A few bottles of Rioja, down Zest on Thursday night!
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It was goodbye to Katie's Father, who had been staying with her for a few days, from Britain. It was a pleasure to meet him, I enjoyed our political conversations tremendously. Not had many of those since arriving in Spain!
We went to The Belfry for a farewell dinner. They have just started doing Wednesday carvery. For 10.95€ you get three courses and a drink. Now that's what a call a bargain. To be honest, I wasn't too sure what to expect, especially when you are paying such a reasonable price. I have to say I was suitably impressed.
This was the first time I had been to The Belfry; it was lovely inside and out. The restaurant was full to bursting, which shows just how popular the venue is. The service there was exceptional, there was no long wait for starters and deserts and the ambiance and atmosphere, perfect. The food was cooked perfectly, the choice was good and above all the meals were all piping hot and vegetables not overcooked. I have been to many carvery's in the past, where the food was so cold it was inedible. This time, at The Belfry, it was very different; who could ask for more, on a stormy, windy night, in Gran Alacant! I will certainly be back!
I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at The Belfry and would highly recommend it, to my readers!
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Just got in from a lovely meal at The Belfry, which I shall blog about tomorrow. It's a bill chilly tonight. Stormy weather, lightning, Grand Designs on the TV and a cup of Bovril with the cats on the sofa. Perrrrrfect!
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What a difference a few months make. A lot has changed since my last review two months ago. My life has in reality been turned upside down in all respects. Many things have changed, for the worst and for the better. Spain has never been what we expected, from day one. This place continues to amaze and frustrate me in equal measure. Like the story of my life, it has been a rollercoaster ride; one that I have wanted to get off many times. Eight months feels like eight years; whether or not that is a good thing, I don't know. More has changed in the last two months than in the whole of our time, living here!Employment
As readers to my blog are aware, I left the Restaurant I was working for a few months ago. For me the hours were too few; they were also spread out over every day, so you can understand the situation was not ideal. At a time when this large restaurant should have been picking up for the summer season, it wasn't. The best option for me under those circumstances, was to move on. Personally I do not mind working every day, as long as i am doing enough hours to justify it. I loved working there, enjoyed every aspect of my working life, but there were just too many disadvantages to staying.Gran Alacant Advertiser
The biggest achievement for me, over the last few months, since our six month review, was being asked to write a column for The Gran Alacant Advertiser. Everyone who knows me, understands the passion I have for writing; so being able to document and detail the community I love, is a dream come true. My monthly column, entitled 'Chatter', describes the issues important to the residents of Gran Alacant and the surrounding areas; just what are people talking about, in this little part of the Costa Blanca?
For me, this is a first step, on the road, to finally, being able to write fulltime, a career I have wanted to do, ever since I can remember. With a keen personal interest in politics and current affairs, the Gran Alacant Advertiser, has given me the freedom to write what I think is appropriate, devising my own brief each month. Being acclaimed for your writing and recognised for your abilities, no matter how small, is important to a writer like me. Being able to write about the country you love, is a bonus!
Australia
Darrell has left for Australia for a minimum of seven months. There are many reasons for his departure, including looking after his Mother, who has been ill in recent times. The employment situation in Spain is also not ideal. Employment law, high unemployment, recession and unstable Government, together, make for a rough ride, especially for non Spanish speakers like ourselves.
The best option is for Darrell to return home, care for his mother at a difficult time and earn money in a much more stable market. Wages are also extremely low in Spain. The minimum wage in Australia remains five times higher than the equivalent here.
Darrell has been gone for about two months now, and myself and Jamie are coping remarkably well. We are both living on the bare minimum, but with the cost of living being that much lower than The UK, you can actually live quite comfortably. This is not a long term solution, but one we will endure in the medium term, in order to purchase a property in Spain and finally live our life together, as we would like.oxfam
Even after eight months of living in Spain, Oxfam are still firmly on my mind, as they will be, until those responsible for their Sociopathic behaviour are brought to justice. The Charity Commission in The UK, have been in constant contact, as well as a number of publications who want to buy my story.
I am still deciding whether or not, to talk to various newspapers. I understand the implications of doing so and do not really want to hurt any of those innocent volunteers who I used to work with. They would undoubtedly get hurt. These people have given up their time to work for this charity, finding out the truth may not sit well with them. It is a hard decision to make and one I will not take lightly. This charity needs to be exposed for what it has and hasn't done, but I must remain conscious of my actions!Community
Community is the biggest factor, why I continue to stay in Spain. When Darrell returned home to Australia, I could have quite easily moved back to The UK, but after thinking about and weighing up my options, I decided to remain in Gran Alacant. This was not the easy path. Once again I chose to follow a difficult road, but the people who live here have been so welcoming, open and genuine, how could I not choose to stay. Don't get me wrong, this is not the Spain I expected, I have little or no money, but this is one dream, I will not give up on!Visitors
We have had a few visitors over the last few months, some better than others. It was a pleasure to have Jean and Myra staying with me for a week, before their holiday to Benidorm. Both Jean and her sister Myra have been friends for many years and I enjoyed spending quality time with them immensely. The two of them took me out every night for dinner and even left money for their stay. They were the perfect house guests. I have decided to limit the number of people coming in future, due to the costs involved. For every guest that leaves some money, there are two that don't and will not be coming again!Looking forward
The season has come to an end in Spain; the reality of my situation, is I am highly unlikely to find any more paid work, until the summer season starts in March. With Darrell working in Australia, that should take the pressure off me somewhat, allowing me to concentrate on writing and keeping the home fires burning if you like.
I am also looking forward to the cooler weather, possibly doing some volunteering with a reputable charity and of course will continue to write, always looking for more opportunities, should they arise. I am finally looking forward to Christmas. It will be very different from those in the past, but with a visitor flying over from the UK for a month, it will not be a completely lonely affair! -
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This second reference point, Charlatan or Confidant - Part II, details the second section of a transcript, between myself and a work colleague between the 28 April and 10 May 2015. Please click on the photo below to take you to the blog entry!
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Reliving events, that brought us to spain.
you are truly gifted my friend!
There are those people, who will say, move on with your life and forget this episode. What I have to say to you is this; Part of the process, of moving forwards and rebuilding a life, involves analysing what went wrong before, otherwise the same things will happen again. This is all part of that process.
I have already spoken to a number of different people, before publishing transcripts. I have done all I need to do, to hide the identity of those involved.
In the second part of this document of messages and calls, Penny further gains my trust, offering empty words of love and respect, platitudes. This is not my interpretation, it is that of the charity I used to help me overcome what happened.
Once again, you may feel differently. I am not outing anyone, just going through words, with a different outlook and perspective on what actually happened during my last year in Southampton.
I have been over these words again and again, and I am still unsure, whether or not Penny was genuine or a charlatan. She comes across very well. There was a time I regarded her as a friend, but in the words of the charity who helped me, she was a bully, never listened to what you said and told you what you wanted to hear; make up your own mind!
You are truly gifted my friend!Penny's words are in light green script, mine are in dark blue!
28 April 2015
Concentration is a real problem. I haven't sat down and watched a film for many years. I just can't do it. On top of Bipolar it is a real pain for normality and relaxation..x
I think possibly you've been trying "to hard". I gave Darrell a list of things on how to meditate last night. Your main focus should be your breathing, and slowing it down. When thoughts come into your head, recognise, and then let them drift away. Try not to focus on them, it will become easier for you.
6 May 2016
Omg!!! I have just read it! You truly understood what was being said! I could just hug you so tightly now. Did you google what 24 meant? I did! If not go check it out xxxxx Ps. I am and always will be here for you x
Hi Penny. I'll google it now. I always try and understand! x
It's as if it was written for you x This was the link I read x sacredscribesangelnumbers.blogspot.com
Really...I'll look now! x
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10 May 2016
Hey you! I hope that you had an amazing day yesterday, filled with love and laughter! xxxx
Hey sweet. I had a great time. Darrell is worrying me ATM with this Kate thing. I have no idea what to say. I really hope v sorts this ASAP...x
Luke don't worry about it, there is nothing you can do to resolve it for him. V is going to extend her probation period, I can only assume she is doing that; to gather evidence to not offer her an open ended contract. I watched her do it with 1 of the deputies at Winchester std shop. Darrell has told her everything that has gone on, as well as HR so, as long as he stands his ground, holds his nerve it will be resolved. You my sweet friend, should not worry, think, stress about it. You need to focus on you at the moment. xx
I read a friends hand last night. It was really upsetting. There was a family history of suicide. He was also resting with suicide himself. I told him he got very upset but said it was all true. He thanked me for telling him. I'll send you his message. I cried.
Bless you! But... You actually reached out and helped him. What an amazing gift to bestow on a friend xx What a truly heart felt beautiful message. xxxx
But having said that; it was well deserved. I think with the past few years, you lost touch of who you really were. So many people came into your life under false pretences. But thankfully, I know that the dark cloud they bestowed upon you, is slowly beginning to lift. Reflect upon last night, love and laughter embraced you. No drama, no ulterior motives from those that felt honoured to celebrate your birthday with you. I sense a feeling of love, warmth, sincerity and calmness. What a beautiful place to be within the heart of my friend. Enjoy, embrace and cherish the wonderful emotions those close to you, feel about you. x
It's hard to really describe the "pain" you feel when you read someone. You do find that people who "put on a show" only do it to hide their true feelings. But he was sent to you for a reason, the same as I was sent to you. Because you know, you feel, you truly understand; you do have a wonderful gift, use it wisely, freely, and with love and sincerity. It will never fail you, you will learn to understand it greater than you do now. It takes time, but it's worth all the effort; as it truly does change your life. X
Remember; always listen to your inner voice, it guides you, it protects you, it defines you from everyone else x
I'll try. Trouble is you continue to worry for fear of saying wrong thing. X
No, you will be guided. People are shocked at first; yes as they look at you as if your a stalker! But them reality steps in, they know you know. There are plenty of things I could of said about your Nan, but I was quite tactful, and said she had done my head in. She was relentless, used to getting her own way, quite spoilt to a degree. But I was guided to say, she had a strong opinion, strong willed strong character etc.. Get my drift?
So much so; she even had an opinion on what I wore! Lol flat shoes weren't for her liking!
You say whatever u have too. I know how dominant she was and she caused a lot of pain also, but it also made her contact you. By reading others it is strangely making me stronger if a bit emotional. I had never seen hands like this it was very scary, but I knew he was close to the end
Trust in yourself Luke, you are truly gifted my friend. Have you posted a photo for Sally to read yet? I haven't said anything to her, as I wanted her to read you as I do. She is very good, but she usually charges, which doesn't sit well with me. I know you understand that more so after reading your friends palm last night. How can you charge for that? That's why I don't tell many people. I do have the ability to read Auras, which you have as well, but I suspect you've never been shown how to. So I am fortunate in the respect I can see who to approach and who to avoid. xx
I haven't yet. What do I have to do? X
The best way to do it when your learning, is too use a plain white or black back ground. Focus your eyes just past your hand. You know when you see heat rising off a road surface, it's hazy? That's what you need to latch on to. Don't look directly at your hand; just past the tips of your fingers. Once you latch on to it; you will start to see a colour, that's your Aura. The more you practise, the easier it becomes. Xx
Ok thank you. I'll try it. I'll let you know. Different colours mean different things I guess..x
Yes, once you've seen it you can't help but not see Auras. But it's a beautiful gift, you know who to stay away from xx Anyone with a dark grey Aura, avoid. White is protection from guides. Pink is love, red is a deep anger, blue is healing, unless it's very dark,( that's negativity) green is learning, yellow is money, orange is calmness xx
Ok ill try it later. Loads of writing first. Stuff to say again...lol..x
Forgot the most important one of all! Purple is spirituality, a person with a purple Aura is a gifted medium xx See; it's the need to speak the truth, the truth that's within you. The truth will heal you and set you free; remember truth is where the light is, the light that will always protect you. xx
So what exactly were these words about. Genuine encouragement? A distraction from what was really going on at the time? Empty platitudes or a way of gaining her trust?
