Costa Women Blogs

m_XmasCorvera (2) - Lynda Brettle
Costa Women Meet ... Lynda Brettle
In 2018, we interviewed Lynda Brettle about her role as Change Management Director of Samaritans in Spain. Lynda is now a published author and her book focusses on the psychological and emotional impact...
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The Truth & Nothing but the Truth...
  What is the truth if not what we each know to be the truth and follow this truth with all that we are… BUT how does one know the truth?   I don’t know about you, but I just know, I’ve always followed my inner instinct! AND when I don’t follow this passion, this drive, this exploration of life…. I know about it… nothing goes right and I feel miserable… I feel off course!   Saying this, I want to be clear that my truth is true for me and might not be for many people! I’ve learned this over the years as many people look at me as if IAM crazy! Some even tell me IAM crazy! My response?   IAM used to having a different perspective and opinion, not fitting in with main stream, fashion etc and I even like being crazy… a nice sort of crazy! Cause the ones that matter, know IAM all about love, empowerment and being Sovereign & Magnificent. It’s important if not essential to love yourself first and that means to follow your own wishes\u2764\ufe0f   AND then there are people who resonate with my truth and are grateful for my writing and artwork that inspires them to be true to themselves and join me in our joint endeavour to bring unity and harmony back to our Earth plane. Simply by being the change ourselves, by raising our vibration… from one of fear to one of love.   We are nearly there! Many of you will understand what I mean, after so many years diligently observing ourselves. Dropping our Groundhog Day patterns, fears and unkindness and aligning ourselves with our Sovereign Magnificence and Power of Love. So much is happening behind the scenes, that is actually causing our society to collapse before our very eyes… all to encourage more and more Humanity to realise the truth and be the change with us!     A long long time ago I saw how unfair our society is, how the gap between rich and poor only grows no matter what we do, and I saw the game being played by a few who had positioned themselves at the top. A game of control and dominance since the beginning of time. Not that IAM pointing fingers because over all our lifetimes we have all played the game and many still do.   We can all see this falling of society, the society we built upon with a foundation of lack and fear, which is actually far from the truth! This collapse is in every town and country, within our own relationships, work and home. No-one can escape sensing the turmoil, the control, the uncertainty, the panic and the big change that is happening now on a massive scale!   We can absolutely no longer rely on our leaders or systems, we only have ourselves. We the people! So it is now more than ever we must each anchor deep in our shoes, take a deep breath and follow our inner guidance that is always guiding us… just mostly we are too busy to notice and end up shaking in our shoes instead!   We the people are rising up, maybe not the majority, but in consciousness, in awareness of the truth. Enough of us are trusting ourselves to anchor our Sovereign Magnificence and being the change, we are manifesting our desire of unity and harmony on Earth.   NOTHING will stop this Great Awakening…NOTHING will stop, We The People from saving ourselves from the tyranny and evil of Duality…Our Victory is ABSOLUTE…Love has Won, God has Won…   In these end days we are experiencing the transformation… it’s rough and can get rougher! So anchor deep within Your Magnificent Self and trust your guidance and fellow tribes men and women who are walking next to you. You know who you are and if you feel for joining us, reach out cause we are here!     Call to Action   Please read through this declaration, this proclamation that gives back Sovereignty to We The People. Allow yourself to resonate with the truth, your truth. It’s a similar declaration written by the Founding Fathers in 1776, USA. It has been written by the very top (team) in our name. It is constructive and interesting, stating the wrongs dealt against Humanity and how we the people can trust our plan to move ourselves forward and yes… to be compensated for all our injustice and injury.   It is written clearly, not only for the people who know what is happening behind the scenes, but also for the ones who don’t know. It is our declaration, of being the change, having nothing to fear. This is our new beginning, drawing a line behind the crimes against Humanity. Enough is enough. We are here now to save ourselves!   I urge you all to allow this written knowledge to empower you and support you in moving forward, reclaiming your Sovereignty and bringing the experience of unity and harmony to Earth once again.   IAM sure like myself you will want to share this declaration… thankyou.   Declaration to download MAN-OF-GOD-Declaration-of-the-People-of-the-United-States-for-Global-Peace-and-Prosperity-FINALDownload       Links to Videos to Watch & Discern the Truth for Yourself…   I have recently watched and resonated with two long videos these last few weeks and am linking them here for you to watch and discern the truth for yourself! For me it’s not about whether the Earth is flat or not, but how our whole history has been conveniently changed to cover up how everything is right here, right now… everything is already created and free for us to use now. Without giving too much away now… I can only say that on my recent trip to England I have indeed looked at all the old buildings with new eyes. IAM so excited to how this is all going to unfold.   About 2 hours into the first video The lost History of Earth, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is used as an example of how we used the power of electro-magnetism to provide free energy or power via sound and water. Derbyshire is my home county and the area of Matlock and Buxton have always been known for hydropathy… the healing power of water & sound. Unfortunately similar to many natural therapies around the 1800’s, it was called fraudulent and forced to close down.   The second video, What on Earth Happened? will open your mind to many things!   Let me know how you resonate with the videos… or not!   I plan to write a summary about The Old Chatsworth Farm and how electro-magnetism was harvested, distributed and used back in the good old days before we invented electricity and power tools… What!   © Barbara Franken… Creative Visionary & MasterCreatorInspiring New Energy Consciousness & Multi-Dimensional Living     A True Magical Children’s Story about Love and Life. To inspire our children to connect deeply within themselves and the natural world around them, and remember the truth of their being ‘Sparkles of Love’, here to bring love and harmon into the world, quite simply by being themselves and enjoying their life in each moment. Click here to read more information & link to purchase.     A paperback & digital book is available from all major online stores… Amazon & Apple   I share my own magical journey, exploring Who IAM with the help of nine elemental beings and expand from a world of fear, struggle and limitation into a New Energy Consciousness of love, grace and freedom. It is in this loving space that I discover my Divine and All Loving self and allow myself to integrate together as one Body Consciousness… a DivineHumanBeing and Magnificent MasterCreator who expresses and creates heart and soul passion on the physical plane and beyond.     Are YOU ready to join our online MasterCreatorClass… a 21 day dedication to YOU, committing to your Awakening & Ascension and fulfilling YOUR new role as MasterCreator, a New Energy pioneer creating NewEarth from within. You can sign up to participate here.     Money raised from my books and class allows my charity Conciencia Magnifica hold free local Creative Projects for Children & Adults in Benalmadena, Costa Del Sol, Spain. Read more about my charity and how you can help!  
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Cómpeta Art Walk is taking place!
Have you been to Cómpeta or experienced one of Cómpeta’s Art Walk?  If you have I am sure you will be contemplating going again or if you haven’t I recommend you do! This will be the 12th event, unfortunately, we can’t say the 12th year it has taken place because it didn’t take place last year, I have attended every one and it has grown tremendously during this time. It will be quieter this year but there will still be loads of exhibitors, international as weIt ll as local. When is it taking place? There will be three fun-packed full days Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th from 11:00 to 20:00 During the day the artists will have a short break between 14:00 and 16:00 to refresh their batteries and to have some lunch. I still have a couple of rooms free for those dates if you are interested. CLICK HERE to read my blog and find out more information on the Cómpeta art walk. CLICK HERE to read my Costa Women page.   Helen
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Foodie Escapades around Andalucía - Summer 2021
This Summer I took two very specific trips to discover more about Andalusian Food and Wine. The first one took me to the town of Montilla in Cordoba. Not only is it famous as capital of Montilla Moriles Wine Region but it also has plenty of other things going for the area. Read more here:  Montilla Moriles Wine in Cordoba province My Second Foodie Exploration was in Jaen. Although its famous for its masses of Premium Olive Oil Jaen actually has three Michelin Star restaurants, vineyards and lots of local producers of cherries, cheese and other delicacies. Find the Best Food to Taste in Jaen province Have a great start to September
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Costa Women Meet ... Jean Gilhead
Sharing why she believes we should all live for TOday rather than ‘one day’, meet author and hobby dress marker Jean Gilhead who wants us to grab at life’s opportunities.  Her latest e-book – Practical Feng Shui has just been published.   How did you end up living in Spain? Many years ago, I decided to let go of trying to be what society expected of me. I felt I was going crazy trying to live the ‘normal’ 9-5 lifestyle. I craved something different… So I began making changes in my life in a more conscious way and am now living the life I designed for myself and in a beautiful part of the world – Costa del Sol, Málaga. Originally from Richmond, near London, the early part of my adult life was spent travelling and experiencing the world. I’d always dreamed of living in a Mediterranean country but never seemed to find the right moment to move. As time went by, and after a painful divorce and general sense of unhappiness, fear took over and I stayed put. Many people plan to do something ‘one day’ only to discover that day never comes and then it’s too late. That day did come for me though, but not until after an accident that left me unable to work or walk for over a year, and which changed the course of my life. Suddenly it was clear: life is too short and precious not to take action on our dreams. So, in my 40s, I moved to Barcelona with three suitcases, very little money and a wide-open mind. I planned on being there for one year but ended up staying nearly 20. Now, many years later and living in Andalucía – my spiritual home – the healing journey into my true self, combined with learned multi-faceted skills and hypnotherapy and life-coach training, has enabled me to create a working system for people who are ready to heal themselves and pursue their dreams.   Where are you based and why should we live there too? After ten years living in the Casco Antiguo of Marbella, I’m now based just a few kilometers along the coast in Calahonda, Mijas. My bijou apartment is truly a jewel; right by the sea with a wonderful view of luscious gardens, tennis courts and, of course, swimming pools. Calahonda, with it’s beautiful beaches and clean sea-water is a comfortable mix of residents and holiday-makers. But the best bit is the fabulous Senda Litoral…the wooden boardwalk that winds and stretches all along the seafront from Cabopino to La Cala…a treat to ‘pasear’, whatever the weather.   Jean’s companions   What was your biggest challenge for the move? The biggest challenge was initially being surrounded by two new languages, Spanish and Catalan, but immersing myself into a totally different culture and making new friends quickly afforded me the opportunity for the greatest professional, personal and spiritual growth.   What would your advice be for Women thinking about making the move? It would be, don’t delay making the move…do it as soon as possible… because the longer you leave it the more obstacles can find their way into your path and start to make you doubt yourself. Once you arrive in Spain, ditch the idea of watching British TV and start to mix with local people; make an effort to find new friends outside your normal comfort zone. You’ll never regret trying to learn to speak like a native and discovering the local culture, which is rich beyond what you can imagine once you know the language.   How do you spend your days? I’ve loved writing since I was a child, and published a novella: ‘Living in Bright Shadows’ and three non-fiction e-books: ‘Practical Mindfulness – How to Get From Stressed Out to Blissed Out’, ‘Holistic Time Management – How to Optimize Your Own Reality While Working from Home’, and ‘Practical Feng Shui – How to Maximize the Energies of Your Workplace’.   As an intuitive and an empath, over the past 30 years I’ve developed the ability to work deeply and connectedly with individuals and groups, encouraging and motivating clients to discover the best in themselves. (At the time of publishing this interview Jean has just been advised that her book ‘Practical Mindfulness’ is going to be converted into an online learning course) Having always enjoyed making my own clothes, I’m finally learning the art of correct pattern cutting via an online course…!   Something you are grateful for? I’m eternally grateful for my inquisitive mind which has opened doors to so many fascinating people, places and situations, my adaptability to thrive in whatever I’ve found myself in, and an optimistic nature which has carried me through some pretty dark times but then always back into the light again.   Your dinner party – who would you invite? Keanu Reeves simply for being a beautiful soul and to chat about his life in the movies…my Mother, to ask all the questions about our family that I forgot to ask when she was alive… my dear friend Silvi, sadly deceased, to hear again her stories of life in Kenya as the official wildlife artist of George Adamson (Born Free)… the young Marlon Brando, for nothing more than him being a sex god back in the day… !   Your secret weapon? Courage in the face of adversity.   Favourite quote? “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb   Something you had to bring with you to Spain? A tiny glass paperweight given to me by my Father who I lost at the age of seven…   Favourite Book? ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ by Richard Bach, which tells the story of a young seagull who is learning not only about flight but also about life and freedom.   What would you say to your younger self? Everybody is too busy worrying about themselves to care what you look like…   Where can we find out more? https://www.jeangilhead.com   Thank you Jean! If you want to share YOUR story with us, please complete the online questionnaire here
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Flying Again! Spain to the UK and Back
My family were very supportive of our plans to leave the UK & travel. They’d all been aware this was a dream of ours, so once my very elderly mum-in-law gave her consent, we were off! That said, we did miss everyone, but within the first six months of travelling, both Rob & I returned to the UK a number of times. This pattern continued for the next couple of years with some family members making the effort to visit us in the sun too. Then the covid pandemic struck & we were all schocked & upset by the infections, resulting hospitalisations & deaths. We kept in touch with family by phone, text messages & emails, comparing lockdown experiences & how the pandemic was affecting our work. My daughter’s holiday to Turkey in April 2020 was cancelled & she was also unable to visit us as she’d planned in May, or any other time that year. We all know how quickly restrictions & regulations changed, especially in the erratic UK! Living so close to the sea in Spain, Rob & I didn’t feel the need for a ‘holiday’, but I’m so pleased all my kids managed a week away in Cornwall with their dad in autumn 2020. We missed everyone & were eager to get together again, but before we knew it, two years had passed since we’d seen each other. Getting vaccinated was the next goal & both mine were administered by June. But the UK was still insisting on quarantine for arriving travellers which didn’t make a flight there feasible. Initially, I was frustrated that British citizens double-jabbed in the UK didn’t have to quarantine but, as I’d recieved my Pfizer vaccine in Spain, I would have needed-to! Then, on 28th July, the UK announced no quarantine was necessary for anyone vaccinated (by an approved provider) in Europe with effect from 2nd August – yeaaay! My daughter & I were texting, delighted that it looked very possible for me to go visit so, on impulse, on Thursday 29th I booked return flights departing Alicante on the morning of Monday 2nd August! Out with Jet2 & returning on the 9th with Ryanair. Then I realised I had to organise the necessary covid tests. The first had to be a ‘Suitable for Travel’ Antigen test no more than 3 days before departure. I’d heard horror stories of people getting tests 3 days before, then their flights being delayed or cancelled & the test running out of date! Or, they’d gone for a test the day/a few hours before & the results were not back in-time. Or the test was inconclusive so a PCR test was required, so another appointment necessary with results taking longer to be issued. Aaargh! As the IMED Medical Centres were testing throughout the weekend, I decided to book an appointment the morning of Sunday 1st, the day before my flight. All went well with a quick nasal swab & my negative result had been emailed by the time I arrived home from the clinic. €40 for an Antigen test. Next job was booking an ‘Amber Fully Vaccinated’ appropriate PCR test in the UK which was necessary within 2 days of arrival. The test booking reference was also required in order to complete the UK Passenger Locator Form. I was unable to book the cheaper home test as at least 4 working days were required for delivery. Not wanting to chase about during the first 2 days after arriving, during the time I wanted to spend with family, I opted for a test upon my arrival at East Midlands Airport. Jet2 provided a discount code for this reducing the test from £82.50 to £66. 48 hours prior to arriving in the UK, I was able to complete the Passenger Locator Form. I’d already downloaded a copy of my EU vaccination Certificate, so uploaded & attached all of the three essential documents to my boarding pass. Time to pack, leaving enough space to bring some items back with me. Then, with less than 24 hours notice before my flight, Jet2 cancelled it! They’d put me on a later flight out of Alicante to Birmingham with the promise of a coach transfer to East Midlands Airport. Or offered a refund. Of-course this affected the time of my PCR test, which I couldn’t cancel & be refunded due to giving less than 72 hours notice…. I’d also no idea what time the coach would drop me off at East Midlands in order to reschedule the test – sigh. So, after swearing & panicking a little, with more texting my daughter to work out the options, I booked another flight out of Alicante with Ryanair, keeping fingers crossed that Jet2 would provide the refund as promised. Then I changed the time of the PCR test &, although the reference number was still the same, due to having a different flight & arrival time, I had to complete another Passenger Locator Form. I’m so pleased that I was home & able to spend all the time doing all these changes! It would have been a nightmare, or very late night, if I had been out for the day. No test was required for my return to Spain, just a Health Control Form completing within 24 hours of arrival, so I diarised a reminder to do this. When I first arrived to live in Spain, flights were a straight-forward process that I undertook without worry. However, after the hassle of test appointments & flights etc, which tested my admin & organisational skills, I was quite nervous about completing this journey. I had to show my boarding pass before being allowed into the departure hall at Alicante Airport then, as I’d been unable to contact Jet2 by phone, I headed to their desk. No queue & no problems at all, my refund was processed. There were long queues at baggage check-in, but as I only had hand luggage, I passed through security quickly & easily. The airport was quiet with plenty of free tables for the food outlets, so time for lunch. At passport control, I was asked if I was a resident of Spain so showed my TIE alongside my passport. At the Ryanair gate, an assistant was walking the queue to check all documents. He watched me scroll through my 3 pieces of evidence, obviously checking the layout of each looked OK as surely he couldn’t read everything on my tiny mobile phone screen? The plane was probably a quarter full, if that. East Midlands Airport passport control were using the automatic scanners & randomly pulling out passengers to check their documents, not checking everyone. I passed straight through without being stopped. There are two covid test centres at East Midlands Airport, a drive-through & walk-in. Not having a car, I chose the latter & entered the ‘Test Centre’ cabin immediately outside Arrivals. Only to be informed that testing was done elsewhere & to follow the yellow signs. Which I couldn’t find! After walking the wrong way, I asked for directions at the BP petrol station to be advised that the test centre was at the opposite & far side of the airport. The very helpful chap suggested I hop on one of the park & ride buses. I was glad I did! I was the only passenger & the accommodating driver told me when to get out. This was right-by Long Stay 1 car park, the furthest point it was possible to go within the airport complex! Walk-in centre indeed… A very long walk. The drive-in centre (operated by a different company) was close-by. The centre was quiet with most technicians sat outside the cubicles, busy with their head in their mobile phones. A quick throat & nasal swab & I waited outside for my son & daughter to arrive to collect me. The negative test result was emailed the following day. Of-course it was negative! I’d only been tested 30 hours before & any infection wouldn’t have taken hold in such a short time… But that was what was required by the UK Government. I had a lovely week away & managed to fit in 2 visits to each of my close family members & had tea with a friend & fellow Virtual Assistant. I ate & drank too much, had lots of laughs & cuddles, my meals were all cooked & I slept in 3 different homes. The UK hadn’t had the same rules as Spain regarding compulsory mask-wearing so I was surprised that at least 50% of people in my home town did have masks on. The town centre didn’t feel quite as abandoned as I thought it would be due to many high street stores closing since my last visit. Less people were wearing masks in the bigger city of Sheffield, even on the bus, but my daughter & I continued to do-so. 24 hours before departing, I completed my Spanish Health Control Form & uploaded/attached this, to my boarding pass, together with my EU Vaccinantion Certificate. As usual, there were long queues through security at East Midlands Airport, but the departure hall was quiet. At the the Ryanair gate, my passport was checked & I was asked if I had my Health Control Form, though this wasn’t scruitinised. The plane to Spain was perhaps a third full. At passport control in Alicante Airport, to avoid an arrival date stamp in my passport, I showed my resident’s TIE alongside. Before baggage reclaim, the QR code on my Health Control form was scanned & there was some queuing for this, but with half a dozen desks & scanners, I was soon out & home! I’d love to go back before Christmas, but who knows what regulations & restrictions will be in-place? The UK are twitchy about traveller arrivals, even though the daily infection rate there far exceeds that in Spain. We’ll see…
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