Ms Moem | Poems. Life. Etc. | Page 50 of 80

The Power Of Positive Thinking

There is a great power in positive thinking. It stands to reason that if you always assume the worst, then that is where your focus lies and so you could end up self-sabotaging. A more positive mindset opens up the possibilities. A negative mindset shuts them down.

As I plough my way through the 100 blogs in 100 days challenge, it is probably going to be quite important for me to think positive. It is quite a meaty challenge and one could easily decide to give up. I am only 5 days in but with a little bit of self belief, the whole thing should be a lot easier.

Here are a few positive quotes I am using to help me. You could use them as affirmations:

I can do this! – This is what I am telling myself every day is respect to the blog challenge. But it could be easily applied to anything you want to do!

I believe in me! Again, a little self belief can take you a long way!

I am happy! Have you noticed how much faster time seems to go if you are enjoying yourself and happy with what you are doing.

Persistence is the key. Got to keep going. No-one remembers the people who gave up as they never got to the point of declaring success. The ones who made it to the top never gave up!

It’s the little things! 100 blogs in 100 days is an epic challenge. Thinking about it as a whole has the potential to derail me; just the sheer magnitude. So by focusing on the little things, every day I get through turns into a little win!

So, what positive thoughts help you keep going?

How Do Birthdays Make You Feel?

How do birthdays make you feel? Do you remember eagerly waking up early as a youngster, excited to see what the day had in store for you?
As we grow older, I think it is only natural that they lose a little bit of their magical sparkle. Another birthday means another year older. Again, it is only when we are younger, and the days stretch on endlessly ahead of us, that we impatiently think about being older and all the additional benefits and freedom that we *imagine* comes with age.

Well here’s a newsflash – growing-up is a trap! *laughs dryly.

I remember being around 11 years old, and not being able to imagine what life would be like when I was 21. It seemed so far away. Now long past 21, the time feels like it has flown. Admittedly, it’s not all rockets and hoverboards like I imagined it might be, but it is scary how quickly age sneaks up on you. I was in such a rush to get older, that I don’t feel I truly treasured my youth. But then they do say youth is wasted on the young! I kind of see where that comes from now!

Almost three years ago, I lost my Mum. Now, my birthdays (along with most other days) seem to be tinged with her loss. Losing a parent serves as a stark reminder of our own mortality. And that is what has replaced birthday joy. My Mum was one of those “21 again” ladies. That makes me smile to remember. Again, I get that now. They do say you become your Mother, as a girl, and I can feel the words ’21 again’ just waiting to trip off my tongue. But I shall resist; for now at least. Or maybe not!

Growing older is something that is denied to many. While I can sit here wailing about getting old, I’m realistically not ‘that old’ (unless you asked a teenager :-p ) and I am grateful for the chance to live.

So, as today is my birthday and marks a fresh new year for me, I am going to make a conscious decision to do more ‘living’ over the year ahead and going forward. I have fallen into something of a trough over the last few years, but time really does wait for no man!

On The Subject Of Birthdays

Birthdays are milestones;
Like markers on your way
As you travel life’s journey.
Every 365 days,
Just exit the fast lane,
Pull up on the hard shoulder.
Another year wiser.
Another year older.

Reflect on the best.
Take your lessons from the rest.
Just don’t be depressed
That you’re not one digit less.

I confess I have been guilty. I have let my age define.
I have recoiled in fear at the thought of passing time.
It’s not like I expected, but I accept this age of mine
As it will be part of my younger days a few years down the line!

Life can be fragile
And what troubles me
Is that reaching another birthday
Is not always guaranteed.

So birthdays can be bittersweet
And remind us of the past
But I aim to make the best of it
As a year goes really fast!

On The Subject Of Birthdays is a poem written by Ms Moem.

How do birthdays make you feel?

#100Blogs

100 blogs. ONE. HUNDRED. BLOGS. #100blogs! – My list of the 100 blogs I have written over 100 days is at the end of this post.

It’s a challenge alright. The idea for this comes from Gareth Mailer (SEO Wizard and internet marketing specialist) who decided he was going to write 100 blog posts in 100 days.

So, I am jumping on the bandwagon and will also be writing 100 blogs in 100 days. I didn’t know whether I would commit to such a mighty feat as I am no regular blogger, but I have managed the first two days, so I figure that equals commitment. Just to solidify that even further, I am writing this post as the 3rd of my 100 blog posts. Only 97 more days to go! *whimpers slightly.

If anyone else wants to hop on the blogging bandwagon and fancies committing to 100 blog posts over the next 100 days, I think it is a case of the more the merrier. You can find other people who are joining in on this quest by searching #100blogs on twitter.

Tweets about “#100blogs”
I really am curious to see whether I can pull this off. Wish me luck and let me know if you decide to play along! I’d love to read your blogs too!

I will keep a list of my 100 blogs here!

This is post 3 of 100 blogs in 100 days.

How Youtube Killed Soap Operas

Soap operas are dead! Well, they are to me. It was just before Christmas that I took the decision to stop watching all the soaps that I had enjoyed for years.
For me, the stories are too depressing. It was not enhancing my life, so I cut them out and haven’t looked back. I’ve half-heartedly given them up before, but something always drew me back. This time it is different, and I don’t think that is likely to change.

At first, it was a case of thinking I had simply reclaimed x hours a week to do other stuff. What I found I had done though was substituted tv time for youtube time.
There are so many things on youtube, from tutorials and reviews, to vlogs, music and debates.I particularly enjoy some of the vlogs that some dedicated youtubers put up. In fact, I am fairly certain that they are what technically replaced soaps in my mind, leaving me free to walk away from the fictional.

Soap operas exist to fulfill our natural curiosities by giving us all a chance to imagine and visualise the lives of others. The trouble is, soap operas have to actually be written and moulded. What could be better but instead watching actual real lives!? Youtubers are giving snapshots of their lives and experiences in a far more compelling, cheerful and real way.

That’s not to say there isn’t some sad stuff involved sometimes, but the difference is they are not there to purely shoehorn death, misery, murder and scandal into our every day lives like soap operas are.

Some of the youtubers I enjoy watching include itsjudyslife, the SacconeJolys, Sprinkle of Glitter, Zoella and Jamie Oliver’s Foodtube.
Recently I was also introduced to London Real TV which hosts interesting interviews weekly with a diverse range of people who talk about their lives, businesses and experiences, all of which are things that interest me.

Youtube is open 24/7. I don’t have to worry about tuning in at a specific time, although I often do, because I want to; not because I will miss out if I don’t. I can subscribe to all the characters and shows that interest me most, and their content is sent straight to my homefeed to watch at a time that is convenient for me.

So this is how youtube killed the soap opera for me!

Poem In Memory Of Soap Operas

No more Weatherfield cobbles.
No trips across Albert Square.
Of the goings-on in Emmerdale
I’m completely unaware.

Soaps have lost their magic
And for me, have had their day.
For now, I’m into youtube;
Online content is here to stay.

I will not miss the misery,
The murders and despair.
I will not miss the angst
Of the unlikeliest affairs.

No more avoiding spoilers
(Which is harder than you might expect)
And no more hours watching
When I know what happens next.

That said, there have been good times,
Inducing empathy and laughter
But let’s face it, no soap characters
Are designed to live happily ever after.

So, farewell land of fiction.
Farewell soaps! Goodbye!
I’m at that crossroads in my life
And you’re with the TV spirits in the sky!

Poem In Memory Of Soap Operas is written by Ms Moem

People Who Leave Your Life

It is a sad fact of life that people come and go. Sometimes through choice, sometimes not. Sometimes through death, sometimes through re-location. Sometimes you simply grow apart.
When people do leave your life, as they inevitably will one way or another, it can bring about a myriad of emotions; sadness, perhaps relief, numbness…. to name but a few. However, just because someone is not physically with you, doesn’t mean you can’t think about them and wish them well, wherever they may be.
It can be tough to re-adjust, and perhaps you really didn’t want to lose this particular person, but remember, you are not defined by the people who leave your life.

Everything

A Poem About Body Image

Harsh Reflection

Hair. Cut for ease. Colour drained
And no real shape, framing the tired
Face drooping and creased like a map
Once brought out for every journey, twisted
And turned and argued over. Now stuffed
Down the back of the drivers seat.
Replaced with swish, modern technology.
Perfunctory turn left now. She says it without
Moving her lips.
Two deflated balloons sit like wallflowers
Wondering what it must be like to be
Noticed, but not really wanting to be
Observed. Perhaps this is why they
Try to hide when we lie down
Blending into the wobbly wings.
They’re not like they once
Were. Full of perkiness and promise,
Defying gravity. Suspended over the
Taut expanse of skin, now crepey and
Lined like a tiger. Torn bedsheets.
The sort you never put on a guest bed
And probably should throw out
But it serves its purpose. It stays.
Thighs, once powerful and thick
Softened, slimmed and loose. Making their
Way down and slightly folding
Over the worn knees.
Thick veins bulging towards
Feet, gnarled and bumpy
Like the roots of a tree.

Harsh Reflection is a poem about body image by Ms Moem.

Teachers Strike

So, some teachers are on strike today. With hours soaring, and conditions and morale deteriorating, they are hoping that this will make the powers that be (Gove) listen to them. Whilst it might serve as an annoyance to many parents up and down the land who are faced with having to find alternative childcare possibly, I believe that teachers are right to take action if they are not happy with their working conditions.

Teachers aren’t thanked nearly often enough for the vital role they play in building generation upon generation of hardworking and bright individuals, capable of great things.

This is a poem I have a written in support of teachers today, and every day.

Teachers are priceless! They give us all a solid foundation

And I don’t think we give enough credit to the cornerstones of our education

It’s not the cushy nine to three that most people believe
They’re in school at the crack of dawn, and it’s often dark when they leave.
There’s endless piles of marking that goes on into the night
And countless parent evenings, telling parents “Your kid’s doing alright!”
Then there’s planning and preparation and additional training days
Leaving them working more and more hours, for less and less pay.
But it’s okay, the people say, because they get a six week holiday.

Teachers enter the profession with a hope to help our youth
But they’re faced with legislation, and a bitter, disenfrachised truth.
There’s red tape and inspection, politics and fear;
In fact many fresh new teachers leave within the first five years.
These were people who trained long and hard for this valuable career
People whose intelligence and enthusiasm were clear
Left tired and demotivated and sometimes moved to tears.

So to the powers that be, I implore you, I beseech
We owe so much to our teachers, so listen to them & let them teach.

Teachers is a poem written by Ms Moem.

I Choose You – A Wedding Poem

If you choose to use this poem at your wedding, do drop me a line and let me know!

If you want to buy a simple copy of the words/lyrics of this poem to give to your registrar or for your chosen wedding reader to read from, you can find it here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/550692065/i-choose-you-printable-wedding-words

Alternatively, you can buy a personalised printable copy of this poem, customised with your own wedding details, here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/480956571/personalised-custom-poem-print

Or a handlettered ( by me ) work of art that you can hang on your wall as a wedding keepsake!
I Choose You – Blue
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/477665657/custom-poem-print-printable-i-choose-you

I Choose You – Rainbow
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/477665061/i-choose-you-handlettered-wedding-poem

If this wedding poem isn’t the one for you, I also have a number of other wedding poems for you to choose from:

Happy To Be Us
Tell Me
We Are Home
I’m So Lucky
A Realistic Wedding Poem
Our Weird And Wonderful Life
Hold My Hand, My Love
Vows
Showing You My Love
You Belong With Me
Where I’ll Always Be
Here’s To Right Now
Forever
Twas The Night Before The Wedding

If you choose any of my wedding poems to use on your wedding day, do get in touch and let me know! Better still, if you have any video footage, please do share them with me. I love to see where my poems end up when I am not looking!

I love writing wedding poems!

Alternatively, I would be happy to write something exclusive just for you. So, if you would like to commission your own personal custom wedding poem, then get in touch and place your order via http://www.iwantapoem.co.uk

The Best Chocolate Brownie Recipe Ever

I am willing to stick my neck out on this one. This is the best chocolate brownie recipe EVER!

Growing up, I have fond memories of being allowed to buy those brownies in a box as a treat, to bake at home. They usually consist of a bag of dry mixture that you have to add water to or sometimes egg or oil. Anyway, they always tasted so nice.
So, I set myself the challenge of being able to make from scratch ‘the best chocolate brownies ever’, as voted for by my daughters and me! I want to be ‘that mum’! Over the years, I have tried many brownie recipes but none ever matched up to those packet mixes.
Until now.
With trials and tweaks, at last I have the best ever recipe for perfect chocolate brownies; Soft and squishy on the inside with a glossy crust that cracks. The smell when these were cooking took me right back!

Ingredients For The Best Brownies Ever

100g plain chocolate
100g milk chocolate
200g butter
100g self raising flour
3 large eggs
150g sugar
2 Heaped tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe Method For The Best Brownies Ever

Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Stir whilst you are doing this to make a glossy chocolate sauce. When everything is blended, remove from the heat and add a teaspoon of vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together, until you have a creamy looking, frothy mixture.

Add the flour and whisk that in gently.

Add the melted chocolate sauce to the egg/flour mixture and whisk together.

I use a wonder whisk (small hand whisk) but you could use a balloon whisk or electric whisk if you wanted to.
This is how your chocolate brownie cake batter should look.

Then pour into your pan. I actually use a pyrex dish lined with foil and greaseproof paper.

Bake at 175 degrees C for approx 20 minutes. You know there are ready when you put a skewer in, and it comes out with bits of cake on it, not liquid brownie batter. Keep an eye on it and use your baking skills to assess whether it needs to come out sooner or later. You don’t want a dry brownie or an uncooked brownie.

These brownies are the best chocolate brownies ever! They have a light crisp to the top and a slight sheen, and the inside is soft and chocolatey and moist.

This recipe makes enough for two x 8.5 by 8.5 inch square cakes – I cut these into 12 pieces, yielding 24 of the best chocolate brownies ever in total.

So to recap – 6 steps to the perfect chocolate brownies

1. Melt chocolate & butter together in bowl one. Add vanilla
2. Whisk eggs and sugar together in bowl two.
3. Add flour to bowl two.
4. Add contents of bowl one to bowl two. Whisk
5. Bake
6. Eat

Leave me a comment if you try this recipe, and let me know if you agree that they are indeed the best brownies ever!