiterate if we are superficial and we think we're hiding our most genuine thoughts about folks with or without money, they have a way of revealing their most authentic beliefs. I shop now and plan to continue shopping at Walmart, and when I was broke, no one knew better whether I was wealthy or dirt poor. I wear my old-timey clothes to fine stores and less fine stores. If a person needs to exhibit prosperity, it is quite common they are an insecure individual and most likely don't have financial abundance. That's not always true; I'm just stating it is quite common. People who flaunt around as if they have money to burn (or those who have <i>new</i> money) will often overcompensate for their deficiencies. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wealthy folks are not always so self-evident, so people might want to keep that in mind when assumptions are at play. Just because most folks are trying to fool the world into believing they are of fortune, they are the ones who are usually giving away all the clues of being impoverished without even knowing it. Genuinely wealthy folks do not have to show they're rich; however, poor-minded folks do. That's just the truth. Abundance is a mindset, and money is merely energy, so remember wealth whispers and money talks; know the difference and act accordingly. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til my next swim, Razz</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-54367332672376414202023-08-30T21:44:00.001-07:002023-08-30T21:45:31.231-07:00A Mermaid's Map For How To Manifest A Relationship Back After Years Of Parent Alienation Using Neville Goddard's The Law Of Assumption<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE2q-_l_677CrNfYKGaMfSEWBWOLm_xY7aqtX_M5eCmIJoylR64pb-tH1Yxn2ojnHkNOw1YbLNt8SnBRSNfkqQ7F0BuAj_qgZFp0nr6iQ6voXGbtKJtDpTO6uIH4hRHmSiink1dcghjwz6_SkIjsNX9rU4Zanj_ohNQLHXZbevONM-zQLw4X6FxWXbi8/s640/flowers%20in%20english%20countryside.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE2q-_l_677CrNfYKGaMfSEWBWOLm_xY7aqtX_M5eCmIJoylR64pb-tH1Yxn2ojnHkNOw1YbLNt8SnBRSNfkqQ7F0BuAj_qgZFp0nr6iQ6voXGbtKJtDpTO6uIH4hRHmSiink1dcghjwz6_SkIjsNX9rU4Zanj_ohNQLHXZbevONM-zQLw4X6FxWXbi8/w480-h640/flowers%20in%20english%20countryside.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></span></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning, my dear mermaid hearts, </span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Did you pour a cuppa? I'm having cinnamon spice. My favourite as of late. I hope your days are beautiful and you found happy moments by "Taking Joy." We managed to escape Hurricane Idalia, which I owe to manifesting.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">I've been feverishly toiling away on my folk's little cottage bathroom renovation. I'm satisfied with life these days yet eager for more. When I spend my time on home renovations and making things pretty and of lovely report, I have such a whale of a time. I very much desire you to sign up for </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Patreon</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> to see the results of the bathroom, and for your pleasure; in addition, I have plenty more spectacular episodes to come. (I also share many spiritual videos on my </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Patreon</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">; therefore, if you aren't interested in a project, you may yearn for how to manifest an exemplary life.) I wasn't planning on refurbishing my folk's cottage bathroom; however, one day, on a whim, I thought; I should spruce this bathroom up for my dear parents, as it's looking a bit dingy. It's been a bit longer than I anticipated, but it'll be worth it. The exciting notion is that it will most assuredly be something that you can do for your very own bathroom, and when I say allotment (budget), I mean quite low, as in under 200 quid/dollars. (I'm curious if you're similar to me on the score that when someone says I've done this or that and the tenth on a low budget, yet it's a small fortune, well, I ask you. My darling, give anyone under the sun with an allotment that large and they can perform miracles.) Each to their own, I might need to fine-tune and adjust my money sails. (Wink, wink.) </span></span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tomorrow, I'm publishing a tiny Halloween craft, so at best, you will have a video episode for August. I know it's a tad early for Halloween, though I thought you'd enjoy it. Gather these bits together so you can make a wreath or two for your doors this Hallow's Eve. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">•1 or 2 medium-sized grapevine wreaths, or make your own wreath from Confederate Jasmine vine as I did.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">•A spool of wide black silk ribbon, you need nearly a whole spool for each wreath, as we will make the tails very long, perfectly dark and dramatically theatrical. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">•Lastly, you will need two types of tools; I chose two hatchets. I wanted spears because that seems most appropriate for a mermaid's cottage; however, I'm not dressing the cottage this year as everything is boxed up and ready to go to our forever home. I plan to use the two wreaths for my mum's cottage to take photos as she doesn't fancy the Halloween season. She likes fall decor, though. I giggle sometimes, wondering how I am her daughter as I love everything most opposite of her. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I want you to feel comfy and cosy as you read this article, as my intention is for you to feel restorative with treasure trove measures to gain leverage when someone attempts to run foot you.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Despite what my ex-ole' sod tells folks (my children included), I am the one who divorced my ex, ill-suited mate. (The details will also be in my book, The Little Mermaid's Transformational Tale and much more. I determined to have the last word.) Nonetheless, a narcissist carries out, taking pleasure in spinning yarn to make others believe the actual victim is the villain.</span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Let me get on. In 2015, I filed for a bill of divorce from my ill-suited ex-mate. That was four years before my dear boy Sawyer's death and four years of being alienated from my children. I must say I never lost connection with Sawyer as he was my one child who could not afford the manipulation by anyone, most particularly if anyone tried to keep him from his dear Mama. Today marks seven and a half years since I've set eyes on my two sons, and that is not for lack of trying. These days, I've made peace with them and myself, and I have been </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRZ-kTIGRwY" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">"living in the end."</span></a></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Furthermore, I am on speaking terms with them, and it's only growing more pleasant with each passing day. My happiness abounds whether my children are in or out of my life. As a mother, we must care for our souls, stay in good health and focus on our mental well-being above all others. This measure is vital in remaining present and knowing with confidence the children will return in our favour. We must be selfish, and selfishness is a gift, not a notion of ill regard. Make no mistake, my dear hearts, if we as mothers do not place our mental health at the forefront, we will not be triumphant in reuniting with our children. You cannot pull blood from a turnip. My first treasure trove tip is to fully stop focusing on the children for the moment and become mentally resilient by your very own lot. Afterwards, once stable, we work from there and up the emotional scale of resolution, we go. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was in the fourth year of my ex-mate alienating my children when Sawyer transitioned. (I must stress that I am not a sufferer (victim), so when I speak in this post, I am teaching from the mindset of my scars and not my wounds, which is most important when assisting women (men, too) through parent alienation. Well, anytime I'm teaching, really. I'm writing this post to help assist others who have or are currently encountering parent alienation. My method is for teaching purposes, and it's vital to share my stories with you, my dear kind, dear hearts. When a narcissistic person (pardon me for using the word as I am incredibly aware of its overkill in usage, yet I digress) is working diligently to harm a person, their hatred for an ex-mate is much stronger than their love for their children. The dodgy characters will spew and swear all sorts of traumatisation tactics, and threats are a rapid go-to. For one example, my ex-ill-suited mate promised: "he would spend the rest of his life making me pay dearly for what I had done, that all of this was my fault and that the children needed to know their mother is the one who ruined the family." That kind of menacing chatter cheers me up no end. Do you know why, my dear hearts? Now that I have mastered manifesting, I welcome learning exactly how to demonstrate success in ridding a narcissist once and for all. I'm going to teach you how to as well, and it's not like anything similar to what you've learned from a therapist or TikTok, I assure you. My methods are fully proven, and I solemnly guarantee my techniques work brilliantly. I am living evidence.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you've heard or learned, one of the main ways we as women come into contact with these types of dark horses is when we as women come from a wounded and dysfunctional childhood; most notably, we have spent our lives as quite insecure lasses. And dare I say it has loads to do with our upbringing in religion. Religious practices mainly teach little girls to be submissive, and that is often at the expense of her identity in possessing confidence. To surrender to (primarily) males, we are brainwashed. I am not apologetic for addressing this manner, nor am I bashing men. I love men, so allow me to clarify and clear that straight away. Authoritative figures are the devil wearing a suit and tie, and that is the truth more often than it's not. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Not all Christian folks, mind you; however, many exist. The unfortunate notion, too, is that the women who refuse to see this from such intensely infused blinders will struggle for many years as they are asleep. I understand this as I speak from experience, and I've spent many o' hours assisting women in religion who've also experienced similarities.)</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What I teach you on this ole' blog is not hearsay; I lived it. Let me preface another matter about insecurity. I mean no disfavour whatsoever when I speak of women being insecure; we all are in one area or another until we learn to be influential, conscious creators of our reality. We attract these classifications of individuals because of something I termed "mermaid mirroring" or the law of assumption, as Neville Goddard clarified. However, when you begin to understand that you are God and no one has any power over you, you take back control, leaving others with zilch leverage. No one possesses an ounce of power to do anything to us unless we refuse to accept we are consciously creating our reality every single solitary moment of our lives. Our beliefs create our reality. Change your beliefs, you change your reality, and everyone has to show up in the manner in which we view them, or else they no longer show up at all. It is universal law; that is how it is, and it is unchangeable. </span></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YhiHdoIfVthpiyS1qWnKWm47rSWPR97Z_nj4uw-ObTxYomvFROBQovl1sUzCstSV1UZLpsS1HFKUFvDUzKxIPDfRo8bKCg6UMUgYa3aivVjvACOqiLVFYZNTWIRlxHCVCUElFsWDi91I-LyVe5sToe8MBsch53HRy2TmOfBsXGBQxmboNunYerc0QgQ/s640/english%20countryside,%20white%20fence.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YhiHdoIfVthpiyS1qWnKWm47rSWPR97Z_nj4uw-ObTxYomvFROBQovl1sUzCstSV1UZLpsS1HFKUFvDUzKxIPDfRo8bKCg6UMUgYa3aivVjvACOqiLVFYZNTWIRlxHCVCUElFsWDi91I-LyVe5sToe8MBsch53HRy2TmOfBsXGBQxmboNunYerc0QgQ/w480-h640/english%20countryside,%20white%20fence.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">What a delight! The other delightful portion of the news is that one should literally not give a moment's time on an ex-mate, for the karmic retribution they will encounter will be more than most humans will be able to handle. I promise you, dear hearts, knowing the nefarious notions my ex-mate has done that I'm aware of, and the many that I'm not is more than enough to calmly know within that he will receive a reckoning to behold, and I have not for one day after learning to love myself and creating a new life thought about that part of my past. I am indifferent. I no longer hold any emotion, and when one approaches, that kind of willpower is impermeable. I have a clear conscience, and I can truthfully say I not once retaliated against my ex-mate (although many times I wanted to avenge him more than you could imagine, and it wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination, I refrained from doing so and sent out love despite his actions) therefore any karma coming my way, is such loveliness I cannot contain it. If, for a moment, you think I do not understand the vitriol that occurs when dealing with a mentally ill individual such as an egocentric dark horse, you would be wrong. I do not feel it necessary to drag out all the experiences I went through; by all means, it does not imply I haven't been 'through' it. Humans can be purely cruel and deviant behind the scenes, which is their mode of oppernde. </span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The incredible notion of this content is that I want you to understand why and how imprinting new beliefs is vital to achieving such success. It was so beneficial for me to take my power back, and when I created new thoughts, I was so much healthier. Because knowing how to manifest is the golden treasure you need to manifest your children back into your life. When we realise we are the God of our reality, we understand that to create what we desire is all we need to make things the way we want them to be. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">No other being on the planet can do anything to us. When I teach you in the YouTube video accompanying this post how to understand the law of assumption, no human being has any control over you anymore. You will learn how the universal laws work, how you are THE GOD of your reality, which wields them to your advantage. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You know me by now, and I do not apologise for what I teach. I will repeatedly teach women first to become emotionally of sound mind and then.</span></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">If you'd like to work with me on your self-concept, self-development and spirituality please feel free to email me at Raquel@RaquelCarter.com, or you can direct message me on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquelmargaretcarter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">.</span></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Most affably yours til' my next swim, Razz </span></span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-44905976881333299502023-08-21T04:15:00.006-07:002023-08-21T04:28:30.227-07:00The Art Of Struggle, Creates Art<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFYx7z5x7Dkt27VZy-TSTTOHyB_o5FZKfZVvzx7HL93NQaIvpNARyxY7-bEP7ynhYCMoY6qRSaRVfMSCqKCdbZLATFtsk7s1E1tpTUXpzRIlPenBEsUfKb0SQelA9gFLLW41u6F0uR5BWzNVZTEIS8rUZ24rNA9qP6beNUTRttFiCSx96_FlrF_WrYwk/s1100/victorian%20%20girl%20reading%20a%20book.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1100" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFYx7z5x7Dkt27VZy-TSTTOHyB_o5FZKfZVvzx7HL93NQaIvpNARyxY7-bEP7ynhYCMoY6qRSaRVfMSCqKCdbZLATFtsk7s1E1tpTUXpzRIlPenBEsUfKb0SQelA9gFLLW41u6F0uR5BWzNVZTEIS8rUZ24rNA9qP6beNUTRttFiCSx96_FlrF_WrYwk/w640-h432/victorian%20%20girl%20reading%20a%20book.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Good morning dear mermaid hearts,</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br aria-hidden="true"></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Did you pour a cuppa? If not, I'll wait.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFi5vaxpUyysJis4GT8s3ZjDMUCTmHldU_R5vT-_gdWOc80uUNYCTlFzcEDluD_ChwSXWeuIPTFQtQd_5fe4MmxMprn7rVuZZ7FHeGvHoMaRknCpdgRv_K_IdSDYrhc_ue7_bypbTZYL5m3Pi7_lqh-rl3zbtWezPzje4mxRVSgh1ju4Z3MvWu4S2jO4/s800/blue%20tea%20cups.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFi5vaxpUyysJis4GT8s3ZjDMUCTmHldU_R5vT-_gdWOc80uUNYCTlFzcEDluD_ChwSXWeuIPTFQtQd_5fe4MmxMprn7rVuZZ7FHeGvHoMaRknCpdgRv_K_IdSDYrhc_ue7_bypbTZYL5m3Pi7_lqh-rl3zbtWezPzje4mxRVSgh1ju4Z3MvWu4S2jO4/w640-h426/blue%20tea%20cups.jpg" width="640"></a></div></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Okay, you're back?</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br aria-hidden="true"></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">One must merely allow the moments of discontent to pour and reign over us at some point. I had to allow myself to receive the drenched melancholy of utter displeasure in the previous week.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span></span></div></div><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/08/the-art-of-struggle-creates-art.html#more">Continue Reading</a>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-14278670961824533472023-08-17T15:57:00.005-07:002023-08-17T15:58:58.578-07:00A Little More Housekeeping About Abandonment Disorder, How To Heal It and What To Do When A Person Bears a Mighty Grievance Against You<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxkvwCM3Zt6BP3K27JpusKmIh01DOU_x851q4LWrlVYPmgqK2tGHqE2L3NM7n1wihjHdjM0HWqRaXmWTQ2939gYVQZirk6jKYIDbS4Bs0Mxhs4XJPut69LcN4izwjDZoW_uNU5V9zpOY3oGZkXUu1mVQ5cfotS6Z0OOLgvUobtXP9bpgCRnLiue0XRl4/s640/tasha%20tudor%20fall%20pumpkins%20victorian%20magazine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="586" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxkvwCM3Zt6BP3K27JpusKmIh01DOU_x851q4LWrlVYPmgqK2tGHqE2L3NM7n1wihjHdjM0HWqRaXmWTQ2939gYVQZirk6jKYIDbS4Bs0Mxhs4XJPut69LcN4izwjDZoW_uNU5V9zpOY3oGZkXUu1mVQ5cfotS6Z0OOLgvUobtXP9bpgCRnLiue0XRl4/w586-h640/tasha%20tudor%20fall%20pumpkins%20victorian%20magazine.jpeg" width="586" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning my dear mermaid hearts; from over here in the countryside where the Spanish moss sways in the olde oak trees, I bid you a joyful morning. Pour yourself a cuppa. I am having a cup of this new tea I collected at ye ole' Walmart. Unexpectedly thinking it would be an epic fail, I was happily surprised this tea is hands down some of the best I've tasted, and that's saying a lot when my taste buds are accustomed to a bit dear (pricey) tea. If you're ever in a pinch, I highly suggest HT Harney and Sons Fine Tea. I've also tasted the other flavours too, and they are all very tasty.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x2EQOvhRsHSifKsg8eUMsEBrY3CHVrjYasQjflVFrdzNn2FMq4-aBTgsqolvf0J47Xw51HhsBasVPmfzxxSWCMI4CCvQznazXHmGm9wBjrBzPIwBHDAlrNJAhSihuhfxs7yaWJbXEG4LOW4aKhtajfvDEx3dVo8vy4zJPecYqnCkg7EN_ebeag4yWv0/s640/HT%20tea,%20hot%20cinnamon%20sunset.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x2EQOvhRsHSifKsg8eUMsEBrY3CHVrjYasQjflVFrdzNn2FMq4-aBTgsqolvf0J47Xw51HhsBasVPmfzxxSWCMI4CCvQznazXHmGm9wBjrBzPIwBHDAlrNJAhSihuhfxs7yaWJbXEG4LOW4aKhtajfvDEx3dVo8vy4zJPecYqnCkg7EN_ebeag4yWv0/w482-h640/HT%20tea,%20hot%20cinnamon%20sunset.jpeg" width="482" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you were to run up on me, you might think me a bit mad, as I've brought about vocabulary to create a soft and cosy place to position yourself as an escape for the day. I expect that upon your logging in and visiting me, I will be able to carry you to a place of feeling safe and loved. There is something that I know about myself, and that is I tend to be a speck rigid and salty on days (as I am sure we all can be at times), and that is when I feel the gentle thought to use a bit of applesauce to soften myself up a little. I am still learning the art of balance, and each day I am given another chance to exercise that harmony.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">I commenced this topic on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquelmargaretcarter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> the other day by sharing that I am fully aware I am a villain in some folk's stories, heroin in others, and neither has to do with the woman I am to myself. It was brought to my attention that there has been a bit of mischief and dark horse behaviour occurring behind the back gate in reference to me, and rather than take it head on and use the forces of which I am equipt to utilise, I've once again shown myself that my focus to outwit my opponents is quite robust and not worth my valuable time. Whereas frequently I am a wordy type of lass, in short, I will state that the one and true only reason a person has a conflict with you or me is a test from the Universe/God/Source to see where we are in our spiritual voyage and also to reflect on us if these folks can still touch upon our wounds. If they cannot, that is brilliant. If they can, then the issue lies within ourselves, for this becomes apparent we have more thinning of the veil for the revealing of what we must overcome. Yes, my darling, I always bring it back to the understanding that every encounter we have, whether good or bad, is a direct reflection of </span></span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">our</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> growth. At all costs, I will hold myself responsible for my life, as should you. The answer to such nonsense on stilts is that I constantly remind myself to remain focused on all of my brilliant dreams that are manifesting, the abundance that continues to reign down on me and remind myself that they are bleak disruptors, that for them they haven't spent any time in all of these decades to perform the inner work on themselves to expand and that is rather unfortunate. I am not terribly impressed to watch such bitterly stagnate folks that I went to school with and grew up around, knowing they remain in the same type of mindset from way back when. They could have been so much more, yet they still act vilely, not realising their karmic debt is soon coming round' the bend to receive payment of said pied piper.</span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Again, the olde rendition of me would've felt a shaking beneath my feet of powerlessness, yet, the woman I am today holds all of the influence. There is nothing more delicious for me than to inspire women to regain their personal power over their foes.</span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbemwGZewKs2KASrkPshP9Vwc5cG1RWLcOh8ME-pJjyephi2ewAGhKTnGfPZLGXnAuTZpW4b451VgXNBJJHDGOmlFERogAuEukmD-FuXCV4C1KUijx8jakDc7E-OKsVemKemYlVwH72IhX7p_ZzuydPaBb-spetImMLDUazmpvo8ikG8Ko3d3VTl2d-bs/s640/stone%20cottages%20in%20england.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbemwGZewKs2KASrkPshP9Vwc5cG1RWLcOh8ME-pJjyephi2ewAGhKTnGfPZLGXnAuTZpW4b451VgXNBJJHDGOmlFERogAuEukmD-FuXCV4C1KUijx8jakDc7E-OKsVemKemYlVwH72IhX7p_ZzuydPaBb-spetImMLDUazmpvo8ikG8Ko3d3VTl2d-bs/w452-h640/stone%20cottages%20in%20england.jpeg" width="452" /></a></span></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The way to do this is to become the most excellent version of oneself with a foundational self-concept. Otherwise, a woman will be at the mercy of others, emotionally tossed to and fro. I am fully aware that because I am manifesting all of my dreams and living my best life, it is perfectly natural for me to hear the whispering gossip, untruths, and betrayal of some folks in my little one-horse towne. (You've heard the tales of a small town, everyone knows everyone and every little ole' thing.) Bless the ole' bitter Bettys, flying monkeys and acid rain beasts. One mustn't ever allow her dander up, for this gives power to the tragic souls who are quite bleak and poorly. We must remind ourselves that we are doing such good in the world, or else we wouldn't have such pesky individuals trying to trample our spirit. And for this specific occasion, as my opinionated views are popping out, I'd like to say to those of you looking over this, and you deem yourself my enemy (by your own account and foolish pride and envy), you should sincerely make an effort to get your afflictions under submission, for it will not fair well for you by karmic standards, and likewise, the point has come that your malice has ceased to be amusing. </span></span><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now onto other delightful notions peeping through. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've always considered myself a patient woman; however, these last few whisperings of summer, I'd prefer to be wrapped up in an autumn patchwork quilt, with nippy temperatures settled in my little (imaginary, not yet manifested) thatched roof stone cottage. Do you feel the same? I genuinely love autumn and fall. </span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We do not need to dive deep or attempt to heal our inner child. When expounders/gurus declare this, it winds me up no end because it is unnecessary for sustainable change. Furthermore, the more you dig, the more you find. I would think most folks know if they have an abandonment disorder. If you don't, here are a few signs you may have abandonment issues.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr2DtJKxkG7bobSnHxswDYhUNGOn20PL_HTmC-Y9_UjOl-yjRShLIjF5WaJf2JHob9_S9lo9S3B5kuwv5g5Dx66nTkgEgSNGEgjpTpQPq8p54tmuBmJWabynKyIIq5BCu9TRLwjziFtnctfBO0AohPMhfUEt_tLXrZEIKBXq9p3FpLdSshHtBFSHmZWk/s1400/sheep%20in%20the%20english%20countryside.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr2DtJKxkG7bobSnHxswDYhUNGOn20PL_HTmC-Y9_UjOl-yjRShLIjF5WaJf2JHob9_S9lo9S3B5kuwv5g5Dx66nTkgEgSNGEgjpTpQPq8p54tmuBmJWabynKyIIq5BCu9TRLwjziFtnctfBO0AohPMhfUEt_tLXrZEIKBXq9p3FpLdSshHtBFSHmZWk/w640-h426/sheep%20in%20the%20english%20countryside.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I. An early finding is that when someone begins getting close, we will find reasons for stonewalling them or cutting off any ties before they can abandon us.</span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">II. Avoid emotional intimacy. I'd let folks get only so close. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">III. We will stay in unhealthy relationships due to a fear of them leaving us. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">IV. We attach to others too quickly and move on too quickly. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">V. I only partially invested 100% in a relationship. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">VI. People please and never set boundaries. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">VII. I felt unworthy of being loved.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">VIII. We are Insecure, distrusting & constantly waiting and imagining the day we eventually will be left. </span></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">IX. We are constantly jealous of every friend, colleague, and acquaintance.</span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm sure there's more to this list, but these are major ones that I struggled with for most of my adult life. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">No fretting, my dear; I speak on this because I recently went through and healed my abandoned issues and created a whole new belief system, and you can too. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am undoubtedly curious as to what you'd make of me placing a nice little twist on abandonment and calling it an art. I intend fully to continue flipping childhood trauma issues on their heads. When I clarify why folks are the way they are and there is an explanation, we can clear the healing path with sustainable measures. I happen to think I am in the midst of creating a new manner of the way human folks ponder such salty and sour emotions that we have for many o' generations been viewed as "bad." The way in which humans have spent thousands of years swimming away from their innate nature and emotional scales (after over a decade of creating my teachings as a mystic) has baffled me. I suppose that is precisely the reason why I am such a stickler for desiring women to shapeshift into their natural state and dive deep into their emotions and feelings. Suppose we can all decide as beautiful women to follow the flow of supporting one another and showing our vulnerability. In that case, we are more capable of entirely eliminating generational dysfunction and lineage destruction. I am primarily focusing on abandonment, for this is what I was able to move through at the start of the year swiftly, and I know I am more than capable of inspiring women to heal through their lives as well. I consider that I have always manifested that I would remain a vessel to inspire others from the experiences I've had personally. There is nothing more intrusive and deplorable than to have an individual attempt to put me straight, having not an ounce of account history or knowledge in the unfortunate affair of which I am in the midst. I would never do this to others. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It has often been said to me of ladies, "I'm too olde to change, or I can't change. I'm the way I am, and that's that. We are never too olde to change, and if we do not willingly change, an altering by force of unforeseen challenges brought on unknowingly by ourselves will occur. Yes, brought upon by ourselves, for we create our reality. We are the creators of our world. The question is, are you consciously aware of your power, or have you forgotten your inner strength? </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Here is how to change your life quickly. It is done by sleeping with new beliefs from an audio recorder for 21 days until the new impressions imprint on the subconscious (not conscious) mind. It is quite that simple. If you need a hand in developing a belief track, I'm more than happy to help. I share loads of stories and motivational insights on my </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquelmargaretcarter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> if you'd like to follow me there. </span></span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til' my next swim, Razz</span></span></p></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-37317105436921278922023-08-11T22:13:00.014-07:002023-08-14T03:49:02.528-07:00Summer Arrived, And Autumn Is On Its Heels, Teapots, Tea Cups And Printables<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhwQKys13nWy4phN4hSS0FyRbxa8FAizq0DQaZzXhOMaJ0uSIyvyOvdfLodkt0m0JYjs0a5Kv5WT_uDiV8b5IQA-BaNQGy8LYgr0kVeLdvngPa7U7wl-QnUfkKv0jh5UetDv8anVQRlRgv8wQ-7nHGM5lKhMG7Iskej_dHPFJtInlpRNLV9mCa9jMFM0/s640/Chinsegut%20hill%20%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhwQKys13nWy4phN4hSS0FyRbxa8FAizq0DQaZzXhOMaJ0uSIyvyOvdfLodkt0m0JYjs0a5Kv5WT_uDiV8b5IQA-BaNQGy8LYgr0kVeLdvngPa7U7wl-QnUfkKv0jh5UetDv8anVQRlRgv8wQ-7nHGM5lKhMG7Iskej_dHPFJtInlpRNLV9mCa9jMFM0/w640-h360/Chinsegut%20hill%20%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This morning I wrote this post stolen from the wee hours just past six. As the little feral kittens waiting for their breakfast line themselves up huddled beneath the branches of the confederate jasmine-like little soldiers amongst barely awakened lawns, I turn to feelings of how rather enchanting it has been to stay at home. I allow those feelings to sweep through me as I believe in the power of satisfying sentiments. I must be transparent and confess that stagnation has been a struggle these last few months, and I'm not sure about you, but I could use the benefits of change in my life. Although I could whinge on about it, allow me to share a poem about Beatrix Potter, which also sums me up quite well.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeHWNbpOS-XKlFqMpn7mmXl1zSJdOZoQJqnw_wm0k0MKBkFm4ekvXQMtpT5XU7l2bSh1gAxYDyTEoj25hfrHlF9Lu4k1y-1Z7efAoLzT1Rzf0N7Oj_RStQ0VYQcFNCVE9qP3NCpf6AReNR-M1F337zoCeft97FlAOQLtImiNDrJdzE4JcxYrMxQxBOkE/s640/3%20hilltop%20beatrix%20potter,%20I%20am%20the%20next%20beatrix%20potter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="640" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeHWNbpOS-XKlFqMpn7mmXl1zSJdOZoQJqnw_wm0k0MKBkFm4ekvXQMtpT5XU7l2bSh1gAxYDyTEoj25hfrHlF9Lu4k1y-1Z7efAoLzT1Rzf0N7Oj_RStQ0VYQcFNCVE9qP3NCpf6AReNR-M1F337zoCeft97FlAOQLtImiNDrJdzE4JcxYrMxQxBOkE/w640-h424/3%20hilltop%20beatrix%20potter,%20I%20am%20the%20next%20beatrix%20potter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>"It was hard for Beatrix to explain to herself, much less to anyone else, how </span>much she wanted her very own house. She had always loved houses--oh, not grand mansions, like her cousins' Melford Hall in Suffolk, or gloomy, respectable houses like her parents' three-story brick house in South Kensington. What Beatrix loved more than anything else were tiny cottages with crooked roofs, their stone-flagged floors brightened by rag rugs, the ceilings hung with braids of onions and fragrant herbs, the rooms furnished with old-fashioned oak sideboards and grandfather clocks and chairs with woven rush seats."~ Susan Wittig Albert</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">With all the flitter fluttering of weekly news and current events, I am terribly unimpressed, and </span><span style="font-size: large;">THEY ARE OF</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> no interest. I don't believe in depression. I am an eternal optimist. Can we feel lacklustre? Yes, of course, I am human; however, I refuse to believe in anything that seizes my power away.</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the last few months, I've had to accept that I am at a life threshold. At the start, I was distressingly slow to accept my fate for pushing back our move and the cottage remains all packed up. My beloved husband will have surgery procedures soon, and these uncontrollable circumstances are something I've had to come to abide by. The past version of me would have usually been quite upset. Perhaps even present an altered resistance to having a spiritual blowup. Yet, this new woman that I am will mean listening and sharing my heart with the words of those who wander near as I no longer desire to withdraw in isolation alone but feel my soul whispering, assuring me to trust the process. There is significant meaning in every slight detail of my wondering voyage. It's perfect for me, as yours are flawless for you, my dear hearts. I hope you know you may always feel at home here, and if you ever need a hand, I am here for you. This place is your haven. Autumn stands for me, a voice of quietude.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The temperatures in Florida are quite a bit hot, and oh, how I've had so many particulars to accomplish in the garden; however, I can scarcely remain outside for longer than an hour. In a bid to assist you in an unbearable reflection of the heat, let us turn towards tea! If you're a Patron on my Patreon (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The Curious Mind of Raquel Carter</span></a>), you know all about Jeffrey Shawn and me and our plans for the future; it would only make sense that if we are to have a tea room, our own teapots and teacup saucer sets would be the next logical step. Our little tea sets are on their way from England. If you are interested in a collectors set, I ordered a small batch of each. The two styles I have are The Tale of the Christmas Bunnies and the other is The Carter Settlement.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY4G__TUghFw-zs9jV82f8E0WIwjv65rt4J6lCRq8UydABo0fyC3oaiSEYfxkY1NWhlCHVEIeHuwyGr786GsNxXT9RTdiwdXDvVm0mQV7oD963EDIE3bspRt7HEKjU5E6i_O9pWTBc14RbC6-MDgsLb_vAYQLZhd2ZL6MYyu3c2RNVcOA985fqSg75UU/s1248/Teapot%20The%20Carter%20Settlement%20Chinsegut%20hill.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1248" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY4G__TUghFw-zs9jV82f8E0WIwjv65rt4J6lCRq8UydABo0fyC3oaiSEYfxkY1NWhlCHVEIeHuwyGr786GsNxXT9RTdiwdXDvVm0mQV7oD963EDIE3bspRt7HEKjU5E6i_O9pWTBc14RbC6-MDgsLb_vAYQLZhd2ZL6MYyu3c2RNVcOA985fqSg75UU/w400-h308/Teapot%20The%20Carter%20Settlement%20Chinsegut%20hill.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5AsiSMBYgANuwrB81ftPw5UEpPMTND24OEmVHqPolpK5QVQKbwWdeKUwvdqke5yH2mIIGkm2rsYIJXL_GONMCcv5yhuyGaurPolYvAmhbSfLnsnx9Uigu9QjkqEbNUX_kfBTAWd1i_Ncun8ynPoJe3Wa5MWW9PCKkvvVNdZg1qRFatdl-JYHN4GPrDU/s640/the%20tale%20of%20the%20Christmas%20Bunnies%20teapot.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5AsiSMBYgANuwrB81ftPw5UEpPMTND24OEmVHqPolpK5QVQKbwWdeKUwvdqke5yH2mIIGkm2rsYIJXL_GONMCcv5yhuyGaurPolYvAmhbSfLnsnx9Uigu9QjkqEbNUX_kfBTAWd1i_Ncun8ynPoJe3Wa5MWW9PCKkvvVNdZg1qRFatdl-JYHN4GPrDU/w400-h400/the%20tale%20of%20the%20Christmas%20Bunnies%20teapot.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The inspiration for The Carter Settlement tea set is the manor house at Chinsegut Hill. The grounds are also dispersed equally in the illustrations of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Sawyer-Lamb-Raquel-Carter/dp/B0C6P8FQ2W" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The Tale of Sawyer Lamb</span></a>. If you are a resident of Brooksville, you'd fancy a piece of our heritage.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Each teapot accompanies two teacups and two saucers. The pictures above are merely a mockup; however, I assure you the final product is proper brilliance. I won't whinge on too much in a bid to convince you to buy a set because I know my dear mermaid hearts do not need much coaxing. They will be delightful Christmas gifts. If you're interested, place your name on preorder here in the comment section.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I plan to be a vendor at Heritage Days in downtown Brooksville in December. If you are local, I hope you'll pop by and call upon me. I'll have all sorts of handmade home and kitchen goods, including beeswax candles, books, illustrations, and tea sets.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /> There has been vast communication in the world of online blogging and substack about the overly happy and optimistic person, the happy gene and the nefarious manner social media (Instagram in particular) is sending women on the road to ruin when the toxic positivity gets pushed too aggressively. "That believing and focusing on the little things and being happy happy happy is not normal and is more harmful than good." I will call this into focus, my dears, as I have a few things to say about the topic, regardless of not enhancing my popularity. Happiness is a choice. Internal joy is a lifelong pursuit. Is happiness fleeting? Yes, but a deepness of joy is an inherent emotion. The objective of life is to fine-tune one's preoccupation with an emphasis on priority. Actually, for the majority, having grown up in a world where external forces are the way to get happy, or if we have money, connections, or success, it is possible to be satisfied at all times. This sentiment isn't true. Happiness is fleeting, yes, but joy stands if it is worked upon to become a character trait. Joy is a most devoted sensation and must exist as a pursuit to achieve, for this is our employment as human beings. As little children, we knew what intrinsic joy felt like; however, many of us were taught and integrated away from these deeply natural tendencies. We must get back there.</span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLEOWI3h41lpc9xooeE79_OjFojs0QYood5Zh7Z9zoQOUHRkFDTKt6XxNcyYCrcixCCAIupX07U4nOb87RKUce3a5z1vOv7Qkx6PXCvv0IrOr4Me7S_nVLptagk7ni-cM1Sr-HmN6Qriucf20PtVH3ECfPUI95sIXGT5-ETcGr5yujU2-5YBZkyLjPa0/s640/Easily%20Distracted%20by%20kittens%20and%20garden.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="487" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLEOWI3h41lpc9xooeE79_OjFojs0QYood5Zh7Z9zoQOUHRkFDTKt6XxNcyYCrcixCCAIupX07U4nOb87RKUce3a5z1vOv7Qkx6PXCvv0IrOr4Me7S_nVLptagk7ni-cM1Sr-HmN6Qriucf20PtVH3ECfPUI95sIXGT5-ETcGr5yujU2-5YBZkyLjPa0/w490-h640/Easily%20Distracted%20by%20kittens%20and%20garden.jpeg" width="490" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Easily Distracted by Kittens and Garden"</span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have a few new paintings to share with you. I made prints of "It's What Friends Do", and if you're interested, I have four remaining prints left in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RaquelMargaretCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Etsy shop</span></a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTrtKhy-gEeFFjuvZoayx7Q-NUcR6sVnlne3WHX_Esm9WnfllzpM8kuLSKTE9g-5EzbLuP4MwCz52egR5oMIGVN7apPnKwl_VQ-2YCq2n2Cezv5wnDB9-DMfvWdNnoYwz-t0WRGB09SFdi1sZOIM1TELiCEH15Ezd_CkFzTWuQd3kLuum_VwYS2d9WBU/s640/its%20what%20friends%20do.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTrtKhy-gEeFFjuvZoayx7Q-NUcR6sVnlne3WHX_Esm9WnfllzpM8kuLSKTE9g-5EzbLuP4MwCz52egR5oMIGVN7apPnKwl_VQ-2YCq2n2Cezv5wnDB9-DMfvWdNnoYwz-t0WRGB09SFdi1sZOIM1TELiCEH15Ezd_CkFzTWuQd3kLuum_VwYS2d9WBU/w456-h640/its%20what%20friends%20do.png" width="456" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The time is fleeting, yes, of course. Yet, I have been feeling betwixt and between. Without going further into those sentiments too deeply here on ye olde blog, I'll keep those details for my Patrons. Let me state I want to be Lucy when she finds the wardrobe that transports her to a magical world, Narnia. Do you ever have those sensations? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I solemnly understand more with each passing day why my longings are to dwell waxed beneath the moon in an old Victorian stone thatched roof cottage with gaps in the doors and cracks in the window sills where little air draft slips through, shifting the lace curtains ever so gently. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have feelings of unbelonging, and whereas my once upon a time, the natural response would be to flee, I am working through the transitional phase of finding where I belong. To settle my senses and fluttering nervousness as if I am a wild rabbit and the wolf is at my door, abdicating my safety. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The aspect of myself and remaining in touch with my heart chakra went long overdue, tormented by the dreadful notion I honestly wouldn't ever change intrinsically; however, those impulses no longer succumb to my mind. I am improving. I am kinder to myself these days, and with that kindness is being gentle as I move slowly through, rise and thoroughly heal of past displeasure and pains. If I am capable of releasing my emotions to my dearest friend in all the world, I am able to shift rather swiftly. I am very proud of myself for my allowance of vulnerability. If many women would also come to this knowing for themselves, the world and future generations would mend and cure their ailing hearts. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My art and my books have never led me astray, and that is something of which to be appreciative. There is a readiness for the end of summer, and until then, I am confident these emotions will change and change me in all of the good ways. My self-acceptance and self-love have grown wildly and beautifully these last four years.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til' my next swim, Razz </span></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-58373617368418801652023-08-02T05:54:00.003-07:002023-08-02T05:55:04.850-07:00How A Landlocked Victorian Mermaid Washes Her Garments {The Curious Mind of Raquel Carter~Patreon}<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZNXlEn-fLyI3LBUHDKDARkElkUQQSky2fGtXeEzmmUGwjgzHT1gtNAKwjrFkBoVoV2cOvefll0B2K8OisiryBTiZdaSCNngpWv6on45ecevFi1vrcQrW89grtrjQAjVy_vYQgirD_BFIHOIF9runtrVbN0OiIJ-4AP8Ze6KaIUPQtYA90jtJl_2fqrI/s640/victorian%20dolly%20washer.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZNXlEn-fLyI3LBUHDKDARkElkUQQSky2fGtXeEzmmUGwjgzHT1gtNAKwjrFkBoVoV2cOvefll0B2K8OisiryBTiZdaSCNngpWv6on45ecevFi1vrcQrW89grtrjQAjVy_vYQgirD_BFIHOIF9runtrVbN0OiIJ-4AP8Ze6KaIUPQtYA90jtJl_2fqrI/w480-h640/victorian%20dolly%20washer.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My dear mermaid hearts,</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here off the coast of the Florida seaside is where I resolved to create a little life of living my dreams of being an author, illustrator and a landlocked mermaid Victorian lifestyle. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc6u5nyMaNAIZpAmTy5EcyngqTkBBWAsmZf0RD2bSmEyJBTjXeQyAGuuVJmeZICySqHWjVA19UX4JQBP16Po2v1j_Ce_6JUPQ7BdeIfmgJHSI4uwJPqxyG_lO36k2UDNTl6KPlsmAtN4yD3YkRVLc-gWqhGBlu7phAaJnrh63EJAKc0Gdw0scJzShb1M/s1242/Chinsegut%20hill%20with%20bats.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1242" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc6u5nyMaNAIZpAmTy5EcyngqTkBBWAsmZf0RD2bSmEyJBTjXeQyAGuuVJmeZICySqHWjVA19UX4JQBP16Po2v1j_Ce_6JUPQ7BdeIfmgJHSI4uwJPqxyG_lO36k2UDNTl6KPlsmAtN4yD3YkRVLc-gWqhGBlu7phAaJnrh63EJAKc0Gdw0scJzShb1M/w640-h462/Chinsegut%20hill%20with%20bats.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>One of the unique projects I adapted to a few years ago was deciding to live in the 1880s as much as humanly possible on my own accord. By all means, please make no mistake, Im constantly adjusting my sails as those close to me would rather live a modern life. I truly understand their desire to live in the 21st century. Primarily folks think I'm a bit mad that I try to implement olde timey particulars as much as I am capable. Of that lifestyle is learning the art of hand washing my hand-sewn garments.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Let us turn back the clock and rediscover what it is like for me to live in the contemporary world but daily dwell as though I am in an age gone by. </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">I have published the </span><a href="https://youtu.be/FY29LPOHFbE" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">latest Patreon episode</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> on The Curious Mind of Raquel Carter for free to the public. I have done this to give you, dear mermaid hearts and others who have no idea of what I have been up to as of late, an opportunity to view my artistry and see what you receive monthly.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I hope you'll pitch up and support my work. You may cancel at any time.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Here is </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">the link to my Patreon</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">. Take Joy, my fruits!</span></span></span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-34059624909454864912023-07-18T16:05:00.011-07:002023-07-23T14:24:22.841-07:00The Mermaid and the Gardener Scale 3<div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKK-3r_dyy0OyNtqskqC3hwBd858LTvXvHbakPTPDeux188ON-kOamC6Sq8GS6J-iDtEgxSppKaxRv77oVRAGaqIXPqmlgdH2yFcDud2_sqWOtNDk53OsWr-5NptmYnG5dDxmJIjm3ByZ3o1poFV5dCK_uj65S1vpNEw8OqoxQEmdpU0rPcv1KVomdZXU/s209/flanders%20mansion.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="209" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKK-3r_dyy0OyNtqskqC3hwBd858LTvXvHbakPTPDeux188ON-kOamC6Sq8GS6J-iDtEgxSppKaxRv77oVRAGaqIXPqmlgdH2yFcDud2_sqWOtNDk53OsWr-5NptmYnG5dDxmJIjm3ByZ3o1poFV5dCK_uj65S1vpNEw8OqoxQEmdpU0rPcv1KVomdZXU/w640-h367/flanders%20mansion.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "IM Fell Double Pica SC"; font-size: x-large;">[ DISCLAIMER—If I seem to be speaking out of turn, I am. I am a woman no longer holding her breath, waiting for something to end. I am ready for something new to begin, and so I write. As suggested by the lovely Emily Dickenson, she said, “Tell the truth but tell it slant.” As a writer, I’ve restructured particulars to suit better my purposes which is to amuse and teach. I feel inclined to protect (some folks) but mostly myself, and therefore the truths I write are indeed facts; however, they are my impressionistic perspective. Feel free to take this as pure amusement, and perhaps, in addition, one might derive some benefit. No heavy lifting here; let us all remain in one’s good graces, smile and carry on. Life is a game, and so I play it.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "IM Fell Double Pica SC";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "IM Fell Double Pica SC";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”—Anne Lamott</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "IM Fell Double Pica SC";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "IM Fell Double Pica SC";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Preserve your memories, keep them well; what you forget, you can never retell.”—Louisa May Alcott]</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In order for me to share my beautiful twin flame love story, I am unfortunately going to have to tell you more of my saga (back story) with M, and there are no spritely turns of phrase to be found. I know I've tried. It behoves me to write this part of the story, for it is not flowery and pleasant yet quite necessary. It's bothersome and uncomfortable. I feel in my heart, though, it is time, and I want to seal my heart and gain closure.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It was near our end fate of living in California that I kept insisting on taking a trip to Carmel, California, to see the lovely Flanders mansion. When I first moved to California, I discovered a stunning old abandoned mansion that had been sitting empty and derelict for a little over a decade. I became smitten with the estate. I was so happy to spend my days researching the genealogy of the family that once owned the home, history and gaining a rapport with the local mayor of Carmel, city council and historic preservation. There was a non-profit organisation that retained control over the estate, and I became friends with the kind woman; Carmel is the home town of Clint Eastwood, and he had tried for many years to purchase Flanders for himself and fill the wandering hills with sheep, and to preserve it as well. Oh my! If I couldn't be in England, Carmel seemed the next best alternative. I became well acquainted with the mayor of Carmel and all sorts of folks in city positions. Truly that is where my love of community began to take shape. M decided he would drive us to Carmel. This tactic is spirited trickery as he never had an ounce of intention in my living out my dreams of dwelling in an ole' 1925 mansion in Carmel, so why did he even trouble himself? Hoodwinking is a favourite mode of the operand, and M would draw this type of manoeuvre more than once; in fact, it was a steady rotation. I wanted off of the sea's sickening chaotic tidal waves.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">What I would later come to learn is that when egocentrics want to conspire, there are numerous ways they do this, and one is they mirror you. They masquerade, and your interests are their interests. They also utilise their </span><a href="https://abusewarrior.com/?s=flying+monkeys" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">flying monkeys</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">They feign that they are great supporters and go out of their way to lead you down the yellow brick road; however, they have no intentions at all of following through; it's enticing. It's a levity little match they play to make it seem as though they care for you and your passions, yet in fact, they could care less. It will be tucked nicely into a little file in their reservoir to weaponise at a later juncture for their advantage. Before you know it, you've been taken down a rabbit hole of degradation and a wallowing lack of self-worth.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">It is a covert cap full of tricks to pull out when they need to leverage themselves. As in, see all I've done for you! I took you to where you wanted to go; I did this and that for you, and you're never satisfied or happy. My favourite (I'm being a wiseass, of course) is that you are always the mad one, and when you oppose, you're then set </span><a href="https://abusewarrior.com/abuse/gaslighting-phrases/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">ablaze (gaslit)</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">. It is merriment for them; they especially use this tactic whilst around other people, missionaries who've come for supper, your inlaws, children, friends, and co-workers. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I wanted desperately to move to Carmel, so I admonished M to take up employment at the local radio station or even somewhere that would bring in a small living. I could work at the Monterey Aquarium too, and we could do it together. And although we would have to sacrifice, I felt it was my time to shine, and now that the children were fairly all grown and soon to fly from the bird's nest, we could, as a couple, focus on my dream.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I had spent my life since the age of meeting M, following him and advocating his dream. I invariably sacrificed my childhood loves and dreams to help M. I constantly felt as though if I supported M one day, it would be my turn. Little did I know, until that one night in front of the lit fire when all hell broke loose, did it truly and deeply sink in, "This individual is never going to be my cheerleader. It's never going to be my turn, not ever."</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm not sure you've ever experienced that kind of deep gutted pain, where you hear the most cutting words from someone that you thought loved you, and in that distinct moment, you finally receive, and it ultimately connects in your brain that this person from a deep place doesn't actually love you, nor ever did in the manner you were meant to be loved. Ill suited. Your heart had been trying to show you for over twenty-plus years, but the refusal to listen to your spirit that the person is incapable of what you require does not nor ever existed. There is no more making an effort. The options and the desire has vacated your body. You are two separate individuals cut from different cloths and have been all along, but now what you heard can't be unheard or unsee what you've seen. It was as clear as the nose on my face. It was my moment of reckoning with my soul, down to the depths of who I was and what I thought I was.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">A dreadful betrothal doesn't have to be volatile in the sense that there is bodily misusage; it can be just as damaging by impassioned control, and over time one becomes worn down to thread-baring consequences where nothing is left. Nonetheless, do not </span><a href="https://abusewarrior.com/relationships/which-forms-of-abuse-are-the-most-common/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">miscalculate that bodily harm</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> isn't a </span><a href="https://abusewarrior.com/relationships/what-is-reactive-abuse/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">part of the strategy</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">. I will also confess to not being a little saint either. Those several times I squabbled back. </span><a href="https://abusewarrior.com/abuse/a-narcissists-flying-monkeys/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">To then be informed I was making it all up</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">; it never actually happened. Again, repeatedly I needed to be boxed up and put into a mental institution because I was crazy. That I honestly liked and enjoyed fighting. </span><a href="https://abusewarrior.com/abuse/gaslighting-phrases/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Now press that sentence on repeat like a record player for decades</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In the same way, M had made threats when a terrible incident occurred with our son. I knew what threats could become as I had seen horrifying occurrences between my parents. It's a volatile environment. I did what came naturally, adjusted and retreated into my childhood, and lived more on eggshells. I understood a climate with defacement and unnerving occasions. When you are born into an abusive and volatile atmosphere, you know what to expect. You've acclimated to the dreadful abuse; because the abuse is customary. As unhealthy as it sounds to read, I had let myself down once again, and it was no longer a new sensation. I had long been on the road to ruin. He had spent his life taking me apart like a clock. The all-encompassing biological, expressive, and psychological vitriol I was experiencing is technically termed </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://abusewarrior.com/abuse/signs-of-trauma-bonding/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">trauma</span></u></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> bonding.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Without tainting this post with any more unpleasantries, allow me to wrap this up and state that, in my opinion, M is a </span><a href="https://abusewarrior.com/abuse/narcissism/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">dark horse</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I concur with Princess Diana in the aspect you become isolated, more broken and feel for a long time that you have no out. It's such a feeling of despair that you become so sad and defeated that the only out is to take a passport. As Princess Diana needed control, anorexia came to recreate, as so with me.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">After M had taken me to Carmel, with my hopes up, I kept prattling on, making goals and thinking of all the creative ways we could make it work. I longed to live in a place that reminded me of the English countryside, where I could make my little dreams a reality—dashed were those dreams into a million pieces.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">At this stage, I was ineffective. I had overcome the ailment, the pursuant belligerent shouting matches, and then I recollected the words, "You're slothful. I'm the breadwinner, and that's how it will always be, so get used to it. I'm never going backwards, for it is beneath me. I worked to get myself where I am without your help, and you can do the same."</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I replied, "So, are you anticipating I continue to follow you until the earth ends, never settling for twenty more years and having nothing of my own and no home environment of stability?"</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Indeed! I got to where I am </span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">by myself</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. If you want to live your dream, you can do it yourself because I'm not helping you!"</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Somewhere deep, I knew I loved my life enough to change. A feeling you get when you step up on the rise and look over fields of gold. There was something inside of me that erupted. As if there were a brick wall that is quite tall, and each little brick was moments and years of built-up resentment with a few missing bricks near the top. I then felt the completion of the wall. First, beyond comprehension, I was deeply gutted. I felt the descendants of my English, Irish, and Dutch fiery spirits begin to rise, bubbling from the ocean's depth, mentally bemoaning to myself, I will set the whole world ablaze. I had been standing beside someone for so long that I no longer recognised him nor myself.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">My vindication; </span><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/01/extraordinary-news-i-manifested-one-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">to become wholly more well-known and prosperous than he ever dreamed possible</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;">, I needed no more time to know my own heart.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For your amusement, I remember reading once in an article that Lady Gaga said (In a conversation with Cosmopolitan once, Lady Gaga opened up on the roadblocks and revealed an interesting anecdote about her ex-boyfriend and said: "I had a boyfriend who told me I'd never succeed, never be nominated for a Grammy, never have a hit song and that he hoped I'd fail."</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Lady Gaga continued and added, "I said to him, 'Someday when we're not together, you won't be able to order a cup of coffee at the f*cking deli without hearing or seeing me.")</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My story<i> </i></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">isn't complete.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I do not think M imagined in a month of Sundays, I would ever leave nor file for a bill of divorce, yet again, I'm getting ahead of myself. </span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/07/the-mermaid-and-gardener-introduction.html">Scale 1</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/07/the-mermaid-and-gardener-from-tarnished.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Scale 2 </span><br /></span></a><br /></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-72858197644346251552023-07-14T13:39:00.006-07:002023-07-14T13:39:53.155-07:00Trusting Your Gentle Heart; A Lantern Along The Path<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHjfiuu8J8RS2fk1T07FkLDtNAe9I_iVW5Xo8eJ0XaK91sjOKqFIL59gJNidbD5adBpaw9splAahNO3QMUfL39yB4B29AOnZ3uyLdQ1unJvKIDtqstaE37DyoWSGY0w0KAAyGGJpLIOsGlZEuNPV-rQ7b0IyjqsghnwPomWuqXJYsnl3QXFvOZISuZ8E/s640/mermaid%20with%20lantern.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHjfiuu8J8RS2fk1T07FkLDtNAe9I_iVW5Xo8eJ0XaK91sjOKqFIL59gJNidbD5adBpaw9splAahNO3QMUfL39yB4B29AOnZ3uyLdQ1unJvKIDtqstaE37DyoWSGY0w0KAAyGGJpLIOsGlZEuNPV-rQ7b0IyjqsghnwPomWuqXJYsnl3QXFvOZISuZ8E/w480-h640/mermaid%20with%20lantern.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good afternoon dear mermaid hearts, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">One must learn to trust by letting go of the shiny bits and baubles, silvery shimmery sparkling requests, plans of improvements, those moments of waiting to launch, and the pernickety pressures of go-go-go persevering without caution, and make one's little chipmunk nest larger and vastly grandiose than any others on Instagram, shop til' one drops, subscribe to this, sign up to that site, create a new account on that new-fangled electronic app and that beat will go on.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">One might wanderlust at why I've taken to the old-timey ways of living (as much as humanly possible whilst living temporarily with my folks) whilst also turning away from the big black box, exiting screens, wearing modern clothes, closing out old cycles, no longer attempting to save others by being a people pleaser, unhealthy relations by swimming back to what I know intuitively to what I know best, which is myself a truly quieter beauty of life. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm more interested in leaving a bequest (legacy) for future generations, my storybooks, my artwork, and my mindset teachings that will have blessed the planet and proceeded to a continuum. I have a gift of loveliness that my dear sweet mum assured me that I possessed all my long live days since childhood. In my autumn years, I realised that what to believe about myself was not at all true of what other folks invented of me. The truest nature of me as a young lass has always existed as a loving and gentle person. It is a bewitching hour that as we become older and more devoted towards loving ourselves, we begin to see others without rosehip glasses, and once removed, those same souls' dirt and ash have caused tarnishing. They lost their illuminating shine long ago, resembling the pretty ocean fishes, but appear more like the leathery black slick eel or piranha. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Perhaps they do not wish disfavour, but glad tidings they do not wish either. It took me some time to abide that folks can be harsh, cold and unfeeling in this world, and though I know this for I've taken my logic pills, it remains fever-pitch disheartening. I am taking it in stride tho', for the big blue marble is far more generously charitable for being ripe and as full of a bread basket of all-encompassing love than it is not. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am becoming more myself as each blue cornflower sky passes me with rainbow clouds above the eternal heavens bridge; I love my dress, the way the morning dew tips my olive green 1850s prairie handmade house dress as it flows whilst I tend the kittens, cottage bunnies and garden. I am a queen and priestess in my little landlocked realm of heaven on earth. Why would I muddle it up with unpleasantries, the world's demands, olde, worn out and tired stories that folks use on rerun when the voyage I am on is surely a mermaid's charming delight? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This little light of mine, im gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. A lantern to light the way. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This here ole' lil' mermaid has found her voice again. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">All my upbringing of living in love has never forsaken me. Nor will it, ever.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you spend a moment of solitude today listening to your inner voice without blemish and trusting your dear beautiful, gentle heart. Accept the delicateness of your inner child that has so longingly wanted to be assuringly trusted and lovingly adored; trust she will lead you aright, and she will. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">My love to you each, dear friends. Have a beautiful heart-filled day, and we shall chat tomorrow. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably yours til my next swim, Razz</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-77923250817827248562023-07-13T06:46:00.003-07:002023-07-13T06:48:18.513-07:00The Ebb And Flow <div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAg5ur00ArzCBMDnBKZcfjhPpfgKrCo1BO5IeP5zGXsKX-btMjb6UIRqFeOuYzIMj7kSthccMOL4UhgYG7IBLS3J18TLZVvuDh0S2ZoX7b4vyejw6vaUu2zp3S8Ahf-1AjCC_94Z-gv7Nl7t1pPTS8sxK14ofhpvJ5oNdSbURt4rH3BAAdvkMXFg9QQ0/s640/reading%20to%20sheep.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="472" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAg5ur00ArzCBMDnBKZcfjhPpfgKrCo1BO5IeP5zGXsKX-btMjb6UIRqFeOuYzIMj7kSthccMOL4UhgYG7IBLS3J18TLZVvuDh0S2ZoX7b4vyejw6vaUu2zp3S8Ahf-1AjCC_94Z-gv7Nl7t1pPTS8sxK14ofhpvJ5oNdSbURt4rH3BAAdvkMXFg9QQ0/w472-h640/reading%20to%20sheep.jpeg" width="472" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning dear mermaid hearts, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">At the start, when I began contemplating how I should or may shift my online presence, I consulted with my dearly beloved husband. He is my closest confidant, and the second is my most cherished friend, P. It has been weighing upon my heart for some time now as I've been truly trying to find those kindred spirits to share with my online offerings. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">In 2006 when I began my online blog, there wasn't competition in my world. I merely wrote to jot down my feelings and diary my daily online giving. Upon tucking my wee cherubs into bed and saying their little prayers that fairy beasts wouldn't come for them from their balcony windows, I would type away, never knowing where or what I was attempting to accomplish. I enjoyed it greatly and deeply felt the desire to share, whether by words or a </span><span style="font-size: large;">DIY</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> project; now, looking back, my soul longed for womanly connections. I was somewhat motivated to write and create, yet a great deal of my motivation would ebb and flow like the ocean's tides. It would rise, and then a crashing wave of thunder would knock it back down. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the beginning, I was doing it for no other reason than for the love of it, and I enjoyed it whilst it lasted. Then in 2017, when everything came crashing, and through a series of unfortunate events, I lost eleven years of my online words, a swift desire to write online again deeply awakened within me. I knew I would have to utilise my wheelhouse and a great notion of tenacity by beginning all over again. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">My blog has remained, and I plan for it to sustain itself for as long as I can put words together and create art. When I filed for a divorce from my ex-ill-suited mate, my blog was there for me. It was my happy place. When my son died, my blog was there for me; again, it was my happy place. The slow recovery of healing from a most difficult experience brought me back into the land of the living. All that I care for has improved because I have an allegiance to my online presence; this blog. I believe deep within my heart many women also desire similar notions as myself, and this is why I have such a compassionate nature for this space. Though it is small, it is mighty. If you are curious about why I began asking those who enjoy my work to sign up for Patreon, it is for several reasons; one is that for a very long time, I had difficulty loving myself enough to feel I deserved to be rewarded (paid) for my craft. I often think many women also grapple with this notion; this matter at heart is why I feel a great deal of responsibility to inspire women to rise to the occasion of deeply recognising one's worthiness. To find wisdom and delight in writings and illustrations and so many helpful, moving and beautiful things is what brings us together in love and companionship. The notions and matters I care about, read and adore are at the heart of why I carry on with my little niche online. I want you to know how much your example of showing up to read my blog and <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">sign up for my Patreon </span></a>means the world to me. It is a sign that I mean something to you and you care about me because we have a tethering cord strung about from soul to soul, linking us as dear, intrinsically bound friends. I believe our only challenge as women is if we aren't willing with gentle, loving hearts to unite. Otherwise, nothing is keeping us from creating the most extraordinary fairytale world; fairytales give us our imaginary wings to believe anything is possible. We, as women, are the mothers; we are the rulers asunder the moon and the shining stars of a most wonderful poetic world. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I understand the weighing and the negatives of the world, yet I am an eternal optimist, and I find when I share goodness, more goodness reigns upon me and (you), my darling friends here in this special little chipmunk's nest. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As of late, I have felt called upon to discern how to make my online life and business feel more like sitting upon a rock next to the ledge of the ocean sending out my thoughtful ripples whilst also deeply feeling the connectedness of others. And although there will be constant waves, rushing rivers and brewing storms throughout our lives upon the billowy ocean of anxiousness, our underwater haven will be the place of calm, gentle ripples where life is slow, homey, happy, old-timey and simplistic. This kind of life is much needed.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">My dear hearts, our lives take fastidious employment, for it will always require toiling away to shift our minds and focus from the algae smudges on the porthole looking out of windows from an outside world full of distraction. It requires conscious effort to swim furiously against the tides and currents that would lead us off course away from our imaginary world of Taking Joy and Following our Bliss, yet as long as we are in this together, no tide can separate us, for we have life rafts for all. Today this is my deepest and most sincere letter messaged in a bottle. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope your day is beautiful and worthy of bringing a smile upon your face. You deserve it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">{P.S. I very much wish upon a star that <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">you'll sign up for Patreon this month</span></a>. I am not charging for the month of July, although I will be putting out a brilliant video titled; "How A Landlocked Victorian Mermaid Washes Her Garments." I include links to all of my favourite ancient ingredients, victorian labels you can print off for your very own antique bottles and jars, and ancient recipes for bits that are soiled and stained and demonstrate how I made my own dolly from scratch. All of this and much more.}</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most affably, yours til my next swim, Lady Raquel (Or if you're my friend, you can call me Razz)</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-64649577212015148022023-07-11T14:30:00.001-07:002023-07-11T14:33:34.594-07:00The Mermaid and the Gardener ~(From Tarnished Scales to Loving Fairytale) Chapter II <div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32mMf0dqjNm6ziIfOAW9JkZp7nnKdYD-hh-HbpH5pHW6dOPFIAJaEeiIitfpbq-gTvkDM2g03DH6vvGIO-sfs5xvLlWIqpIz4AuNRr4Wq_KXyUDV4la9dmeqRB09jEgTyhKGcJ3f-N53oFAz4b1gEWtclRF4zIAXnvWsE0RUD9YYxKo2IkL3O7toxJb0/s640/mermaid%20raquel%20with%20oliver%20watercolour.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="477" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32mMf0dqjNm6ziIfOAW9JkZp7nnKdYD-hh-HbpH5pHW6dOPFIAJaEeiIitfpbq-gTvkDM2g03DH6vvGIO-sfs5xvLlWIqpIz4AuNRr4Wq_KXyUDV4la9dmeqRB09jEgTyhKGcJ3f-N53oFAz4b1gEWtclRF4zIAXnvWsE0RUD9YYxKo2IkL3O7toxJb0/w478-h640/mermaid%20raquel%20with%20oliver%20watercolour.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">[ DISCLAIMER—If I seem to be speaking out of turn, I am. I am a woman no longer holding her breath, waiting for something to end. I am ready for something new to begin, and so I write. As suggested by the lovely Emily Dickenson, she said, “Tell the truth but tell it slant.” As a writer, I’ve restructured particulars to suit better my purposes which is to amuse and teach. I feel inclined to protect (some folks) but mostly myself, and therefore the truths I write are indeed facts; however, they are my impressionistic perspective. Feel free to take this as pure amusement, and perhaps, in addition, one might derive some benefit. No heavy lifting here; let us all remain in one’s good graces, smile and carry on. Life is a game, and so I play it.] </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Truth, in her dress, finds facts too tight. In fiction, she moves with ease.”—Rabindranath Tagore </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”—Anne Lamott</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Preserve your memories, keep them well; what you forget, you can never retell.”—Louisa May Alcott</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">{If you're bright, shiny and new here, I have begun writing my love story. If you'd like to swim along, begin reading the first chapter <a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/07/the-mermaid-and-gardener-introduction.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">here</span></a>.}</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">One year earlier, I was living in California. M was staying sat on the couch whilst I was busily loading firewood into the fireplace. M advised me that we needed to have a proper family conversation for the days prior they sacked him (of which years later, I uncovered his sacking was due to various nefarious measures and not a simple parting of ways), and we were going to have to come up with a plan to accumulate some money quickly for we would need to move again for the 19th (seriously, no exaggeration) time. We had not been in California for scarcely a year, and I had been growing depleted and thinking of taking a passport (let us leave it there because this post is on the webby, and I would rather it remain entertaining rather than dreadfully depressing.) If it’s escaped your notice, I am trying to paint you an image of how utterly sad and broken I was and had been for many o’ years. I had spent my entire life devoted to my children. It was the children and me, and we vastly existed as the five-fountain of variety as M was rarely ever home, and when he was, he was distracted in his chamber, on social media or rather engaged in his many nefarious, occupying extracurriculars (read between the lines there, if you please).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">My blooms had long gone off the rose. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Several months prior, I had broken into</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">such an illness that I felt as though I wanted to perish. Allow me to do my level best to tell you all the ailments I had simultaneously, and upon my fortnight of illness, I had relegated myself to the downstairs settee to avoid my husband. I had developed strep throat, a UTI, two kidney stones, the flu, an injured knee and a toothache from the fiery pits of hell. I spent one night crying into my pillow (and before you inquire why I didn’t seek a physician’s assistance, we did not have health insurance, and I was in no hurry to rack up doctor bills; I’m a provident lass) from the toothache and the kidney stones as I struggled to pass them. I was in so much pain, and the only time M came downstairs was to chide me by saying, “Can you keep it down? I’ve got to get up for work in two hours.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">There’s a point when malice ceases to be amusing. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This stint of illness lasted for about a fortnight; in that fortnight, I lost nearly ten pounds. I was severely dehydrated and could not stand, and I am sorry to say that I did not begin feeling generously better from being nursed back to health by none other than myself. I remember pondering to myself that if God (for at that time, I was still an active Mormon, and so I prayed that I became well again) would assist in my healing, I was changing my life from that juncture. The first thing was to remove myself from my god-forsaken union devoid of love, and the second was to leave religion altogether. They had never served me well. I was entirely unhappy and remained so for decades. I couldn’t for the life of me understand why I was altogether miserable beyond blue comprehension in two profound religions. If anyone should be happy, it most assuredly should’ve been me. I did everything “required” of me, and I still wasn’t pleased. Heaven forefends I constantly had a go of disagreeable measures with the many male authority figures. I question everything in life, and when you question male authority, it’s not taken on the chin. I am not devoid of commonsense. Do you comprehend, my darling? The repercussions “for disobedience” were upon my head; however, I never gave up or surrendered.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I did, however, stop playing with impoverished florals. Something never quite added up, and I constantly felt like an outsider in my own home and church. All the while, I was fulfilling the commandments and still thought I was on the road to ruin, whilst most Mormons I knew were living the lives of hypocritical heathens and seemed much happier than me. It made no sense; I could not quite grasp the conclusions. I was at my wit’s end, and something had to change. I no longer liked the sound of religion. That change was to be me. My illness made me realise no one was going to save me, and I was so ill that the person who was supposed to care for me was devoid of sympathy when it pertained to me (as it always had); he couldn’t be bothered. In a bitter irony, two weeks later, once I was all well and regained my glow (thanks to my self-care and tending with essential oils), M got a kidney stone. He was so feeble he lasted less than two hours before he drove himself to the emergency room and charged over four thousand dollars in medical bills. I can’t help but feel he brought it down upon his own head.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I felt I was becoming grieved, faced with the looks of perpetual mourning and no longer fresh-faced and innocent. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As one might gather, I was demonstrating signs of being fed up by thee olde sod as he consistently set my teeth on edge. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">“There’s no better way to dismantle a personality than to isolate it.” —Princess Diana</span></div></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941085752213489885.post-2963661688102284392023-07-06T14:17:00.005-07:002023-07-06T14:39:02.461-07:00The Ebb And Flow <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIWmys1SXHzYSrfD7IE4mw5sIpqL78qMOe211SYsT0A5hfBXDMiJ2Qg7J4OUFXgh1q-xRK1-z_sHNhEFRlW_UVbBW8OqqN6Vm3cDiik67B2wkU7X7G2Za9rKqAuuZaw0BaRfQJf6MYUjP2uvge6bNa8MC2sDastRoHvirCdWHDoXGbOzaBHrtEiCAhk0/s640/raquel%20with%20Prudence.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIWmys1SXHzYSrfD7IE4mw5sIpqL78qMOe211SYsT0A5hfBXDMiJ2Qg7J4OUFXgh1q-xRK1-z_sHNhEFRlW_UVbBW8OqqN6Vm3cDiik67B2wkU7X7G2Za9rKqAuuZaw0BaRfQJf6MYUjP2uvge6bNa8MC2sDastRoHvirCdWHDoXGbOzaBHrtEiCAhk0/w480-h640/raquel%20with%20Prudence.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning dear mermaid hearts,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br />At the start, when I began contemplating how I should or may shift my online presence, I consulted with my dearly beloved husband. He is my closest confidant and then my most cherished friend P. It has been weighing upon my heart for some time now as I've been truly trying to find those kindred spirits to share with my online offerings.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br />In 2006 when I began my online blog, there wasn't competition in my world. I merely wrote to jot down my feelings and diary my daily online giving. Upon tucking my wee cherubs into bed and saying their little prayers that fairy beasts wouldn't come for them from their balcony windows, I would type away, never knowing where or what I was attempting to accomplish. I enjoyed it greatly and deeply felt the desire to share, whether by words or a </span><span style="font-size: large;">DIY</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> project; now, looking back, my soul longed for womanly connections. I was somewhat motivated to write and create, yet a great deal of my motivation would ebb and flow like the ocean's tides. It would rise, and then a crashing wave of thunder would knock it back down.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br />In the beginning, I was doing it for no other reason than for the love of it, and I enjoyed it whilst it lasted. Then in 2017, when everything came crashing down, and through a series of unfortunate events, I lost eleven years of my online words, a swift desire to write online again deeply awakened within me. I knew I would have to utilise my wheelhouse and a great notion of tenacity by beginning all over again.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br />My blog has remained, and I plan for it to sustain itself for as long as I am capable of putting words together and creating art. When I filed for a divorce from my ex-ill-suited mate, my blog was there for me. It was my happy place. When my son died, my blog was there for me; again, it was my happy place. The slow recovery of healing from a most difficult experience brought me back into the land of the living. All that I care for has improved because I have an allegiance to my online presence; this blog. I believe deep within my heart many women also desire similar notions as myself, and this is why I have such a compassionate nature for this space. Though it is small, it is mighty. If you are curious about why I began asking those who enjoy my work to sign up for <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Patreon</span></a>, it is for several reasons; one is that for a very long time, I had difficulty loving myself enough to feel I deserved to be rewarded (paid) for my craft. I often think many women also grapple with this notion; this matter at heart is why I feel a great deal of responsibility to inspire women to rise to the occasion of deeply recognising one's worthiness. To find wisdom and delight in writings and illustrations and so many helpful, moving and beautiful things is what brings us together in love and companionship. The notions and matters I care about, read and adore are at the heart of why I carry on with my little niche online. I want you to know how much your example of showing up to read my blog and sign up for my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RaquelCarter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Patreon</span></a> means the world to me. It is a sign that I mean something to you and you care about me because we have a tethering cord strung about from soul to soul, linking us as dear, intrinsically bound friends. I believe our only challenge as women is if we aren't willing with gentle, loving hearts to unite. Otherwise, nothing is keeping us from creating the most extraordinary fairytale world; fairytales give us our imaginary wings to believe anything is possible. We, as women, are the mothers; we are the rulers asunder the moon and the shining stars of a most wonderful poetic world.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br />I understand the weighing and the negatives of the world, yet I am an eternal optimist, and I find when I share goodness, more goodness reigns upon me and (you), my darling friends here in this special little chipmunk's nest.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br />As of late, I have felt called upon to discern how to make my online life and business feel more like sitting upon a rock next to the ledge of the ocean sending out my thoughtful ripples whilst also deeply feeling the connectedness of others. And although throughout our lives, there will be constant waves, rushing rivers and brewing storms upon the billowy ocean of anxiousness, our underwater haven will be the place of calm, gentle ripples where life is slow, homey, happy, old-timey and simplistic. This kind of life is much needed.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />My dear hearts, our lives take fastidious employment, for it will always require toiling away to shift our minds and focus from the algae smudges on the porthole looking out of windows from an outside world full of distraction. It requires conscious effort to swim furiously against the tides and currents that would lead us off course away from our imaginary world of Taking Joy and Following our Bliss, yet as long as we are in this together, no tide can separate us, for we have life rafts for all. Today this is my letter of deepest and most sincere sentiments messaged in a bottle.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br />I hope your day is beautiful and worthy of bringing a smile upon your face. You deserve it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br />P.S. I am having a book giveaway for The Tale of Sawyer Lamb. Merely comment on this post or the <a href="https://www.raquelcarter.com/2023/07/the-mermaid-and-gardener-introduction.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">previous post</span></a>, and next week, I will randomly choose seven winners. I am also sending a sweet little print of the sheep I painted along with each book.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rTYHS8JIaV4" width="320" youtube-src-id="rTYHS8JIaV4"></iframe></div>Take Joy in the little things. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Most affably yours til my next swim, Razz</span></div>Raquel Margaret Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812612528662098774noreply@blogger.com2