tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71965301736849418452024-03-13T04:56:53.669-07:00Charmiene's BooksI am the author of 8 travel books that have a spiritual and human interest content; I write about observations, insights and real life events. you can see my books by googling my name : Charmiene Maxwell-Batten
they are available on amazon.com and www.lulu.com
I love photography and have my photos to view and for sale at this link: http://sita.redbubble.comCharmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-44552897284926291982012-12-13T19:15:00.003-08:002012-12-13T19:15:46.328-08:00<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqlOuOVZTNE&noredirect=1" target="_blank">ABOUT MY BOOKS</a>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-55230332738373874662012-12-13T19:09:00.003-08:002012-12-13T19:13:52.084-08:00VIDEOS<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My YOUTUBE site</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/sitamouni/videos" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/user/sitamouni/videos</a></span>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-52369982381213324262012-12-13T19:06:00.004-08:002012-12-13T19:06:53.087-08:00<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/wearandinspire" target="_blank">MY ONLINE STORE</a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/wearandinspire" target="_blank">http://www.zazzle.com/wearandinspire</a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/wearandinspire"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></a>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-18096746709802340772012-05-11T12:43:00.002-07:002012-05-11T12:43:50.197-07:00<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I just published my latest Book titled : SOUNDS OF MY SOUL</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwqxgbWKquc/T61rprZiUEI/AAAAAAAAAHs/ihiWnTt8qjg/s1600/FRONT+COVER+Sounds+usa+with+fixes+better.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwqxgbWKquc/T61rprZiUEI/AAAAAAAAAHs/ihiWnTt8qjg/s320/FRONT+COVER+Sounds+usa+with+fixes+better.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/7574175">http://www.lulu.com/content/7574175</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">this is a collection of non-fiction philosophical observations about everyday life.</span>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-5456811239581266322012-03-06T12:23:00.000-08:002012-03-06T12:23:59.499-08:00eBooksI am trying to figure out how to get my books onto NOOK and iBookstore - need to learn ecodeing.<br />
<br />
here are my book sites:<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">AMERICA</span></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/charmieneusa1950"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/charmieneusa1950</span></a><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">ENGLAND:</span></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/sitasita1950"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/sitasita1950</span></a><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">EUROPE</span></strong>:<br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/charmiene_batten"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/charmiene_batten</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
These are human interest and non-fiction narratives set in different countries<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z_NTUv5_4Y/T1ZyVZLZbLI/AAAAAAAAAHk/TwIWhBjpzic/s1600/BLUE+clematis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z_NTUv5_4Y/T1ZyVZLZbLI/AAAAAAAAAHk/TwIWhBjpzic/s320/BLUE+clematis.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-86408487630986577662012-01-06T09:53:00.001-08:002012-03-06T12:17:53.981-08:00<span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue;">I just updtaed one of my publishing sites and now I have to figure out how to get a video on it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;">For Europe:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/charmiene_batten"><span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/charmiene_batten</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: cyan; color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">I will be displaying my photographic artwork here in February at the Vegeria vegan restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 1</span>0% of sales goes to charity </span><a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/charmiene_batten"></a></span></span></o:p></span></div><span style="background-color: cyan; color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://myvegeria.com/Home.php"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: cyan; color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">http://myvegeria.com/Home.php</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="background-color: cyan; color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I will be at the Hilton hotel monthly wholistic event every third Sunday</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.wholisticfestival.com/">www.wholisticfestival.com</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I will be at the Hilton hotel wholistic festival on Jnauary 21st<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.wholisticfestival.com/4-Seasons-Wholistic-Festival.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.wholisticfestival.com/4-Seasons-Wholistic-Festival.html</span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Wishing you all a happy January!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-47719913521275722112012-01-02T07:17:00.000-08:002012-01-02T08:29:07.889-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;">“LIFE'S CHALLENGES ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO PARALYZE US,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;">THEY<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HELP US DISCOVER WHO WE ARE</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;">"<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>Bernice Johnson Reagon<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;">Happy New Year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another opportunity to feel that new beginnings and new steps in life can be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2011 was a bumpy year for me on numerous levels and yet there are so many ways and reasons to feel grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the hottest and driest summer for 150 years and the lavender farms couldn’t produce any lavender this year. It has not been easy taking the bus and waiting at bus stops in the scorching dust and heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our garden and vegetables could not survive the heat either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our beautiful 9 year old Sheltie ‘Kali’ died unexpectedly of lung cancer in September – we miss her so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dear friend in Switzerland, Valerie Heutschi died of lung tumors in April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried a lot – and felt such overwhelming sadness at the pain her two children and husband must have felt at the loss of their wife and mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some other profound losses in 2011.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;">YET life continues and we adopted our beautiful Sheltie called ‘Spirit’ from the Austin Sheltie Rescue, in April, before even knowing that ‘Kali’ was sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spirit has helped us though the loss of Kali.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the wonderful opportunity to teach English (ESL) as a volunteer at an adult learning center for the summer, which I really enjoyed. I joined the monthly Body/Mind/Spirit Fair to sell my books and photography at the Unlimited Thought Bookstore. This is held on the first weekend of every month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also joined the Wholistic Fair on every third Sunday at La Taza coffee House, where I sell my art and books and do palmistry readings. I joined a writers group. I have become fascinated with the latest scientific discoveries of our cosmos and how the Universe burst into life. Quantum physics has began to really interest me.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;">My handsome great nephew whose name is Jasper was born in May – sthis is the closest I will get to being a grandmother. My nephew Luke met the lovely Tanya, they fell in love and then came baby Jasper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%;">I continue to love photography and writing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- it keeps me alive!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Happy New </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_4-A-mq9U8/TwHKVBlLgVI/AAAAAAAAAHc/7y6EvoU5G0c/s1600/Sita+Selling+her+books+resized2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_4-A-mq9U8/TwHKVBlLgVI/AAAAAAAAAHc/7y6EvoU5G0c/s320/Sita+Selling+her+books+resized2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-50845690810247114352011-09-27T12:55:00.000-07:002011-10-21T13:07:14.211-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><em>On Friday we will lose our beloved Kali, she will fall asleep and fly to a heavenly realm - yes!. she was diagnosed with terminal cancer 3 weeks ago and 10 days ago she lost the use of her legs. It has been a very painful time to see her in distress and we have all been unable to sleep much. Here is a picture of her when we moved to Texas 6 years ago - she loved Seattle with the big green dog parks and she was allowed to come on the bus with us - Seattle loves dogs. Even though she really enjoyed having her own garden here in San Antonio, and chasing the squirrels - San Antonio is a place where many people generally don't value the beautiful souls that dogs have. Many people here don't understand the unconditional love that a dog can give - maybe one day they will understand the God given gift that dogs are in this world. But for now, we see stray dogs and dogs kept in back yards and used as alarm systems.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #7030a0;"></span></em> <br />
<em><span style="color: #7030a0;">We have our wonderful dog 'Spirit' who joined our family 4 months ago and he is like an angel, so tender and gentle with Kali. He is also a Shetland Sheepdog like kali, and they look very similar.</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #7030a0;"><em></em></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XGksO9LWKA/ToIp-qs2s_I/AAAAAAAAAHU/ExnOmZDLR_s/s1600/beloved+Kali3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XGksO9LWKA/ToIp-qs2s_I/AAAAAAAAAHU/ExnOmZDLR_s/s320/beloved+Kali3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em><span style="color: #7030a0;"></span></em><br />
<br />
<div></div><div></div><div><div><span style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;"></span></span> </div></div></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-44700023559929235192011-06-02T08:36:00.000-07:002011-09-27T12:51:42.206-07:00Swiss Book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have just edited and updated my book about Switzerland. I also wanted to edit a name, so as to protect the identity of my first husband and the father of my daughter - who is Swiss<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-370XYK3Y-b4/Teet3f1A0CI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/WEZ1sWuD8Oo/s1600/BRIDGE+AND+LAKE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-370XYK3Y-b4/Teet3f1A0CI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/WEZ1sWuD8Oo/s320/BRIDGE+AND+LAKE.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes Switzerland really dances in my heart!</div></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-15214719567037371062011-04-02T17:48:00.001-07:002011-04-02T17:48:52.237-07:00Slideshow of my photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Just click on any of the photos to see a description<br />
<br />
<embed flashvars="file=http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita/works/visual.atom?campaign=slideshow&height=150&width=150&transition=fade&linktarget=_current" height="150" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://www.redbubble.com/swf/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="150"></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-86231873598135795772011-04-02T17:47:00.000-07:002011-04-02T17:47:19.273-07:00slide show of my photographs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
This is a slideshow of my photos, just learnt how to post this<br />
<br />
<embed flashvars="file=http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita/works/visual.atom?campaign=slideshow&height=150&width=150&transition=fade&linktarget=_current" height="150" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://www.redbubble.com/swf/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="150"></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-86379504658008113402011-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:002011-10-21T13:20:37.898-07:00Loss and Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border: currentColor;">Life's journey IS about the ultimate experience and ache of loss as well as the brimming bliss of love and joy. It is an art form, a picture that is painted with a kaleiderscope of colours - I have heard this Life journey, described as......... 'Leela'. </div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">here is a video that speaks to the ache of loss:</span></strong></em></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ngpZaECKaBM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>and here is a video that speaks of the bliss of joy:</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So far my books are about real life, real feelings and honesty expression - maybe I will one day write a novel with fictional characters. <br />
But for now, I write and I write ....and I write and its real</div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-20508137184465840352011-02-16T14:00:00.000-08:002011-09-27T13:10:00.441-07:00Swiss Books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am saddened to say that I have had to remove my Book about Switzerland from the online bookstores - or more correctly said - it has been removed.<br />
<br />
My books are memoirs written in short story form, with a focus on a shared and human journey though life . I am convinced that we, as a unified humanity, share the kaleiderscope of feelings, experiences, challenges and joys - though we may process and work with the nuances in this 'painting of life' in our own uniqe way - nevertheless I find it profoundly beautiful to air some of those personal experiences and feelings in the spirit of unity. How else can we join hands in our aspiration to evolve, learn and gain the clarity of spiritual and emotional wholeness.<br />
<br />
My first husband, a Swiss man, for reasons of his own, apparently does not want his name or his past to be known or shared. Therefore he had my book removed from the internet.<br />
<br />
I will re-write those chapters in order to "hide" him, before publishing my Swiss book again. <br />
<br />
In my Swiss book, I wrote a chapter about my first marriage, which was written as a deeply intense mix of tragedy and beauty because we lost our baby girl. The beauty of her birth is something that lights up my heart and to this day brings me waves of joy - the tragedy of her death leaves a wound. Perhaps my writing did step on her father's personal boundaries and expose too much for comfort - and yet it is my life I write about. He was a part of my life for ten years. <br />
<br />
I will have to reflect on how to re-write this part of my life while respecting his privacy.<br />
<br />
Writing for me, has been such a comfort and form of authentic expression. <br />
<br />
<br />
I also published a tribute to our daughter here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thisisannouncements.co.uk/5913008?s_source=clna_zzzz">TRIBUTE TO FAYE</a><br />
<br />
Her grave has been taken away, as is the Swiss custom. After 20 years, graves are removed.<br />
<br />
Can you imagine my joy when I found an online site to pay tribute to my daughter, it was almost like having her grave. AND I finally was able to have her birth certificate in my hands, after all these years. In Switzerland births and deaths are noted in a 'Blue Book, which only the husband has access to. Maybe things have changed now.<br />
<br />
I took the time to request her birth certificate, which was sent to me from Switzerland and I joyously posted it with her tribute. My tears of joy were so deeply rooted in the heart - and yet this too has been removed by Faye's father. Her birth certificate was removed a few days ago. I miss seeing it on her tribute. <br />
<br />
The older Swiss culture is very private - and though I respect that trait, I am aware that, in my view, my Swiss ex-husband had a particularly rigid outlook on life.<br />
<br />
<em>I will honour the memory of our daughter for my whole life - and I celebrate her existence in this world. It puzzles me why her father would not wish this to be publicly known, yet I respect his choice, even though it appears to be denying his own footprints in life.</em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWlMKJgtdqE/TVxFl6n4pII/AAAAAAAAAHM/E5J6YsXjqZs/s1600/Faye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWlMKJgtdqE/TVxFl6n4pII/AAAAAAAAAHM/E5J6YsXjqZs/s320/Faye.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em>Here she is, my little angel who would now be 37 years old</em></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-26382333317795611642011-02-01T15:10:00.000-08:002011-02-01T15:21:26.227-08:00FEBRUARY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Its February, time really flies and I have a birthday coming up - again. February always reminds me of snowdrops, which is the first sign of blessed growth after the cold winter months. I wrote a story about snowdrops in my book about 'Childhood'.<br />
Click on the link below to see my story:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita/writing/5888780-snowdrops">http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita/writing/5888780-snowdrops</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I don't have any photos of snowdrops myself, but one day maybe I will find some and be there at the right moment. Here are some bluebells!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TUiSqdcUeEI/AAAAAAAAAHI/FB79NzSaUaU/s1600/bluebells+in+forest+rain+with+signature1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TUiSqdcUeEI/AAAAAAAAAHI/FB79NzSaUaU/s320/bluebells+in+forest+rain+with+signature1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a video and music that I think is really beautiful by Jon & Vangelis:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0rX_iyUkfg&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0rX_iyUkfg&feature=related</a></div><br />
</div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-37289688512194115072011-01-18T14:38:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:38:22.701-08:00Charmiene's Books: MIDDLE AGE<a href="http://charmienesbookspiritualjourneys.blogspot.com/2011/01/middle-age.html">Charmiene's Books: MIDDLE AGE</a>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-65910868877450443302011-01-18T14:29:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:37:38.964-08:00MIDDLE AGE<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">Do you look back at your choices and decisions and wish they had been different? Do we really know how things would have turned out had we made different decisions? I know that it is easy to look back with the added wisdom of maturity.</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">I find it is a time in my life where I am not only looking forward but also looking back at events and memories. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">I often wonder why I left Switzerland when I did - because I had worked so hard to gain entrance into Zurich University and I succeeded! It was one of the happiest times in my life, to be studying for my degree in Ethnology. I loved it!! So why did I leave? I simply don't know. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">Things seemed to line up so perfectly to push me into a move to Hawaii - America - India and the Osho spiritual community. I think I tried really hard to NOT make this move. Was I weak willed? Did I give in to an easy way out? Did I NOT continue fighting for my truth?</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">This makes me wonder whether there is a 'plan' that pushes us onto a path of learning or simply a path that we must walk on ........no matter how much we resist it.........we get that push. </span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">Do we? </span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">I look back and see how I COULD have stayed in Switzerland, finished my degree and lived a secure lifestyle. Instead I've lived a nomadic lifestyle and written 8 books and still writing and don't feel very secure on a material level. Yet I feel rich on many other levels. </span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">Is there a time in our life when we look back at the choices and decisions we have made? Is it a time to be at peace with those decisions? Ultimately, as Ramesh Balsekar says: "It is what it is".</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"></span><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: large;">I remember at age 29, I wanted to go to Africa and do voluntary humanitarian work. I have that same feeling now.</span></em><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: blue;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: blue;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">I love this song by Susan Boyle, hope you enjoy it too:</span></em><br />
(CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSMn16ttU9w">I WAS BORN TO BE</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TTYS2ns35CI/AAAAAAAAAG8/iyrnJWeBX2I/s1600/amazing+rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TTYS2ns35CI/AAAAAAAAAG8/iyrnJWeBX2I/s320/amazing+rock.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TTYUL2ouT5I/AAAAAAAAAHA/aWmz4LRyLvs/s1600/twilight+rock2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TTYUL2ouT5I/AAAAAAAAAHA/aWmz4LRyLvs/s320/twilight+rock2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would love to hear your comments and insights of your own path of choices</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Charmiene</div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-49982417619443265202011-01-10T16:14:00.000-08:002011-01-10T16:14:23.335-08:00HAPPY NEW YEARHAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!<br />
<br />
I had the feeling that this new year will bring inner strength and courage to stand strong in what we feel - peacefully. I have felt saddened by the political rhetoric here in America. Hopefully things will become more evolved, peaceful and humanitarian in the political arena.<br />
<br />
LeRoy and I went on a driving trip to Taos and Arizona. Kali, our Sheltie came with us and she loves driving trips too. We visited Zeno, who I haven't seen for 30 years. We found a wonderful organic vegetarian cafe called: <a href="http://www.chocolatreecafe.com/">CHOCOLATREE</a> <a href="http://www.chocolatreecafe.com/">http://www.chocolatreecafe.com/</a><br />
in Sedona. I felt I was in the Nirvana of eating.<br />
<br />
Here are some photos<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSuf5YM5aAI/AAAAAAAAAGo/uRpTf1pfBpk/s1600/kali+at+oak+creek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSuf5YM5aAI/AAAAAAAAAGo/uRpTf1pfBpk/s320/kali+at+oak+creek.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSuf-rIaKFI/AAAAAAAAAGs/yTt0x-_QgNQ/s1600/ghandi+saying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSuf-rIaKFI/AAAAAAAAAGs/yTt0x-_QgNQ/s320/ghandi+saying.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSugBUSR09I/AAAAAAAAAGw/GJ7j0FE3EKg/s1600/church+in+rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSugBUSR09I/AAAAAAAAAGw/GJ7j0FE3EKg/s320/church+in+rock.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSugEB7bYBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/41yCYY6BxgI/s1600/chocolatree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSugEB7bYBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/41yCYY6BxgI/s320/chocolatree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSugHOvCLQI/AAAAAAAAAG4/AezV4-gbfFo/s1600/bell+rock2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TSugHOvCLQI/AAAAAAAAAG4/AezV4-gbfFo/s320/bell+rock2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here are some photos:Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-53518375042952412082010-12-08T13:40:00.000-08:002010-12-08T13:45:23.497-08:00A NEW GALLERYI am so thrilled and appreciative that my books and photos are now for sale in Trillium online gallery, which is a newly created gallery produced by the talented Maureen Maliha and her vision. Maureen is a gifted photographer as well as being an insightfully perceptive human being who cares about the universal creative spirit of art and vision.<br />
<br />
Please do take a look by clicking on this link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://trilliumgallery.weebly.com/charmiene-maxwell-batten.html"><em><span style="font-size: large;">CHARMIENE'S PHOTOGRAPHY AND BOOKS</span></em></a><br />
<br />
<br />
thankyou so much for following my Blog, I really appreciate it!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TP_749qXFgI/AAAAAAAAAGg/c_qTrwEbkaY/s1600/BEAUTIFUL+bluebells.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TP_749qXFgI/AAAAAAAAAGg/c_qTrwEbkaY/s320/BEAUTIFUL+bluebells.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-16876128182316429652010-11-24T16:50:00.000-08:002010-11-24T16:50:41.499-08:00My Photo Site<strong><em><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I have just updated and edited my RedBubble Photgraphy site, please take a look .........I have developed a passion for photography!</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita">http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita</a></span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving!!!!</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TO2yySaGb1I/AAAAAAAAAGY/kXgDO2MHTPM/s1600/fragrant+honeysuckle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TO2yySaGb1I/AAAAAAAAAGY/kXgDO2MHTPM/s320/fragrant+honeysuckle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-35418545186734382682010-09-16T08:07:00.000-07:002010-09-16T08:10:19.763-07:00<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong><em>A renowned author was asked in an interview why she writes - her answer was:</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong><em>"Because I love it and I need it"</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong><em>This is short, simple, honest - and exactly my answer too.</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TJIyXlzCc3I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/65Y7uZvABYE/s1600/g+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TJIyXlzCc3I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/65Y7uZvABYE/s400/g+bridge.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really appreciate you visiting my Blog and my photo gallery (below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita">SEE MY PHOTOS</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-89236152495597118442010-09-12T08:33:00.000-07:002010-09-12T08:34:56.260-07:00My PHOTO GALLERY<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita">CLICK HERE TO SEE MY PHOTO GALLERY</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I have recently joined a site called RedBubble, which has given me an opportunity to showcase my photographs. I fell in love with photography about 2 years ago when I needed some photos for my book covers and my books themselves. I began with a simple inexpensive phone camera and now I use a dijital point and shoot Lumix camera.<br />
<br />
My photos are for sale as greeting cards and framed prints.<br />
<br />
I am also getting ready to approach various Animal protection charities in San Antonio Texas because I would like to donate some of the earnings from my photography and books towards the protection of animals. I am sad to say that in Texas, dogs and all animals are officially treated as possessions - in the same category as furniture and owning your furniture is the same as 'owning' a dog. Dogs are not considered to be living (loving) beings with a heartbeat. There are so many stray dogs around San Antonio and the culture appears to accept that as being acceptable. Dogs are left in back yards in all weather and I have asked myself why people even have a dog - well the answer is - it is a cheap alarm system and when this alarm system breaks down - it is easily replaced with a new one<br />
<br />
Besides my passion for photography and writing and gardening, I have a passion to try and ease the plight of dogs and offer assistance to those organisations that dedicate themselves to educating and rescuing abused pets.Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-80563496051059051412010-09-04T08:45:00.000-07:002010-09-04T08:48:24.940-07:00ENGLANDI was born in Axminster, Devon - England - before leaving for East Africa at 6 weeks old!<br />
<br />
My family still live in England and I consider it to be my home and 'my roots' even though I seem to have travelled, lived and worked in other countries. <br />
<br />
I love England and here are some photos that I recently took, because for the last two years photography has become a great passion! I find it soothing, uplifting and such a wonderful way to express one's heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TIJnaCSZkDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/Rtyw7jVC8tc/s1600/Budleigh+beach+evening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TIJnaCSZkDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/Rtyw7jVC8tc/s320/Budleigh+beach+evening.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is the beach in Budleigh Salterton, it is a lovely pebbly beach with a wildlife sanctuary of marshes nearby where the birds and wildlife are protected.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TIJoCd1owUI/AAAAAAAAAF4/u5qiq2235F4/s1600/LOVELY+river+and+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TIJoCd1owUI/AAAAAAAAAF4/u5qiq2235F4/s320/LOVELY+river+and+bridge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is the lovely Exeter Quay, where swans float and glide along the river and walk around with their baby cygnets on the grass.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TIJocKwK6RI/AAAAAAAAAGA/NSEsxNPW_do/s1600/Instow+evening.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TIJocKwK6RI/AAAAAAAAAGA/NSEsxNPW_do/s320/Instow+evening.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This photo is in Instow, North Devon - it is a lovely place with a lot of historic and old world cottages. Across the bay is Appledore.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TIJo22U2u0I/AAAAAAAAAGI/Inlnh0y3DcI/s1600/Blackbury+Camp+bluebells.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TIJo22U2u0I/AAAAAAAAAGI/Inlnh0y3DcI/s400/Blackbury+Camp+bluebells.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is called Blackbury Camp, it is near Beer (seaside village/town) and you have to drive down a small country lane to reach this place - and when you get there it is an enchanting sanctuary where the bluebells carpet the woods in Springtime. It is wonderful to be there. This locarion is also an ancient and sacred place in the Iron Age times.<br />
<br />
<br />
This is my book about England which can be viewed and purchased online in USA or Europe<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/873482">EUROPE TITLE</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/2828015">USA TITLE</a><br />
<br />
<br />
thankyou so much for visiting my Blog!! I appreciate it very muchCharmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-11720453841376320342010-08-15T15:12:00.000-07:002010-08-15T15:17:06.065-07:00ZURICHHere are some photos of Zurich, it was my home for 15 years and I still feel a deep attachment to this wonderful city. Mostly I lived inThalwil - but I also lived in Munstergasse in the enchanting Niederdorf when I was at University. These photos have been taken in the last couple of years when I came for very short and nostalgic visits - and it rained! Nevertheless I basked in the memories of an impressionable time.<br />
Zurich University was the epitome of happiness - I was ecstatic to be accepted and registered as a student to study Ethnology, Psychology and Folk History. I lived in Zug (near Lucerne) for a year when I worked as a nursing auxilliary at Burgerspital, which was located on the lake of Zug - what a beautiful sight with glorious sunsets - I saw every evening from the hospital windows.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhjqMNiggI/AAAAAAAAAEw/imuf-1o42Mk/s1600/blue+and+red+pinncale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhjqMNiggI/AAAAAAAAAEw/imuf-1o42Mk/s320/blue+and+red+pinncale.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A misty rainy day but beautiful view from the University. You can take the Polybahn up to the University and look over Zurich.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhkDW07eTI/AAAAAAAAAE4/H2iI_4k0pOo/s1600/lovely+night+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhkDW07eTI/AAAAAAAAAE4/H2iI_4k0pOo/s320/lovely+night+bridge.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An evening view of the Limmat and the bridge that I know so well</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhkRvGDM0I/AAAAAAAAAFA/zR8554cqVFs/s1600/blue+umbrella.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhkRvGDM0I/AAAAAAAAAFA/zR8554cqVFs/s320/blue+umbrella.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the on the Bridge - a very rainy day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhkesm84mI/AAAAAAAAAFI/tK2wyby317w/s1600/alpli+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhkesm84mI/AAAAAAAAAFI/tK2wyby317w/s320/alpli+bar.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I remember going to the Alpli Bar with Daniel and having their special fluffy drink of milk, raw egg and brandy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhlbOzCiII/AAAAAAAAAFY/0Ad6t6c1iI4/s1600/shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhlbOzCiII/AAAAAAAAAFY/0Ad6t6c1iI4/s320/shop.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is near The TurlerSee, where I was walking with Denise when I visited last year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhmFEMj9kI/AAAAAAAAAFg/xIO-3_gZy3o/s1600/FOUNTAIN+in+square.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGhmFEMj9kI/AAAAAAAAAFg/xIO-3_gZy3o/s320/FOUNTAIN+in+square.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the lovely place called Stein am Rhein</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK....... no more misty rainy photos of Zurich ......Zurich really <em>is</em> sunny, green, colourful and gorgeous in summer. Switzerland has so much crispy snowy beauty during winter in the mountains.</div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-83340709705707222472010-08-13T16:09:00.000-07:002010-08-13T16:09:49.893-07:00LYME REGISHere are some photos of a beautiful part of the Dorset coast called Lyme Regis. I went to school at The Woodroffe School and my family lived there for a few years before moving to Marshwood in Dorset. Lyme Regis is part of the Jurassic coast where ancient fossils can be found on monmouth beach. Mary Anning was an eager fossilist in this area in the 19th century. Jane Austen wrote her novel Persuasion while residing there and the movie with Meryl Streep 'The French Leutenants Woman' was filmed there. It was a mystical sight to see her standing at the end of The Cobb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXOVW70WRI/AAAAAAAAADw/T2d_M0-ux_s/s1600/afternoon+cobb2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXOVW70WRI/AAAAAAAAADw/T2d_M0-ux_s/s320/afternoon+cobb2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the Cobb in Lyme Regis - what an amazing walk this is - and scarey on a windy day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXOxTfojII/AAAAAAAAAD4/_dyemZ0-bq4/s1600/cobb+pub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXOxTfojII/AAAAAAAAAD4/_dyemZ0-bq4/s320/cobb+pub.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Cobb Arms a well known pub by the beach - I remember having prawns and chips there many years</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> ago!</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXPL31tkWI/AAAAAAAAAEA/-Kaivm45c4Y/s1600/alexandra+hotel+at+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXPL31tkWI/AAAAAAAAAEA/-Kaivm45c4Y/s320/alexandra+hotel+at+back.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the Alexandra hotel, it is lovely to have tea on the lawn!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used to go to my ballet classes at the back of this hotel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXPmyn8xuI/AAAAAAAAAEI/ARw74YTkY9g/s1600/georgeous3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXPmyn8xuI/AAAAAAAAAEI/ARw74YTkY9g/s320/georgeous3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this is a landmark - a pretty cottage as you drive into Lyme Regis </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXP2l4YzGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/HY5Ffgr_rB0/s1600/another+fossil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXP2l4YzGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/HY5Ffgr_rB0/s320/another+fossil.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this is one of the fossils embedded in stone, I saw it on Monmouth beach this year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXQGs02vRI/AAAAAAAAAEY/e8VR4sw2R2I/s1600/LYME+HARBOUR+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXQGs02vRI/AAAAAAAAAEY/e8VR4sw2R2I/s320/LYME+HARBOUR+3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Harbor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXQb-gwdUI/AAAAAAAAAEo/B9u6RqTFx2Q/s1600/golden+cap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGXQb-gwdUI/AAAAAAAAAEo/B9u6RqTFx2Q/s320/golden+cap.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Golden Cap</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you enjoy them</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you can see more of my photos at:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sita">www.redbubble.com/people/sita</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196530173684941845.post-47313455165707881932010-08-12T18:14:00.000-07:002010-08-12T18:14:52.511-07:00HOUSEKEEPER BOOK<em><span style="font-size: large;">Hello,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;"> this is quite an eclectic collection of true life stories that are amusing and thought provoking. My stories reveal an interesting theme where the unspoken chasm between employers and employees is highlighted in a playful light. The era of 'upstairs downstairs' appears to continue in today's world - those who pay and those who are being paid seem suspiciously guarded towards each other - I often wondered who is taking advantage of who! My book describes a mixed bag of characters, places and situations</span>.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGSbAJ-87wI/AAAAAAAAADg/EeEazDp4Bmg/s1600/kettleRESIZEDhousekeeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGSbAJ-87wI/AAAAAAAAADg/EeEazDp4Bmg/s200/kettleRESIZEDhousekeeper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
You can purchase or preview my book at this link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/2881985"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><em>www.lulu.com/content/2881985</em></span></strong></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGScbku04OI/AAAAAAAAADo/DnpcIyTOJu8/s1600/FRONT+COVERold+fashuioned+washing+tool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hkU7DywnWkg/TGScbku04OI/AAAAAAAAADo/DnpcIyTOJu8/s320/FRONT+COVERold+fashuioned+washing+tool.JPG" /></a></div>Charmiene's Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813305858851291122noreply@blogger.com0