Bright Lights For Polly

Swiss Chard Bright Lights
Originally uploaded by Botanical Interests

For more information on Swiss Chard, Bright Lights and load of other things that interest Polly Pierce of Vinca Cards - The Irish Hand-made Greeting Cards Company why not head over to Vinca's-In-Tha-Kitchen. In her latest post Polly exposes long-time cyber friend Jean on her path to self sufficiency...

By the way, this plant which resembles Rhubarb is a vegetable!

Take Care!

Polly Pierce
Maker of beautiful Hand-Made Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationary

God Bless An Phoist

On a lighter note; I can see a white padded envelope to the left of the console, its colorful contents spilling out untidily over my desk. Finally my long awaited prize arrived, in the midst of yesterdays angst!

Mr Postie gingerly passed it to me; through the narrow crack between the door and its frame; hurriedly exchanging "Good Mornings" while I struggled to keep hold of Tilley Two's head between my knees. My poor aching arm wouldn't have held her for more than a moment. Excited as I would have been; to receive my prize from Craft Journal; TT was also eager to GO for poor Mr Postie! She had not been taunted by the ringing of the door bell; it doesn't appear to be working today, the silent delay had alerted me to MP's appearance at the front door.

I was excited about winning my prize. I had been enjoying the anticipation of its arrival,I had just about managed to control myself regarding my urge to bug MP about my parcels impending arrival.Unfortunately yesterdays excitement had been dulled somewhat by the ingestion of the pain killing cocktail!

I had even worried that it mightn't be delivered to my pseudonym. Luckily; MP is a genius. He has the patience of Job; which is essential considering that there are no post or zip codes where we live. There are, however, townland's.

The townland is a postal address which signifies the area in which one lives & it can cover a sizable distance. Often the neighbours opposite will live in another townland, while the neighbours half a mile down the road do not. Occasionally, the next door neighbours can be in another village altogether!

Believe it or not, there is only one house in the village of Geashill. While there are many houses surrounding this one house, not one of them has the same postal address! There appears to be neither rhyme or reason to the allocation of townland names and boundaries and yet MP always delivers on time.

To further complicate matters; MP has to deal with the usual problems of incomplete addresses, over embellished addresses, illegible script, incorrect titles, maiden names, double-barrelled names and in my case the occasional alias. Regardless of the many impediments, MP delivers the mail each and every day with a grin on his face and the occasional salutation.

My rescue dog, Tilley Two does not like men. Indeed, she really does not like men; she hates them. The two exceptions to this rule are my soul mate and partner DG; the second being the postie. It is probably understandable that she sensed the relationship with DG immediately; but could anyone possibly explain why the postie? And another thing, I don't mean MP; our regular miracle worker; it's Oighan, his stand-in.

The relief postie who learnt our crazy round in a week has made friends with my equally crazy dog! Now that does take some doing! Whoa! It does rather illustrate why I have great respect for the An Phoist; the Irish mail company. doesn't it?

So; three cheers for MP, Oighan & all their overworked and underpaid colleagues. Please God, don't replace the human factor with digital sorting machines; there is NO competition for the kindness of man.

Fun Monday!

Evenin’ y’all!

Now then, this post really is going to be just a quickie, especially considering that I have to make a quick Spaghetti ala Bolognaise, serve and eat it all before 7.10pm, which gives me little more than an hour to do both! As much as I love food and cooking there are times when it really is a nuisance and this is one of them.

Anyhow, the reason for this little post script is because Deborah at The Humble Housewife is hosting Fun Monday this month, which for anyone who isn’t aware is an event hosted by a different blogger each month. This month’s theme is family holiday traditions unique to your family, which means it could be any of the public holidays throughout the year and even as embarrassing as the inevitable Aunt Polly falling drunkenly over the Christmas tree.

In our family we have two quite different traditions, one is 'new'; the other 'old'. Both are of equal importance; representing bonds with tradition which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Our Newest holiday tradition is to attend the first matinee performance of the year at three o'clock on New Years Day. Either with; or without the optional hangover, the whole of our family make the annual pilgrimage sixty or so miles to inner city Dublin. Next we invade the seats nearest to the stage and boo-hiss at the cast of the annual Pantomine at the Liberty Hall Theatre.

Since LB was a babe in arms, suckling, oblivious to the hilarious antics of Sammy Sausages et al, this has been our way of ringing in the New Year. It is always great fun, although last year, while feeling a little bit blue; due to ill health; the cast shot me concerned looks of astonishment. For once I hadn't actually succeeded in putting them off their lines.

At one stage I laughed until I cried, and how did I cry; Buffy announced to the whole audience "...ahh, look; Mammy's crying!" With old friends like that I can't imagine a better way to bring in the New Year, especially as it unites three generations in a good Old Fashioned Family Way.

Our next tradition is probably one which is celebrated in most households around the world on the Eve before Christmas. I am sure that my family isn’t unique in our attitude regarding Santa Claus; although at times it certainly feels as though he may have taken a wrong turning. In Ireland, where we live, there is a tendency to large, exotic gifts being delivered under the Christmas tree.

I sometimes feel that our kids are disadvantaged; when the inevitable “What did you get…?” is asked of them. However, I have it on very good authority that Santa’s a cool dude cos he always gives my guys the best presents. This can range from a woollen hat and matching gloves, to action figures, magnetic stones called Oids, bulging eyeballs, caps, mandarin oranges, musical instruments, chocolate, snot in a bottle and so on; you get the picture.

It’s not that Santi, as he is known locally is mean; he just delivers what they really want; generally not the sort of things that stuffy old grown ups approve of. Oh yeah, he always manages to find a mankey old stocking or sometimes a pair of tights (panty hose) which is much more fun than a shop bought felt reproduction. The contents, due to the fact that the bulkier items are sheer hell to extract keeps the rug rats busy for hours on end.

Unfortunately, they do some times decide to blow bubbles onto me as I sleep; followed by all manner of chaotic mayhem on their new instruments, which will range from maraca’s and castanets to tin whistles and harmonica’s.

The absolutely worst of all gifts that the bearded man in the rotund red plush outfit has ever delivered; except for the sea monkeys, has to be the afore mentioned Oids. These magnetised haematite or iron ore ovoids make a horrible cacophonous rattling noise when thrown into the air. I still shudder at the mere thought of being woken up at 4.30am by that! It frightened me witless!

Like I said earlier; Santa is a cool dude, he is the MAN; loved by us all, young and old. Thirteen year old BB; standing behind me reading this as I write, recently told his granny all about him. I think he even claims to have heard sleigh bells last year, or was it the year before?

Anyway, duty is no longer calling me; it is impatient and screaming for attention, knawing incessantly at my right shoulder, so that’s it from me folk’s; dinner is calling!

For more Fun Monday and seasonal traditions go here.

Polly Px Polly Peirce

ps Having frantically & magically created what the English so fondly refer to as 'Spag Bol' in just under an hour, BB & I managed to eat it and arrive almost punctually at the Scouts Den for our weekly meeting. Unfortunately, BB really did eat on the run, with a tea cloth stuffed inside the collar of his uniform shirt in case of spillages and bumps in the road. May God forgive me, for I have sinned...

I can't imagine how MM, our Group Leader can possibly hold down a full time job, and do a degree course as well as all her Scouting Committments; I am worn out at just the very thought of it! Px

Motherly Love or Masochism?

Earlier on today I posted a blog about PIN's, passwords & security, which, as usual led to a tiny rant about miscellaneous loosely associated trivia.

My current password, which I am about to change as a result of this post is the word 'masochist'. I don't really understand where it came from, maybe it's a freudian slip of some kind? As both of my children are too young to be familiar with the word; I reckon my pc is definately safe, for the time being at least.

For the past two days my survival has depended on random cups of tea, 'erbal teas with honey and plain water in small amounts. Whether I like it or not, I have decided that the password is definately applicable at the moment. I am anorexic; in the true medical sense of the word, I am lacking in appetite. I have been getting stomach cramps off and on and yesterday had to carry a paper bag with me wherever I went, just in case; including going to bed - how very romantic!

Meanwhile, I have continued to be the loving mother of two sprogs; both of whom are definately off colour at the moment. LB has had the upset stomach; accompanied by the dreaded squits and poor BB suffered blunt force trauma to his rib cage earlier in the week.

Just in case anyone is considering reporting me to the cops, I should explain that he tripped and fell heavily onto his school bag, in the middle of the road while running for the school bus. Having a generous and sensible grandmother, the afore said bag is robustly constructed, very full and contains a metal retractable handle in its frame. Guess which part of the bag he fell onto?

I could digress here and rant on about the cost of medical care here in the Emerald Isle, but then nobody would ever hear about why on earth I equate motherly love with masochism, would they?

The whole thing about being an adoring mother and partner is that despite personal incapacitation things miraculously get done around the house regardless. Were I still single I would no doubt have migrated back to BJK's where I would have luxurated in the secure knowledge that the kids were safe and my house neglected.If I were childless I would have retired to my bed and died for a few days...

Considering that neither of these options is possible, I accomplished certain tasks in order to die slowly and quietly later in the day, instead. First of all there's the annoying issue of who's going to do the laundry, if I don't?

Secondly, it is finally getting cold; which means that ashes need to be emptied from the stove and fuel brought in. BB is obviously in no fit state to carry anything heavier than a cup of cold (- in case he drops it!) water and LB is as weak as a kitten. Poor DG is out of the house for longer than he is in it; which means we'd freeze to death if we had to wait for him to do it.Unfortunately that certain somebody turned out to be me!

To complete the cycle Spagetti ala Carbonara was whisked up yesterday evening, followed by a colourful version of Beef Steak Stir Fry with Noodles and Five Spice Sauce; both of which were enjoyed by all three of my boys tonight!

To add insult to injury I quietly excused myself; not to be tortured by my own body refusing to show any interest in what I was craving for! I decided to spend some time with my pc instead. At the end of the hall I tortured myself some more; by reading Pioneer Woman Cooks!

Please tell me; someone; anyone that there is a cure! I love my food and I love to cook. I love to eat what I cook! Obviously I also LOVE my family; but please let there be an end to this selfless form of motherly love called MASOCHISM!

Right then, I'm off now, for a quick warming cuddle on the sofa before bed; I probably won't sleep as I haven't been able to take the magic pills tonight, but at least we will all be as snug as bugs in a rug!

Night, night!

Polly Px Polly Peirce

Good News; Tullamore Woman Wins Another Secret Prize

Hello Again & Welcome!

Well once again due to household commitments I intend to keep today's blog short and sweet.Yeah, right! Who am I trying to kid?

Sometimes it can be very easy to let incidentals get you down, can't it?Last Saturday; while waiting in my car, at the graveyard not too far away, I discovered that I hadn't anything help me pass the time. I wasn't in the mood for playing Nature Park on my cell phone; I seem to have grown out of that particular addiction.


True to form my friends were running late; so I had plenty of time to pass. Lo & behold; I spotted a copy of the Gideon Bible - New Testament: Psalms & Proverbs; which had been given to BB, my eldest son by his form teacher.


I took a moment or two to reminisce about how when I was a young teenager my form teacher had given me a Gideon Bible. Way back then I was unimpressed, and wondered why on earth I had been given it.


Over the years I have picked up the various copies ranging from the King James version to the Good News, I even have a copy of the Koran, but I have never really been able to get into it; to study it. From time to time my attention has been drawn to different passages and with age I have started to understand their meanings.


Recently I bought my youngest child LB a first Bible stories book; to help him prepare for his First Holy Communion. Together we read through the bible stories at bed time; their messages being different for us both.


On occasions I am visited by members of our local Jehovah's Witness Congregation. Thomas has often pulled out his bible on the doorstep; to help me understand the events which take place in our daily lives. I don't turn them from the door; intrinsically I am interested in hearing what HE has to say.


More often than not, other Witness friends will drop by for a cup of tea; before they head off home to the village. In my home they are friends; rather than missionaries; they know that I will not be joining their brethren. I enjoy their chat and old fashioned ways, and usually, welcome them with open arms. They are normal people; with the type of old fashioned values I appreciate.


Sometimes I don't feel quite so hospitable, maybe because I am tired or the house is in a state, conversely; on other occasions I will be more hospitable, for exactly the same reasons. It can be such a pleasure to sit and chat with them.


Sometime ago they gave me a gift of my very own Bible; from time to time I do read passages, both with and without their guidance. The Watch Tower & Awake; their bi-monthly publication is a marvellous guide to reading the bible.


Far from feeling silly last Saturday I picked up the condensed copy of the Bible and began to flick through its pages; noticing the tell tale quality of its pages. It wasn't long before I found something of interest to me.


Right at the very front of it is a section intended to help the user find help appropriate to every occasion in our lives. Right there before me lay the references for those feeling anxiety Matthew 6:19-34.


Another publication which I am reading at the moment is "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. To tell the truth; I am actually bored with it and haven't picked it up since I reached the middle a couple of weeks ago.


"The Secret" is about the powerful Law of Attraction. You can call it prayer, wishful thinking, divine intervention, positive thinking, whatever; it preaches that the Universe will always send the things to you which you are thinking about the most.


"The Secret" doesn't contain any great secrets, rather it gathers together people who already know what the secret is. It consolidates what we already know; if only we would take the time to read the Good Book and take it as Gospel...


I do think it's a shame that throughout the western world the Bible seems to have been usurped by science and charlatans, though one might argue that if the same message is being professed, what is the harm?


According to "The Secret"; when I am focusing on how untidy the house is and how I do not want to receive visitors today, the Universe will answer my thoughts by sending the very thing that I want least. The Universe does not recognise positives and negatives and so it will merely answer our prayers by sending us the focus of those prayers!


Anyway, to get back to the title of my blog; 'Tullamore Woman Wins Another Prize' you might be wondering what any of the above has to do with it. In short quite a lot!

I have actually won a prize of a Tricia Goyer book entitled "My Life Un-Scripted". I found the competition while doing some research for yesterdays blogs and immediately read on and then signed up for it. And I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (just check out the comments section!!!! TEE-HEE-HEE!!!!)


The deadline for entries was yesterday evening, but being on a Michigan blog I had time on my side. I read the first chapter of this book on line and immediately felt better about my own life, which only goes to show that it was meant to be.


Karen who hosts the Surviving Motherhood blog is a Christian mum who found God sometime after her crazy teen years; when she found this book she wished, like me, that she had had a better script for her life. I was so enthusiastic about entering the competition that I entered a comment on Tricia Goyer's site as well as on Karen's.


The book in question is intended to make growing up that little bit easier for teenage girls, although with a teen boy myself I think it could also be invaluable for boys too. You know a teen boy is just as vulnerable as a teen girl, they just don't always show it.


So from waiting for my friends to arrive, reading the Gideon Bible, the Jehovah's Witnesses, Watch Tower, The Secret, Rhonda Byrne, Karen from Surviving Motherhood, Tricia Goyer & My Life Un-Scripted we finally get to the point where Polly can say that life is just the way it is meant to be!

Maybe I had better go make a pot of tea...
I have to ask myself then; if this were true why do my friends not haunt this place, in search of tea and a chat!?


Take Care! God Bless!



Px Polly Peirce
ps By the way; did you know that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions!"?

My Wish for ME

After my rather long winded ramble yesterday I thought I'd keep it short today. Please click on the link above (in the title) to view a blog by an on-line friend of mine; Celfyddydau. It is very short & sweet; definately succinct and really explains all of what I was saying about ME/FIBROMYALGIA/CFS yesterday.

The reason it is referred to as a SECRET is because we might look okay on the outside, but we are anything but on the inside. When people can't see an affliction they can be very cruel and apply labels; lazy being one of the most popular ones!

I promised to keep this one short and sweet, so I am off now! Please leave any comments on both my blog and Celfyddydau's blog as I am convinced that this photo will make a difference; if only it were part of an awareness campaign.

Thanks for looking,

Px Polly Peirce

Blog, blog, blog

Hi there!

You know;when I started blogging I had a number of reasons in mind;

1. principally because I make (hand-crafted) greeting cards by hand; using a variety of techniques and welcome the chance to show them off;
2. secondly because it gives me a chance to indulge another passion of mine, which is writing,
3. I love photography and have really only started to be able to do what I have always longed to do, which is to take good photo's on a good camera. There's no point in having them if they don't get shown off from time to time!

The problem is that not everyone shares the same interests. This means that to some I am considered to be an eccentric; while to others I am considered to be quite normal.

I actually don't like the word normal because it infers that anything which lies outside of its parameters is abnormal. I personally consider that a better choice of wording is average.

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In terms of treating patients I cannot recall the many thousands of times when I have been asked "is it normal, nurse?" Most often they are enquiring about their pulse rate, temperature or their blood pressure. On the surface that is an easy question to answer; a simple yes or no would suffice; but, would it?

I have always considered that it is best to be truthful, while protecting the patient from startling facts which might upset them. It is a difficult question to answer, considering that there is no such thing as 'normal'!

Almost always I will answer, somewhat evasively, that it is what one would expect given their age, circumstances, etc., or that it is within expected parameters.

First of all I do not wish to be the person who eroneously informs the patient that in fact everything is not as it should be, or the person to tell the patient that everything is normal when in fact it isn't.

For most people the answers that I choose to give; when asked this question, is more than satisfactory. Only a very few want to know the intimate details of how their bodies fit into the parametres described as normal or anticipated.

I do not believe in telling lies, at least not intentionally. From time to time, like most people I might tell the occasional un-truth, generally due to misunderstanding or misinformation.

Unless I am having a bit of a laugh and playing a trick on someone I do not tell lies, it is not how I was raised and anyway, I can't do so for toffee! When there has been an element of deceit involved in some such plot; I will always apologize and offer an explaination myself to the recipient afterwards. I am normally forgiven quite readily.

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So far, the story to date is that I am a forty-something trained nurse; working in a specialised unit in an HSE Hospital, Somewhere in the Midlands. Due to ill-health I am taking a break to concentrate on the more important things in life, like my health and my family.

As an interest I started to make greeting cards and have been doing so for the past year. I have progressed so quickly in terms of skill and knowledge and am now able to sell my cards, for a reasonable cost.

During this time I have indulged my second passion which is photography. Since BJK gifted me a Canon Powershot digital camera have been enjoying including the occasional photo in my range of cards.

What I have discovered about myself is that while indulging my creativity my mental acuity has improved dramatically. I have good days and bad days, like most people; except my bad days really are bad days.

If I am short of sleep I suffer what can only be described as brain fog; a common complaint amongst the ME/Fibromyalgia/CFS community. On a good day, when I have remembered to take all my meds on time I feel like a million dollars. There is no consistency in my condition and I plan my life accordingly.

At last I am beginning to pace myself. In the past if I was a bit slow after a weekend off, it was probably due to copious amounts of alcohol and very little sleep for three days. Nowadays a glass or two of wine or not taking my tablets till late will have the same effect. If I forget to take my tablets I am doubled with pain, sometimes severe and other times so slight that I feel a bit like a junkie as I take my codeine; nothing else is effective.

I can no longer mash potatoes, so we have them boiled in their jackets. The skins carry the nutrients anyway. DG or BB will mash if they are around. My beloved Le Creuset Saucepan set is too heavy for me to lift without pain. Everyone knows not to get in the way if I am wielding it; from pillar to post and God help anyone that gets in the way as once in motion I cannot stop lest I drop it and its contents.

At other times my joints are so sore that I find it difficult to press down upon my rubber stamps, sometimes I have to do this while standing above the surface; generally my chair.

Sometimes I cannot stand up, either my back will not straighten itself out or I have pains in my legs or feet; sciatica just finishes me off. None of which is ideal for a busy nurse, in a busy unit...
I can no longer lie on my right hand side in bed and if I lay on my left DG snores into my ear and keeps me awake. I don't sleep well on my back and people with ME/Fibromyalgia/CFS are not supposed to sleep on their stomachs. My legs seize and ache if I lie in a foetal position and my left hip goes into spasm for days on end.

My arms, elbows and wrists ache and keep me awake if I curl them up toward me. My sleep is non-restorative and leaves me feeling like I have been run over by a steam roller. It used to be a lot worse.

If I take my tablets on time and in the right doses I do get some relief, and then I think I am Superwoman. I look around at the devastation around me and try not to feel guilty.

I tell myself that I am doing my best and that in anycase it doesn't really matter. The housework will still be here when the boys have left home, in a few years time. Anyway, Quentin Crisp declared that "after the first four years you don't notice the dust!"

I notice the difference and despite the family being supportive and wonderfully patient; it does appear that it is me, 'The Mammy' who is expected to make the difference.

After my huge energy expenditure at the weekend (during the five mile hike) it's important that I take it 'handy' this week; allowing myself the opportunity to recoup. If I don't I will end up putting myself back into a place I do not want to be in.

I don't find the need to justify myself, I understand my condition and the effect that it has had on me. http:Unfortunately people on the outside looking in are unable to see what I see. Apart from the fact that the black pits around my eyes are a thing of the past and the fact that I have put on a couple of stone in weight; I look just the same as ever.

My five mile hike was probably easier on my aching body than traipsing around the National Ploughing Championship showground. At least my body was moving at a reasonable and constant pace for most of the time, instead of dawdling along very slowly and still for extended periods of time while looking at exhibits and waiting for other people to turn up. My body isn't able for that kind of abuse and painkillers were taken as a matter of urgency.

Maybe because I had consumed the pain-killers in advance of the hike,I was able to survive it. On the up-hill climb I had been ready to call it a day more than once; my thighs' on fire; pelvis creaking & groaning, lungs gasping for breath as I heaved my aching body higher & higher up the mountainside. Our guides were very kind and slowed the pace to allow me to catch up. I've been catching up ever since...

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I hate the way my body has been behaving and resent that my being able to do something normal is such a challenge for me. I am proud of my achievements, however, and am determined that nothing is going to stop me from making a success of this part of my life; not even my own lack of confidence!

ME/Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition with chronic fatigue. It changes lives for the worst in many cases and just occasionally it can change things for the better.

Before this thing really got its grips into me I barely saw my family, I was always at work or on call. On my days off I was so tired that I lacked the energy to talk. I was prone to outbursts of temper and simply didn't have the reserves to change things. I was over-tired and under-weight,in chronic pain, stressed out and not myself.

Now that my body has decided to make this stop I am a different person altogether. I love my family and most of the time enjoy spending time with them. I have two dogs, a rat, a cat and a ferret; only the cat was possible before - they're more self sufficient.

My boys most certainly would not be participating in things like the scouts and gymnastics and the teachers in the school wouldn't even know my face. I would be better off financially though.

I used to dream of the day when I could afford to go job sharing. That day would never come, as I knew that I would never be able to afford to do it. It's just as well that we none of us know what the future holds, isn't it?

By the way I forgot to mention that the fourth reason for my blog is that I can let off steam! The only problem is that I didn't think it would take up so much of my time...


Luv Polly Px

Successful Business Woman

Since my eldest child; Biggest Boy started his secondary education at Tullamore College in August things at home have been dramatically calmer.

Littlest Boy appears to have found his own wings; he's started to 'fly' in school and appears to be finally settling into his own space; rather than in the shadow of BB. With very few exceptions homework has been tackled early & without trouble, rather than later. The whole pace of life has been that little bit slower.

Yes, the two boys still quarrel, from time to time they fight in the true sense of the word; ie physically; but all in all life has been so much nicer since the schools' reopened.

BB has fallen onto his feet and, despite an incident early on in the last month, seems happier and more settled. Most of the boys from his old school have gone to the supposedly more 'respectable' Christian Brother's; leaving my lad to get on and make his own way without any pressure.

Communications between BB & LB, myself & BB, LB & DG, etc have all improved and there is less disquiet in the house all round. I get one evening off a week; other than the weekends; and it is lovely.

Scouts on Monday, plus assorted requirements at weekends, Cubs on Tuesday, Gymnastics in Tullamore on Wednesday + Night-Class for me starting this week, Thursday - Recover from other three nights and on Friday Gymnastics in Curragh Camp Gym; for four hours!

This last weekend wasn't too bad. Unfortunately LB was unwell on Friday and so spared me the four hours waiting period on the Curragh; also the expense of coffees and buns in the Whitewater Centre, Newbridge!

Saturday I packed the two boys off to BJK for the day. I had an opening ceremony to attend at the new Scout Hostel up the mountains; aka The Slieve Blooms. I had to borrow a shirt and lend my camera to fellow scouter to record the grand affair.


Sunday; DG was suddenly working. LB had to stay with BJK again, while BB & I went on an early morning 5 mile hike with the scouts; 'up the mountains', over boglands and heath. It was jolly hard work; but at least the weather held off and none were injured. Afterwards we celebrated our success with ice-creams & tayto's!

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I recently read the Scouting Ireland Code of Good Practice. It's all above board and incredibly sensible;the thing is, that once having opened the first page; to reveal the table of contents, it makes me realise just how serious the business of interacting with other people's children is.

Within the HSE similar codes of good practice have applied, and sadly like most of my colleagues; I have been forced by society to view our charges with a slightly jaundiced eye. No longer can the teacher sit poor Sally on her knee to comfort her after a fall in the playground; no longer can we take photographs of our gymnastic hopes for the future and so on, and so on.

The application form for child members of the Scouting Ireland is very clever. In requesting the parent(s)/guardian(s) to sign that they give permission for their charges to participate in all scouting activities and to be photographed whilst doing so, such pressure is relieved.

It is a tragic shame that we can no longer enjoy the company of our children; without care or worry. Each act of kindness, while spontaneous and reciprocal has also to be weighed up; lest it be misinterpreted.

Often I have been threatened with a telephone call to Childline; reporting me for some imagined slight, and this by BB; my own offspring. I am afraid that such threats fall upon stony ground with me; as I generally offer to fetch him the telephone number. That somewhat defuses the situation.

We were lucky as children, we lived in an age of innocence. As adults we ventured out into the world, only to discover our naivety. Today it seems it is quite a different story. A little knowledge will protect our children from some of the evil that lies in wait.

Years ago we were expected to show a degree of respect 'for our elders and betters' and yet in a society which is so advanced respect appears to be a thing of the past.

The Scouting Ireland has contributed much to society during its one hundred years; it is one of the few remaining bastions of sanity. The boys and girls who grow up in the scouts are given a set of values based on respect for others; irrespective of their race, creed, colour or gender.

After a life time of caring for sick patients I now find myself in the strange position whereby I am one of the patients and no longer the carer. This is an unsettling situation to find oneself in and has been very difficult to come to terms with.

It has however given me opportunities that I would not have been able to avail of whilst working. First is the time I can now spend with the two boys, DG & BJK. I am much more relaxed and it seems that people actually like me now!

Secondly I am now making greeting cards; by hand and am enjoying the fact that I am doing something for other people to enjoy whilst enjoying it myself. In the near future things will look up for me and I will be a successful business woman, with an amazing & unique product that people can't wait to get their hands on!

Thirdly, through my relatively new involvement with Scouting Ireland I have an opportunity to give something back to the community; without making myself unwell. If I can pace myself, I'll be okay.

It is a great satisfaction to feel that the youngsters we deal with will hopefully have better things to do with their time than hang around street corners.

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The incident I referred to at the beginning was one of bullying. It was an unfortunate one off incident; which was dealt with efficiently, at the time by the school, who have been incredibly supportive since.

Some of the older boys; venture scouts, are also looking out for BB & helping him settle into his new school; which is a reflection of what scouting is all about.

Polly P x

Looking for Inspiration?

Just to inspire you all out there, sometime at the beginning of the year, I entered the bizarrely named on-line: 'A Day in Your Bathrobe Competition!’. That is a strange name for a competition, on-line, off-line, or any type of line; it’s an odd name.

'A Day in Your Bathrobe Competition!’ was organised by Darina Loakman; who was named female entrepreneur in 2006; who runs the Supporting Work from Home Mums in Ireland and the UK website.

After a tip off from my Mum I started to follow the comings and goings on the website; which proved to be not only interesting, but it also helped me through what has been a very difficult time for me, (another story altogether).

Through the website and newsletters Darina has provided mentoring for even the bravest and most driven of WHAM’s (Work At Home Mom’s) & wannabe’s; by publishing articles of relevance to encourage just about anyone wishing to escape the tyranny of the corporate workplace.

Darina has also been featured on TV3’s morning show a number of times; show casing WAHM success stories and generally providing inspiration for a whole generation of women to consider WAHM’ing as a lifestyle. Her business has gone from strength to strength, and with such widespread exposure continues to do so.

Going back the bizarrely named ‘A Day in Your Bathrobe Competition’; it was essentially a celebration of all those women who were brave enough to take that leap of faith; enabling them to work from home. The actual date of the competition draw I don’t recall; largely due to technical hitches, it had been postponed a couple of times before it took place!

All that had to be done was to tell how working at home could or did change my life and what its’ greatest advantages are for me, record my details & press the submit button. I was in with a chance!
After that I followed Darina’s site with interest...

Polly Px