Happy Halloween!!

OK, so the pumpkin didn’t quite make it into the photo this year as planned. Let’s just say there was a kind of ‘dental disaster’ after I got a little heavy handed with the knife and accidentally cut three of his perfectly carved ‘teeth’ out!! Suddenly it didn’t look so scary (I’ve made this mistake before!)

20151031b

Anyway looks like he’s now on his way to becoming ‘soup’ – LOL

So, instead it’s just me in my witches hat this time, I’m afraid
However, to make up for this missing pumpkin, I thought I’d pull some Tarot cards for us, for Halloween – a simple 3 card spread.
It’s been a while since I dug these out, but it was fun to do, so here it is – just for fun πŸ™‚

20151031

(Left to right) Recent Past, Present and Future

OK, so as the cards can be read in many ways (love/relationship/work/career/home/finances etc), to make it more straightforward for this one, I’ve decided to make this a ‘love’ one – especially as two cup cards came out, which are generally associated with emotion and the water signs of the zodiac.

So, in the position of ‘Recent Past’ we have the 9 of cups ‘reversed’. In the upright position this is generally known as the ‘wish’ card and is thought of as very auspicious.

However in the reverse, as it is here (upside down), and in a love reading, this may mean that perhaps there was a situation over which we either had unrealistic views or didn’t quite work out as planned. This card doesn’t quite mean that there’s no hope though πŸ™‚

In the position of ‘Present’ we have the ‘Queen of Pentacles’, a lovely card and one of the most nurturing cards in the deck. The Queen may represent someone currently In our ‘sphere’, an Earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) or someone with those traits or their rising/moon sign in these positions.
Although a Queen, I never attach gender in love (a lot of tarot readers don’t), and so this person may also be a male (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), very grounded, steady and usually dependable.

In the ‘Future’ position we have the 2 of cups – a great card in a love reading! This one speaks of perfect partnership, the coming together of ‘like minds’.

And can be thought of as the ‘soul mate’ card, especially if it shows up alongside ‘the Lovers’ card. Unfortunately this is only a short reading of only 3 cards, so who knows what could have happened if I’d pulled more..

Anyway, in essence, it looks as though although maybe our relationships hadn’t quite come up to scratch in the recent past, for now there seems to be some ‘Earth sign’ or similar, buzzing around us and this person might very well just be the person who’s going to be great for us in the near future (2 of cups). Either way, all very positive!!

OK, so that’s the edited version for anything more in-depth you’ll have to book a private reading with me – LOL!

I promise to have the red velvet curtains, the candles and of course ‘the hat’!! πŸ™‚

Anyway, hope you have a great Halloween wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.
at this end, it’s catching up with a few friends for Halloween nibbles and ‘Gothic Punch’ (whatever that is!)I’ve been assured it’s non – alcoholic! Then, later I’ll be snuggling up on the sofa to watch one of my favourite Halloween films ‘Practical Magic’ (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the witches in this one).

link below to the film and the beautiful soundtrack song ‘crystal’, sung by Stevie Nicks. Worth a listen! πŸ™‚

Sending much love as always
Have a great one! J xx

Her Songs

Good to hear, a few days ago, that a track I’d recorded ‘Hard To Say I’m Sorry’ had made it onto the CD ‘Her Songs’, released on ‘Universal’. (Details below)

This is a double CD which features amongst others, artists such as Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Christina Perri, Lana Del Rel and Katy Perry.

Better still to find out that this album is, this week, currently Number 1 in the HMV chart in Hong Kong.

Guess the gold disc’s in the post – LOL πŸ™‚
Big thanks to all involved.

Sending much love
J x

20150917

Blowing The Cobwebs Away

The road stretches out ahead, as I’m just about to set off on a gentle (a very gentle!) 5k run.

Not my usual early start, but was too tired this morning, after a 9 hr drive back from Scotland yesterday.

Anyway, hopefully this will help to ‘wake me up’ a little bit πŸ™‚ Either that, or completely finish me off! LOL

First up on the playlist for this trip – a really sweet track courtesy of ‘Passenger’.

Wishing you a great weekend
And sending much love, J

Farewell Scotland

Those of a nervous disposition look away now!! No, it’s not the Loch Ness Monster – just me, lying here in bed right now, having awoken from the most amazing and beautiful dream!

This one had everything – an up close encounter with the most amazing and massive spaceship! Being playfully watched and followed, down a country lane, by a beautiful red orb/sphere! and being suspended in the middle of space/the galaxy, as some kind of portal/gateway to Jupiter!! (People were actually passing through my body to get there!! – felt weird! πŸ™‚ LOL

Certainly left me with a strangely expansive feeling, in this moment.

Anyway, much more detail, but that’s the edited version. Who knows exactly what it’s all about. Perhaps it’s my proximity to ‘the Falkirk Triangle’? πŸ™‚ Falkirk (where I was born) is often referred to as the UFO capital of Scotland! ).

Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure – it’s time to drag myself out of this bed, start packing and say “goodbye” to Scotland, at least for a wee while.
Always a little sad to go, and I can’t honestly say the 8-10 hour drive South fills me with inspiration but c’est la vie πŸ™

Sending much love to you, wherever you are in the world, oh and “sweet dreams” if you’re just going to bed! πŸ™‚ J x

20150730

The Road To Rosslyn

Spent some of the day here, visiting Rosslyn Chapel – which featured in the Dan Brown book ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and in the film of the same name, starring Tom Hanks.

Rosslyn was built around 1446 by Sir William St Clair and has always been surrounded by mystery and intrigue, more so since the above book and film were released.
Indeed there is much masonic symbolism and reference to the Knights Templar within the ornate and intricate stone carvings (one of which depicts the fallen angel ‘Lucifer’ bound by ropes).

20150728 20150728b

Many believe there are also secret codes (musical ones!), embedded within these carvings, in the form of sacred geometry – search ‘Rosslyn Chapel Cymatics’ on youtube for more and a look inside this amazing place! (unfortunately no photos are allowed to be taken within).

Today, Rosslyn remains supported by many benefactors, some of whom include the Rothschild Foundation and the Getty family amongst others.

Whichever way you look at it, Rosslyn’s history certainly has it all – murder, mystery and intrigue!

P.S. On another note, just thought I’d also include a photo of my ‘neighbours’ here in Edinburgh, the beautiful Highland cattle which live in an adjoining field.
I’ve named them Hamish and Angus (not sure they’d approve – especially if it turns out they’re girls!! ) lol

20150728c

Anyway, they’re fun to say “hello” to every morning πŸ™‚

Sending love, wherever you are in the world
J x

A Piper Played

Just home, having spent the day in town.

Decided not to drive, but instead take the bus into town this morning, a beautifully sunny day here in Edinburgh (at least that’s how it started out!).

20150726b 20150726

Meandering through the streets you could feel the energy, as the City starts to gear up for the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which starts at the beginning of August. Lots of different accents could be heard – mainly American at this time of year for some reason. I guess Scotland’s a popular destination on a UK road trip for some!?

Meanwhile, just over the George 4th Bridge, the ‘Elephant House’ cafe was bustling with tourists! This is best known as the ‘birthplace’ of the ‘Harry Potter’ books, as this was where JK Rowling penned most of the series.

20150726c

Later, as once again the heavens opened, and I was caught in a massive downpour, I decided it was time to head home. I say ‘home’, but I’m not actually staying with family this time, but instead staying in a log cabin somewhere at the foot of the Pentland Hills – just on the City outskirts. It’s quite cozy really… and an ideal sanctuary from the bustle of the City.

Heading to a nearby village pub soon – not so much for a drink, but for the warmth of their open log fire – an essential Scottish Summer accessory! πŸ™‚

Hope you’re having a great weekend wherever you are in the world!

Sending best wishes and much love
J x

10 Hour Drive

Crashed out on the bed after a 10 hour drive to Scotland.
Very tired, but happy to be here.

20150725

Outside, a dramatic rainstorm lashes down (Summer in Scotland!) lol
Next, a warm bath, then time to get snuggled up in bed I think πŸ™‚

Sending much love
J x

Proof Of Life

Feeling a little like Will Smith’s character in the film ‘I am Legend’ – sending out this message and wondering if anyone’s still around to receive it πŸ™

No, I hadn’t fallen off the edge of the planet or been abducted by ET’s! – just ‘silent running’ for the past few months (many apologies).

Thought this photo of me, holding today’s copy of ‘The Guardian’ newspaper might serve as proof that I’m still very much alive and well (LOL).

20150708

Been busy with a few other things recently, as well as trying to finalize the ‘Italian’ album. Had actually thought I’d have much more news for you on that one, but currently the wheels of the music business turn very slowly. At present we’re trying to come to decisions about finishing touches, along with deciding exactly where it’s going to be mixed (Italy or USA? ).

Anyway, I’ll be ‘bailing out’ in the direction of Edinburgh, for a few days, in the next week or two, so will catch up with you again then, if not before.

Really hope all’s good with you πŸ™‚

Sending much love, as always…
J

London

Just saying a quick morning “hello”! as up early today to travel up to London. Amongst other things, looking forward to catching up with one half of the ‘dynamic duo’ that is Stuart & Gordon – Gordon Campbell. Will be good to hear all the news from home, over coffee and a bite of lunch.

Showered and with a touch of make up on, it’s time to get moving and finally throw some clothes on now (still in my dressing gown! ) lol

Link below to the first track on the ‘wake up’ playlist today. A really sweet song by Ed Sheeran.
Love the lyrical sentiment of this one – achingly beautiful.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing – have a great day!! πŸ™‚
Catch up later.

Much Love, J x

20150916

Orchard of Cider Makers

In the orchard of the local Cider makers – a beautiful picturesque little place selling lots of different types of Cider, which they brew on site. The sun shone as I sat for a while under one of the many candy coloured parasols that filled the Tea Garden, as the gentle sound of ‘Coldplay’ drifted by in the afternoon air.

Julienne Taylor 020 Julienne Taylor 041