StrawberryElephant

“The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.” ― Lao Tzu

“Loss is not as bad as wanting more.” ― Lao Tzu

“Take care with the end as you do with the beginning.” ― Lao-Tzu

“Some lose yet gain, others gain and yet lose.” ― Lao Tzu

“Great acts are made up of small deeds.” ― Lao-Tzu

“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.” ― Lao Tzu

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” ― Lao Tzu

“When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.” ― Lao Tzu

“Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself.” ― Lao Tzu

“When you accept yourself, the whole world accepts you.” ― Lao Tzu

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” ― Lao Tzu

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.” ― Lao Tzu

About

“If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.” ― Lao Tzu

“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” ― Lao Tzu

"Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time,' is like saying, 'I don't want to." ― Lao Tzu

“Just remain in the centre, watching and then forget that you are there.” ― Lao Tzu

“Stop thinking and end your problems.” ― Lao Tzu

“Perfection is the willingness to be imperfect.” ― Lao Tzu

"A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving." ― Lao Tzu

Musings

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." ― Lao Tzu

“The wise man is one who knows what he does not know.” ― Lao Tzu

“Your own positive future begins in this moment. All you have is right now. Every goal is possible from here.” ― Lao Tzu

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Sharon Brooks

2025

This is where I like to think and play.

25/05/2025

A MONTH OF SUNRISES

THE PENDULUM

That litttle voice inside often goes unheard, so I am using an amplifier!

FAIRY TALES

What are fairies at the bottom of my garden and where have they taken my sock?

THE APOTHECARY

Can tiny little bottles filled with magic, really soothe the aches of the soul?

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

Musings on the world of the Honey Bee. So sweet, but watch out for that sting!

That litttle voice inside often goes unheard, so I am using an amplifier!

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25/02/2025

Nullam elementum neque ac est maximus, et mattis magna gravida. Nullam faucibus, nibh ac tincidunt efficitur, ex turpis porttitor leo, vitae dapibus lacus nibh a tellus. Nunc sit amet sapien nec nulla lacinia luctus. Sed efficitur mattis arcu a luctus. Nulla ligula leo, tempus non ligula mattis, euismod consectetur eros. Duis sodales scelerisque tortor, nec malesuada urna tristique sit amet. Vivamus tempor ornare nisi in commodo. Donec placerat sit amet enim quis venenatis. Ut sed faucibus orci. Vivamus vitae diam tincidunt enim eleifend mattis. Nam luctus et risus eget fermentum. Maecenas auctor placerat lorem, quis mattis libero tempus ut. Suspendisse potenti. Nullam rutrum nulla tellus, vitae dictum libero tempor egestas.

20/04/2025

THE ARTIST’S WAY

Morning pages Becoming my own best friend Listening with care Artist dates to fill my cup Playful and joyful Tasks to feed my curiosity Letting my heart out of the bottle Allowing myself to fly Embracing my inner child S'il vous plait Bluebells and wood anemones Geese flying overhead Shedding the old Not trying so hard Synchronicities guiding me Along the road less travelled.

She struts in with a red feather boa wrapped casually round her neck. She wears high heels which click on the tiled floor. She wipes her finger along the work surface to check for dust. As if I think, not in my house! I smile inside. I will not let her intimidate me. She stands in front of me now, with her hands on her hips and pushes closer into my personal space. I can feel her breath on my cheek. She's taller than me with flecks of green in her eyes I note. Her hair is black, a dyed blue black and her roots are showing. She needs to get to the hairdresser fast. She doesn't scare me with all her bravado. I can see beneath this facade. I can stand up to her. 'What do you want?' I enquire boldly She smirks 'What do I want? What do you think I want?' I stand strong and unfazed 'I have no idea. I did not invite you into my home' 'Oh I think you did!' she recounted I was puzzled. It must have washed across my face, a slight break in my armour. She caught hold of this. 'I said, I think you did' she insisted I pulled myself together 'I didn't. And you are not welcome. Please leave' 'Just like that?' she sneered 'Yes, just like that' I said as I walked into the hallway, brushing past her and opening the front door wide She stood and laughed 'You can't kick me out!' 'Watch me!' I replied She stood quiet for a moment and studied my composure. I let my breathing slow to try to give the impression of calm. I was feeling anything but calm inside, but I wouldn't let her see that. I would not break this armour I had built up. 'Please can you leave' I asked quietly but firmly 'Now!' I said strongly She shrugged. She knew when the battle was not worth fighting 'Fine!' she said as she flounced out the door 'But I'll be back' she threw over her shoulder I shut the door and stood with my back against it breathing deeply. I turned round and looked through the peephole. She had gone. There was a faint red smoke trail wafting down the street. People were walking past. No one seemed perplexed. I had done it! I had finally asked her to leave. I had finally stood up to her and her feather boa.

FEAR

18/04/2025

She smirks 'What do I want? What do you think I want?' I stand strong and unfazed 'I have no idea. I did not invite you into my home' 'Oh I think you did!' she recounted I was puzzled. It must have washed across my face, a slight break in my armour. She caught hold of this. 'I said, I think you did' she insisted I pulled myself together 'I didn't. And you are not welcome. Please leave' 'Just like that?' she sneered 'Yes, just like that' I said as I walked into the hallway, brushing past her and opening the front door wide She stood and laughed 'You can't kick me out!' 'Watch me!' I replied She stood quiet for a moment and studied my composure. I let my breathing slow to try to give the impression of calm. I was feeling anything but calm inside, but I wouldn't let her see that. I would not break this armour I had built up. 'Please can you leave' I asked quietly but firmly 'Now!' I said strongly She shrugged. She knew when the battle was not worth fighting 'Fine!' she said as she flounced out the door 'But I'll be back' she threw over her shoulder I shut the door and stood with my back against it breathing deeply. I turned round and looked through the peephole. She had gone. There was a faint red smoke trail wafting down the street. People were walking past. No one seemed perplexed. I had done it! I had finally asked her to leave. I had finally stood up to her and her feather boa.

THE SPARKLE PROJECT

17/04/2025

BEE IN MY BONNET

Sharon’s Bee Girl Blog

24/04/2025

Taking my time Walking in rhythm with my heartbeat Slowly noticing all the leaves unfurling As I walk on the tree lined paths Daffodils swaying in the breeze With golden trumpets held high to the sun Vivid green everywhere is a glorious contrast To the bleak skyline a few weeks ago Delicate frothy white petals adorn the blackthorn Baby pink blossoms offer joy to the world With promise for the future fruits The sound of bees busy going between these blossoms Offers a sense of wonder As the world is waking up again after Winter Always a welcome surprise To feel the warmth on my back See the flowers emerging as if by magic each year With no intervention from us It makes my heart happy to see.

ON THIS JOURNEY

On this journey I will take the scenic route I will stop to smell the roses I will pause to see the beauty around me I will honour the sadnesses in my heart I will learn from my mistakes I will walk through life with kindness and compassion I will laugh I will enjoy each of my days and embrace them to the full I will make the most of my friends and family and enjoy their company I will enjoy my food I will look after my body and my mind I will cherish the wisdom I hold in me I will follow my heart on the long winding journey it takes me I will read books which call to me and watch films which pique my interest I will listen carefully to the people I meet and learn from their stories I will enjoy the richness brought to me each and every day I will remember that things will pass and nothing stays the same I will absorb the magic in each day.

23/04/2025

WEIRD BOYFRIEND

My husband is a film maker and he roped me into helping on a recent music video he was making as he wanted to blow my hair with a leaf blower! Unbeknown to me it was much more than this. He had me running around town on a Saturday evening. We stayed out until 1.30am until the street lights went out so had to continue a few nights later, again until 1.30am. Despite being out of my comfort zone I had fun. I didn't know the Weird Boyfriend so we had to get to know each other during filming and my face ached from laughing so much. It did me the world of good. Friends and family were part of the adventure as well including having to enthusiastically jump in a puddle, read a newspaper, walk past reading a phone and my husband's sister had to be the Bag Lady! I also had to channel my inner rage as the story is of a relationship breakup in reverse. So I had to dump a pile of spaghetti on the Weird Boyfriend's head, sweep all the crockery off the table and storm out of the room. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this! We filmed in the green screen Film Studio which my husband has built out of reclaimed materials and I had to turn the industrial leaf blower on the Weird Boyfriend. It was so noisy I had to wear ear protectors. I enjoyed this filming as I got my own personal concert and again laughed lots. A few weeks later we filmed the band in the green screen and in the woods for the second music video which is currently in production.

21/04/2025

We worked it out the other day. I was bought the Muffins book in 2001 by my mum from Lakeland and I've baked at least two batches per week each year. That means I've baked at least 28,704 muffins in the past 23 years. I haven't eaten all these myself! I have distributed them far and wide. Taking them to meetings as my offering to the proceedings, baked for birthdays and celebrations and often 'just because'. My son's favourite are the double chocolate. I baked a lot of them when he was little, often before dad had even left for work, alongside a batch of soup and the loaf ingredients into the bread maker. I was up early and was at my best in the morning. I conquered the universe before lunchtime. Banana choc chip are my daughter's favourite. Anytime there are bananas left, not the right shade of yellow for her liking, they get transferred into muffins. Adding oats to the ingredients makes them very wholesome and there is not much sugar in these recipes. They were formulated by a Susan Reimer who had moved to England from Canada and converted her recipes into healthy versions. Her book was a huge success and although I can no longer find the article online I was sure the book sales enabled her to travel around the world. The book is still being published, in it's 4th edition now. I've made them vegan by replacing the egg with a tablespoon of custard powder mixed to a paste with a drop of soya milk or water depending on the recipe, soya milk instead of cow's milk and sunflower oil rather than butter. I experimented making nettle and lemon muffins. I boiled the nettles to take out their sting and the muffins were an incredible shade of green, but they made my tongue tingle so only made one batch of these. I feel so happy baking the muffins. For me it's magic that combining a few simple ingredients makes such a delicious treat. I freeze them individually in houmous tubs and can take them out in the evening for the next day, ready to distribute to friends visiting. Or often I will bake a batch in the morning of a visit and so freshly baked ones will be on offer. My favourite at the moment are date and walnut. You soak the dates for 30 minutes in boiling water to soften them and then add to the ingredients. They feel very nutritious and tasty. I love picking blackberries. My maiden name was Berry so I think it's in my genes to enjoy this activity! I wash and freeze the blackberries in the correct quantity for the muffins, again in houmous tubs - we eat a lot of houmous so always have a plentiful supply. I add the grated zest of a lemon or orange into the muffins with the blackberries and enjoy all over Winter from my frozen stash. Blueberries are another favourite with the orange or lemon twist. One that I have tried a few times is courgette and cocoa. I like it but it's not my favourite. Carrot and orange are also delicious as are orange and poppy seeds. The recipes have been handed out to lots of people and a friend who has since died has left a note for her daughters that the recipes are from me. Whenever I make the muffins I try not think of anything else; to be present in the mixing and making. I always make a little wish as I stir the ingredients to send love to everyone who eats them. Baking muffins has been a delight for me over the past 23 years. I've always loved baking from being little, baking scones with my nana and eating them straight from the oven with the butter melting on them. I can still see myself sitting on the sofa in her lounge eating them. I made a cake called a Russian Sandwich as a child. A cake bought from Greggs by my mum and she just made up her own version – sponge cake with vanilla custard inside and icing and dessicated coconut on the top. I've made lots of these too and always turned up to family events with one. Converting these simple ingredients into something delicious is always a joy for me and even more so for being able to share my creations with my family and friends. 'Muffin Maker' is often how I introduce myself. My book is falling apart as it's been used so much, but it is a treasure to me. I am very grateful to Susan for publishing her recipes – thank you!

THE MUFFIN FACTORY

22/04/2025

Banana choc chip are my daughter's favourite. Anytime there are bananas left, not the right shade of yellow for her liking, they get transferred into muffins. Adding oats to the ingredients makes them very wholesome and there is not much sugar in these recipes. They were formulated by a Susan Reimer who had moved to England from Canada and converted her recipes into healthy versions. Her book was a huge success and although I can no longer find the article online I was sure the book sales enabled her to travel around the world. The book is still being published, in it's 4th edition now. I've made them vegan by replacing the egg with a tablespoon of custard powder mixed to a paste with a drop of soya milk or water depending on the recipe, soya milk instead of cow's milk and sunflower oil rather than butter. I experimented making nettle and lemon muffins. I boiled the nettles to take out their sting and the muffins were an incredible shade of green, but they made my tongue tingle so only made one batch of these. I feel so happy baking the muffins. For me it's magic that combining a few simple ingredients makes such a delicious treat. I freeze them individually in houmous tubs and can take them out in the evening for the next day, ready to distribute to friends visiting. Or often I will bake a batch in the morning of a visit and so freshly baked ones will be on offer. My favourite at the moment are date and walnut. You soak the dates for 30 minutes in boiling water to soften them and then add to the ingredients. They feel very nutritious and tasty. I love picking blackberries. My maiden name was Berry so I think it's in my genes to enjoy this activity! I wash and freeze the blackberries in the correct quantity for the muffins, again in houmous tubs - we eat a lot of houmous so always have a plentiful supply. I add the grated zest of a lemon or orange into the muffins with the blackberries and enjoy all over Winter from my frozen stash. Blueberries are another favourite with the orange or lemon twist. One that I have tried a few times is courgette and cocoa. I like it but it's not my favourite. Carrot and orange are also delicious as are orange and poppy seeds. The recipes have been handed out to lots of people and a friend who has since died has left a note for her daughters that the recipes are from me. Whenever I make the muffins I try not think of anything else; to be present in the mixing and making. I always make a little wish as I stir the ingredients to send love to everyone who eats them. Baking muffins has been a delight for me over the past 23 years. I've always loved baking from being little, baking scones with my nana and eating them straight from the oven with the butter melting on them. I can still see myself sitting on the sofa in her lounge eating them. I made a cake called a Russian Sandwich as a child. A cake bought from Greggs by my mum and she just made up her own version – sponge cake with vanilla custard inside and icing and dessicated coconut on the top. I've made lots of these too and always turned up to family events with one. Converting these simple ingredients into something delicious is always a joy for me and even more so for being able to share my creations with my family and friends. 'Muffin Maker' is often how I introduce myself. My book is falling apart as it's been used so much, but it is a treasure to me. I am very grateful to Susan for publishing her recipes – thank you!

A year of adventures to new places.

I get called to make my pilgrimage to the end of the earth.

A TO Z IN A YEAR

Twenty eight thousand seven hundred and four muffins.

FREE AS A BIRD

Midnight music video mayhem.

Cheering on from the riverside with hot water bottles and cups of tea.

I will take the scenic route.

I get my red hair from my grandad. I am here because he escaped.

Following a delicate sprinkling of pollen.

A Summer spent collecting sparkles to refill the reserves.

THE BERRYS

Treating myself like a precious object will make me strong.

THE SPARKLE PROJECT

We are like rock, being built up over time.

Banging, crashing, shuffling, clattering.

She struts in with a red feather boa wrapped casually round her neck.

GEOLOGY

THE WHITE TORNADO

Ladybirds are my good luck totem.

LADYBIRDS

Midnight music video mayhem.

We are like rock, being built up over time.

I will take the scenic route.

A Summer spent collecting sparkles to refill the reserves.

I get my red hair from my grandad. I am here because he escaped.

Ladybirds are my good luck totem.

Treating myself like a precious object will make me strong.

10/05/2025

We are like rock Being built up over time Layers and layers of dirt and bones Fossilised remains Of feelings felt Emotions expressed We all have our own geology We must find our way Through the forests and coastal paths Learn to map read To work out a route Along the contours Hills and valleys Know in our heart which is the right way Listen closely to that little voice inside.

11/05/2025

18/05/2025

Banging Crashing Shuffling Clattering The White Tornado Had woken up Was making her way Through the debris Of yesterday Tidying Sorting Clearing Cleaning Ready for the New Day This was her Quiet Time To Draw Breath It was not everyone else's Quiet Time They were woken by her Every Day It was Time For their day to start too Who needed alarm clocks When they lived with The White Tornado!

A Wireless Operator/Signaller at the Normandy Landings

17/05/2025

Life as a Prisoner of War in Germany 1944-45

I was born a Berry Deep down I still am The Berry genes Strongly holding me Guiding me Food being so important Passed onto us all From Grandad's time As a Prisoner of War With very little food Hot jacket potatoes Sneaked from the guards Fish Paste? As he learnt German to ask the time Pieces of cake Cut to within a mm of precision To ensure no squabbling In a family of four children Trifles, cakes, puddings Roast dinners, mashed carrots After Eights and tins of Quality Streets Whilst playing Chase the Ace With an Auntie with a Poker Face Winning all the coins Much to our dismay.

I get my red hair from my grandad. I'm here because he escaped from being a Prisoner of War. Here are some of his stories:

Escape from Germany 1945

19/04/2025

24/05/2025

Ladybirds are my good luck totem I wore delicate silver ladybird earrings on my Wedding Day Inspired by a film 'Under the Tuscan Sun' A story told of a young girl searching everywhere for ladybirds With no luck and disappointment she fell asleep in the long grass On waking she was covered in ladybirds It reminds me not to search so hard Relax into life and know things will come when they are ready Ladybirds arrive when the food is there Like the kaleidoscope of butterflies swooping down in the Wilding book Feasting on all the thistle They devoured them and the thistle never returned No weedkiller required Nature knows It works things out We should take heed of this Not push or pull at things Flow and allow things to be as they are We don't know the bigger picture The elephants seemingly destroying the trees But 60 years later the realisation They were working on a Big Cycle of Nature Preservation Farming by clearing the land and reseeding it We are tiny specks in the universe We can't know everything But we can sit and observe Play our role of protecting and nurturing The Earth Allowing the cycles of life to guide us.