Catching Up.

September 4, 2017September 3, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.7 Comments

After the recent run of sleepless nights it has been a while since I have had an opportunity to update my blog. The sleeping pattern has calmed back down; I’ll never know what unsettled Mom to the point of her not being able to settle into bed and now we go with the flow at bedtime. If we get to bed and stay there, brilliant. If we don’t, then that is just how it is and it is more important that Mom is settled, relaxed and happy where she is.

Well the Slimming World is going ok. I’ve not had huge weight loss but I have had a couple of days each week “off plan” so to speak, I have lost 4 lbs. The main change I’ve found is that I feel much better within myself, less sluggish, more energy and I have surprised myself by enjoying cooking from scratch. Himself was over a couple of weekends ago and we made a Slimming World Thai Green Chicken Curry and it was delicious. Actually I’ve enjoyed the whole cooking thing so much I’ve ordered myself a Vintage Apron. I really throw myself into things when I get going!!

I had a lovely lunch with my cousin Clare who I hadn’t seen for well over twenty years; families hey.

A trip to the city to meet my Cousin for lunch.

Mom so enjoys her Coconut Creams with her cuppa tea. I went a little overboard with the order though, the Elite Chocolate Mallows are totally delicious.

There is a great farm shop not too far from me and I’d not managed to visit there until recently; I met two lovely ladies who I used to sing in the choir with for a coffee. I’ll be making a return visit to the café and shop when Slimming World has ran out of steam with me, there were some delicious looking cakes on sale.

5cbcf446-0efd-40b7-8e5b-0df6ac8b6901 — A visit to a local farm shop who serve delicious Cappuccino. The cakes looked amazing but I’m being good.

Mom and Dad watch Mass live everyday from Knock Shrine. We light virtual candles online, buy beautiful Mass cards and Christmas cards. We watch the Annual Novena every year, the services are very uplifting, the speakers are completely motivating and come from all different walks of life. Inspiring.

e4f7cfb3-d923-4383-862f-0d4ee94a3d47 — Taken from the TV during the Annual Novena at Knock Shrine.

A recent addition to the area is this lovely Coffee shop. So calming inside, I’m looking forward to escaping there for an hour now and again with a book and a large cappuccino.

Fabulous little Coffee shop I located a twenty minute walk away from home…did I mention they also sell Prosecco?!!

So, as you can see, although I’ve not been able to blog very much during August, I have managed to get out now and again; walking, coffee and family. These small breaks have been much needed and much appreciated. Here’s to a wonderful September and a very happy Autumn for us all.

The Music Sparkle.

Gigs, Dancing and Tours.

September 3, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.3 Comments

There are a few Irish music gigs coming up both in the UK and Ireland over the next few months I thought I’d just list a couple of what I think are really good ones, ones definitely worth buying a ticket for and attending.

I have a ticket to the Birmingham concert, Louise Morrissey has the most beautiful voice. Louise has recently released the Johnny Logan Irish Eurovision winning song “What’s Another Year”, a really wonderful version of a fabulous song.

Michael English Irish Concert Tour Dates.

Michael English kicks of a huge Irish Concert Tour next month in Dublin accompanied by the legend that is Brendan Shine. Michael will be touring the UK again next Spring, I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for the tickets.

You know I’ve already secured my tickets – Whoop!!

A mini tour next March in the UK by a class singer/songwriter Derek Ryan. I try to go and see Derek Ryan every time he is in Birmingham, whether it is a dance or a concert it is always a fabulous night out.

There are some big names from the Irish Country Music scene appearing at The Ryandale, Moy. Ireland appears to be full of Country Music venues and there always seems to be such great bands on. Festival season is coming to an end so hopefully a few of these will head for the UK over the Winter months.

Dancing a Dixie’s is a great night out in Stradbally, Co Laois. Every Friday evening see either established stars, up and coming stars and lesser know singers. Entrance price includes a bar meal and Dixie’s offer special nights from time to time.

Music is my magic potion, it can enhance and improve my mood tenfold, I can escape into the memories, the emotions and the sheer fun of some tracks. Are you a music lover? What is your favourite genre? What track really makes you sparkle?

Life Sparkles

Love your bed!!

August 18, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.10 Comments

Why am I saying this? Because I haven’t managed to stay in bed all night for four nights out of six and at the moment, I’m not sure about tonight.

Mom is having a very unsettled week when it comes to bedtime. On average we experience one night in twentyone where I am up all night with Mom. It’s all part of the “Sundowning” which Mom goes through. Sundowning is a condition where the body clock goes out of kilter; for want of a better explanation. It is especially prominent in the Winter when it gets dark around 3 pm and doesn’t brighten up again until after 8:30 am. The start and end to British Summer Time, when the clocks go backwards and forwards are particularly challenging weeks where Mom can suffer with Sundown perhaps eight out of twelve days. It is particularly tiring for me as I am up with her; chatting, making tea, trying to remove the confusion or alleviate whatever it is that is causing her fear. It was particularly hard to deal with when I had the day job; being up most of the night and then having to log in to work was stressful and at least now, if we’re up all night, it doesn’t affect anything other than my mood, energy levels and plans for the day which can always be changed.

Via Pinterest.

I no longer, and haven’t for a long time, taken for granted the simple act of getting into bed, going to sleep and staying in bed until morning. Something I gave no thought to before, I just did it, has almost become the goal of the day.

I don’t know why Mom is unsettled this week; we’ve had one all nighter, one get up and return to bed four times night (that’s unusual), one get up and stay up five minutes after going to bed in the first place and one “I’m not going to bed” night. Add to a couple of these confusion about not being in her own bed or home and it can be so hard to deal with…especially when you’re tired.

Tonight I inflated the blow up mattress my b/f uses when he comes to stay, (I’ve no idea how he manages to pack it away so small and tidy afterwards, that’s a task for the morning) however, no sooner had I got settled on the mattress as I just couldn’t face another night on the sofa and neither could my back, Mom decides to go to bed! Hallelujah!

Dad bless him does his best, he offers to stay up all night but I have to be strong, he has to lie in bed all night and get sleep, no argument. The lack of sleep tiredness is so awful; makes me impatient, grumpy and absolutely no energy. I thought I was going to cry tonight when there was no sign of bed and my beautiful fairy of a Mom just wouldn’t have understood why.

Whether we stay up here or end up back downstairs is still open at the moment. Between us, I’m praying for a night of sleep in my bed. I hope you are all sleeping well, love your bed!!

Via Pinterest

The Music Sparkle.

New Music Friday.

August 11, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.7 Comments

There have been a few new releases on the Irish Country music scene in the past couple of weeks so I though I would share some of my favourites with you.

Firstly a wonderful singer, Patrick Feeney and “Step it out Mary”, I love the girl Irish dancing on the beach and throughout the video. Patrick Feeney is known for his humour and often dresses up as characters for his video’s. For me, I’m not sure it works so well in this video but I love the song and the video all the same.

I am a fan of Stuart Moyle, absolutely love his music, especially “Westport Town”. The video to his latest release is beautiful, the magnificent Irish scenery is shown in all it’s glory and the song is a good one! The video was made by Alan Clarke and apparently this took close to twelve months to plan and implement.

Another favourite of mine is Lisa McHugh. This girl works so hard and is now enjoying great success on the Irish music scene. I love her version of “Girl with a Fishing Rod” and the video is just fabulous.

Not quite a new release as it has been out a little while but I thought I would include it in order to showcase another young artist, Ben Troy, this time singing the Springsteen song “I’m on Fire”. I’ve seen Ben Troy live twice when he has been on tour with Derek Ryan in the UK. A beautiful voice, I think he has a great future ahead with his music.

Robert Mizzell has a fabulous voice; an American singer who has settled and made his life in Ireland and doing brilliantly on the Irish music scene. I love this song, “Two Rooms and a Kitchen”, it reminds me so much of being a little girl going home to Ireland on holiday with my parents to visit my grandparents.

Lastly for today, Jimmy Buckley, another great Irish singer/showman. Part of the Three Amigo’s with Patrick Feeney and Robert Mizzell, Jimmy Buckley has a huge following in Ireland. This is Jimmy’s latest dancefloor hit “A Pencil Full of Lead”.

I hope these have got your toes tapping or even got you up for a bit of a dance.

Happy Friday, share your sparkle.

The Music Sparkle.

Summer in Dublin.

August 9, 2017August 7, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.2 Comments

No, I’m not in Dublin at the moment, not physically anyway. We watch so much Irish TV here at home and listen to Irish Music so often and also Mass from Knock Shrine via their webcam, I think our home is a tiny province of Ireland here in England.

Nathan Carter sang the brilliant song “Summer in Dublin” at his recent gig at the 3 Arena in Dublin and it is a fabulous version of the song. Well done Nathan Carter!

This brings back so many memories as I do remember a Summer in Dublin when the original recording of this song was out by Bagatelle. I remember buying the single, on vinyl, in the record shop in Tipperary Town after hearing it on the radio. (I still have the record). Then we had a few days in Dublin visiting family and I can clearly remember walking by the Halfpenny Bridge on a hot summer afternoon, there was a lot of traffic and the cars had the windows down. They must have all been tuned into the same radio station, as Bagatelle filled the Summer afternoon with their words…”and the Liffey as it stank like hell, the young people walking on Grafton Street, everyone looking so well…”

Isn’t it strange the things that stick within our memory and how the lyrics and music bring it right back to life for you. When I first watched the clip of Nathan singing this I was able to sing along to every word even thought I hadn’t heard the song for years.

They were happy, uncomplicated and carefree days and I do remember that Summer in Dublin.

@aurorasparkles

Life Sparkles

What Day is it?

August 6, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.9 Comments

Seriously, I’m losing track of days, dates and even what month it is?!! Unless I have some kind of appointment on a particular day, I’m lost. I must have checked the date four times yesterday just to make sure I wasn’t tweeting incorrect information.

Life is busy, busy in a very different way. Going with the flow still ensures a busy day takes place, quite honestly I don’t know how I ever had time for the “day job”. I’ve been meaning to update my blog everyday for a week…here I am after 1 am Sunday morning…I’ve found a slot to start writing!

So, a quick roundup of some “me time” over the past three or so weeks. It was my Birthday in July and I was thrilled with this gift from himself.

I told him how lucky he is; not every man could buy their woman crisps and salt for their birthday and receive such a happy reaction. I love Ibiza and I love these products.

I also received my degree results on my Birthday; my seven years part time study with the Open University paid off and I am very proud to confirm that I now have a BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care, go me!! In order to celebrate we finally, after three previous bookings and then cancellations as I was unable to leave the parents, made it to a new local restaurant for a very late lunch and two hours together time. Absolute heaven.

I have also now commenced my Guitar lessons…there will be more about this on my “Music Sparkle” page in due course. My Guitar tutor visits the house, a huge bonus.

Regular readers of my blog will know I have spurts of healthy eating and attempting to lose a stone weight. My graduation ceremony is at the end of October so last Monday I joined Slimming World with the aim of losing said stone prior to graduation day. My thinking is that if I have to go to a group session to be weighed I am more likely to stick with the plan. I’ve eaten so much this week I’ll be amazed if I lose any pounds but I’ve stuck to the rules. I have to admit that five days in my body is already feeling less sluggish.

Breakfast was huge, makes a change from a dish of Alpen!

Prior to joining Slimming World I managed a trip to the city to meet my cousin for lunch. Made me realise how much I don’t miss the commute to the office.

I went out for a walk in the rain the other day; just around the block. It felt great, I really must try to do that more often. The fresh air, flowers, trees and yes even the rain makes you feel so alive and for that short time you are out, everything in your head makes sense.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m just doing the best I can each day. If things get done, or I make it to the shops or a coffee date then great and if not, then I just try again another time. My parents are my priority and everything revolves around them. I think I’m lucky that I have managed a bit of me time, even if I don’t know what day it is…a lot of full time carers don’t.

@aurorasparkles ✨

The Music Sparkle.

It’s Friday!

July 28, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.14 Comments

In the words of Derek Ryan…It’s Friday! This is one of our favourite Irish country tunes and Mom and I sing it each Friday and we sing along to the video when we watch it on You Tube. Another favourite is from Michael English “Friday at the Dance” made especially enjoyable as my cousin is in the video (such a name dropper).

So, as it is Friday evening, it is pouring with rain here in Birmingham and I’ll admit, fairly chilly for a Summer evening, I decided to share with you some of my favourite, get you on your feet, Friday night, Irish country music songs.

Mam and I will be singing along to this one as Dad joins in when he can.

Yee Haw!!

An absolutely wonderful gentleman, with a great heart and a fabulous voice. I love the Irish dancing in this video…Let’s Dance!

My favourite Irish country song of last Summer – just love the Summer vibes all over this video.

Thankfully I’ve had many a good night out in Temple Bar on my visits to Dublin, a great song from Nathan Carter.

A fantastic toe tapper, get up and move it tune from Lee Matthews.

I hope you have enjoyed my selection of Friday night Irish Country songs and I hope too that they have uplifted your inner sparkle and put a spring in your step. Turn the music up and keep it country.

Life Sparkles

Going Retro!

July 26, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.2 Comments

Suddenly I find myself in the fourth week post leaving the day job. Where has the time gone? Time seems to be flying by even quicker than usual. It has been busy at home, getting the walk in bath and shower fitted; which unfortunately hasn’t been without issue. I’ve learnt a lot about thermostatic pumps, gravity fed systems, air locks and central heating pumps too! However, that’s a whole other blog post.

In the midst of my caring role, I appear to have gone a little retro. Feeling free from the pressure and deadlines of the day job has been amazing. Having such lovely Summer weather has reminded me of teenage years, not a care in the world years. A far cry from thinking about stair lifts, prescriptions and Sundown nights. I’m enjoying looking after my parents, I try to make the days as happy as possible and also try to get a little me time, which can be a bit hit and miss.

So, one Sunday I gave my parents peaches and cream for dessert, they loved it! We haven’t had that since I was a child.

I’ve started buying Palmolive soap again. I adore the aroma especially in the Summer evenings as it brings back memories of being at my Sister’s house as a child, with my nieces and how my Sister would wash us after a day playing in the sunshine, with Palmolive soap.

As a teenager I drove my parents mad until they bought me a pair of Dr Scholls, they were very popular in the late 70’s early 80’s. Yes, you’ve guessed it…I thought about them recently and guess what, they are back in fashion so I was able to buy myself a pair.

I’m doing my best to keep the garden up to standard, my parents are keen gardeners but have been unable to do anything in the garden for a few years, so now I’m having a go. I’m very happy with my Hydrangea. I have loved these blooms from a very early age, they bring back memories of Mom and Dad’s first house when I was four years old.

I have the radio on during the afternoon when I’m pottering around doing tasks and I listen to BBC Radio 2. Steve Wright in the afternoon. That really does bring back lots of memories especially with the music that is played, it’s no wonder I’ve gone retro!

One thing I have learnt since starting to care full time; things get done as and when. I may have a plan or a “to do” list but often life has other thoughts. There is no point in getting stressed, I’m learning to go with the flow of the day, whatever that may be.

It’s an uneasy transition from daughter to carer, I’m hanging on to the daughter label for as long as I can. With regards to my retro period, I can only offer these words from Madonna in my defence. From the song “This used to be my playground”.

“Don’t hold on to the past, well that’s too much to ask”.

The Music Sparkle.

A Little New Music.

July 19, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.5 Comments

As you know I love Country Music and I love Irish Music which means that I also love Irish Country Music. We regularly watch Keep It Country TV and the pleasure it brings to my parents is fabulous. As well as the newer songs and artists, which I have to admit, Mom has a great eye and ear for the talent, we have been introduced to American Country Artists and sometimes we hear the old songs, the songs of bygone days in Ireland which my parents remember well. You Tube is also a regular in our home, we really think there isn’t anything you can’t locate on You Tube. Any song from the past that my parents think of, we can locate someone singing it on You Tube!

I thought I’d do a little round up of the latest Irish Country releases and share them with you. You may already be a fan or perhaps I will introduce you to some of the fabulous talent currently taking the country music world by storm. I hope you enjoy.

First up is Lisa McHugh and “Girl with a Fishing Rod” – very catchy song and I just love this video.

Derek Ryan is the most amazing singer songwriter, we have so many of his albums, all filled with his own compositions and a few covers. I’ve seen Derek three times, twice at a dance and once in concert – excellent nights out. This latest song is another huge hit for him and captures the magic of a festival night where he is appearing.

This is my song of the summer – such a happy video, everyone is smiling broadly and the sheer enjoyment of the dancing is plain to see – absolutely love this. Michael English is another fabulous singer/songwriter. Michael also has his own show on Keep it Country TV, Monday night at 11pm, repeated on Sunday afternoon at 5pm.

No round up would be complete without the fantastic Nathan Carter, I’ve now lost count of the times I have been to see Nathan perform! This is a real chill out, summer holiday vibe kind of song and I have found myself “na na, na na na na na” at random times throughout the day.

This is a beautiful song from Johnny Brady, a wonderful sentiment and sang with real meaning.

I hope you have enjoyed my selection of the latest Irish music releases; I think Cliona Hagan and Michael English both have new singles coming out soon so some more new music coming soon.

Life Sparkles

A New Chapter.

July 3, 2017July 3, 2017 Dawn - The Sparkle Diaries.8 Comments

I keep thinking of Autumn or the month of September these past few days. I’m not sure if that is down to the more Autumnal weather we’ve had in the last week or a state of mind because last Friday was my final day at the day job. Am I seeing myself as somehow suddenly reaching the Autumn of life because I’ve given up the day job, my career, my corporate city chick persona?

Friday was a more emotional day than I expected it to be. For all the upset during my notice period my manager did give me a lovely speech at the presentation. However, as she was talking about the reason I was leaving, it suddenly hit me full force the reason I was leaving my job, my friends and colleagues and my corporate life, in order to care for my parents for the rest of their lives. I felt so sad, sad that this was my role now, end of life care and I cried. I couldn’t speak to my colleagues to thank them as I choked up, some of them also cried, it is a position any of us can find ourselves in. I also felt relief. Relief that the stress and pressure of having to log in everyday, make the journey to the office and back is gone. My day is free to flow with whatever is going on in the home without worrying about deadlines, meetings and reporting.

Last week was also fairly exhausting on the home front. Dad’s knee swelled up due to arthritic joints and he couldn’t put any weight on it at all. Thank God we still had the walking frames from when Mom broke her hip. This though completely put him out of action and meant more running about for me, which I have no problem doing, on the go is good but oh so tiring. Dad being out of action affected Mom. We had two days of partial hunger strike as Dad wasn’t doing their breakfast as usual and on Tuesday night we had a Sundown night; up all night and no sleep until 6:30 am. I get up at 7 am for work; I have no idea how I have worked through these post Sundown work days. I think I’m so used to them I just go into automatic pilot. However, from now on with no day job to worry about, being up all night is not going to be as troublesome as before…I hope!
So between Dad’s knee, Mom’s hunger strikes and sundowns, lack of sleep, work and leaving work, it has been a fairly exhausting and emotional week. Although I leave the corporate city chick behind, I say bring on the carer, domestic goddess and songstress and let’s see the challenges, blessings and positives of the new chapter ahead.