We have a favour of our Blogger Arme.
Although we announced the winner of our latest competition to win a copy of Jodi's wonderful book some while ago, we have not heard back from the winner, Christeen.
We are hoping one of you may know how I can contact her.
This was her entry,,,
'It's lovely to hear people talking about animals. I have horses, dogs and cats AND M.E. - how is it possible? Friends help out of course, I live alone and foster for the local dog shelter taking the dogs that are terrified of the human race - these dogs want to be left alone but will, over a period of months, accept that this very benign human being that spends many hours on her reclining chair is utterly non-threatening but does provide food and water! One door from this room opens onto the specially made 'dog yard' so that they can play at any time with or without human interference! Over time these dogs come round and are able to be slotted back into the 'system' to find their new home - so I do have a purpose and have many special moments such as touching a dog for the first time or having a dog take a huge sigh and finally relaxing in my company - very special rewards and tremendously useful 'work'! The horses graze freely year round though there are stables. I don't ride anymore but deal with behaviour - again I have learned from them and from my limitations that with horses 'less is more'. A movement from my fingers is sufficient to make a horse step back, when I can sit on a chair on the stable yard or in the field, I can 'join the herd' and take part in the 'being' part of nature. I have four stallions, all in the same field, with mares - by normal horse keeping 'rules' they should have ripped each other to pieces, but taking time to be 'with' them in their herd, (of which I am the lead mare!) I have learned that the boys have a heirarchy and one will take advantage of the mares and the others almost seem to switch their hormones off - so my stallions are friendly, calm and I trust them - compare this to other stallions kept behind bars who bite and kick given half a chance - but wouldn't you if you as a social animal only mixed with others for the reproductive side of your nature and lost all the other social aspects of your nature - but then we know about the last aspect all too well! This years foals are an utter delight to watch and 'be' with as they explore their 'first' human being - the boys do it with their teeth, the girls are much gentler! Cats as well of course, though they have a side of the house away from the dogs! So M.E. has given me the opportunity to spend time 'being' with my animals and learning from them, which was not a possibility when I worked full time and rode at weekends or when I left work and was still able to ride occasionally and to go out and 'do' things on a regular basis. So M.E. has given me the chance to learn about my animals in a very unique way. Finally, Blue is a large sled dog who pulls a cart, so if I do go out in the fields he can come with me and can bring me back if I find I've walked too far - he also pulls small loads of anything I need to 'carry' - and loves it. They keep me sane, give me purpose, provide laughter, frustration, emotional variety and a routine (which is basically that there isn't one! - everyone here has to be totally flexible - we run by 'my' clock which bears no resemblance to the real time!) Without them and the need to serve them my life would be very narrow and much poorer and M.E. would have taken a much greater toll. It has taken years to change my home to a property that fits round M.E. and my animals - but that process in itself, the problem solving aspect of the many practical problems that managing animals throws up, has given me a purpose and sense of achievement.'
If anyone recognises her info, and has her contact details, can you either, if/when you are able,
1, let her know that she won and ask her to email me her preferred name to be sewn on her thank you card, and a postal address to send the wonderful book and card to.
Or
2,pass her contact details onto me in confidence and I will contact her.
My email is contactalisonlouisebell@gmail.com
We really appreciate your help!
It's also worth suggesting that if you enter one of our competitions, to check back shortly after the closing date.
If you are not sure if you'll be well enough or able to do that, when you enter, simply email me your email address or mobile number (for text message), and i'll be happy to let you know the winner when they are announced.
And for those of you who haven't noticed, I personally reply to all comments made via the easy comment streams on our blog, apart from the competition entries as I feel this would be unfair. So if you comment anywhere, it's worth checking back if you wish to read my reply. Again if you are unsure if you would be able so revisit the blog to check, let me know when you comment and I can email or text you my reply.
Once again, thank you for your help in contacting the winner, and for simply being members of our Blogger Arme community!!
Best Wishes, Much love and Blessings
Alison, on behalf of
The Tinkerbelle and Hummingbird M.E. Blog x x
