10 minute read
HOROSCOPE
YOURYOURSAYSAY
FORMER psychology lecturer Lynn Burman knows quite a lot about caring –and being cared for.
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She lives with a cerebral epidermoid cyst, is a rare form of brain tumour, and has been a patient at the Walton Centre for 25 years.
As a result of hydrocephalus three years ago, Lynne was unconscious for two months, and in all spent six months in intensive care, on a high dependency unit and in a rehab centre.
“I lost my ability to walk unaided and now rely on a wheelchair or rollator, ” she says. “In addition, I had a tracheotomy and a feeding tube.
Lynn is also turning her hand to writing.
She’s currently working on an idea based around a fictional character called Lady Esmerelda, who is unwittingly comical, and the trials of her longsuffering carer . . .
“MORNING, ” called Bertha cheerily. What a lovely way to start the day, thought Lady Esmerelda. She knew that carers work gruelling schedules, with very difficult clients.
But Lady Esmerelda prided herself on being an absolute pleasure.
Bertha set about her tasks, grateful for such a wonderful client as Lady E. It was impossible for her not to burst into spontaneous song, so joyous was she in her work.
Lady E was already contemplating a task she dreaded: she needed to cancel her lunchtime call. She was so caring about others that even the thought of the look of disappointment on her carer’s face when she announced this saddened her deeply. To deny a carer of her company, even for a short time, seemed almost too cruel.
With a heavy heart, she broke the news to Bertha.
What happened next was a bit awkward. Bertha let out a noise that sounded strangely like a cheer. Lady E did not comment as she knew it was a stifled sob.
Lady E was always aware of how difficult the hours between her visits must be for her carers. She would therefore assist them by compiling long lists of chores ready for their return.
She knew she was spoiling them but couldn’t help herself. The faces they pulled were so funny. She knew they would feign horror just to make her laugh. They are so funny, she giggled to herself.
LADY E was thinking ahead to Christmas. She had a rather lovely cat and had recently bought him a new toy. It was a torch and he had to chase the light, which he loved doing.
She had hours of fun herself with it. So did the carers. She would shine the light on Bertha’s back, and the cat would jump on her and cling on with his claws. Bertha would run round squealing with joy while Lady E clapped gleefully.
Lady E was so proud of herself. I really am the best client, she mused.
Turning your dreams into reality will be easy at the beginning of December. The New Moon on the 4th could attract an opportunity to write, study or travel; a prestigious organisation will be happy to cover the bill. Don’t be intimidated by a long application; you’ll get the funding you need. Business discussions could take up a great deal of time during the middle of the month; emphasise your leadership ability when applying for a job or negotiating a raise. Good news will reach your ears on or directly after the 19th, courtesy of an uplifting Full Moon. JANUARY: Don’t be in a rush to make important decisions about love and close relationships. Spending some time talking about your future as having a mutual goal to work towards will strengthen loving ties. Be honest about your feelings. They may even feel compelled to reveal a secret they’ve been keeping to themselves..
TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)
Astalled dream could be revived in the opening days of the month. On the 4th, the New Moon will deposit some additional money in your account from an inheritance, royalty payment or legal settlement. Use this windfall to advance your career or professional profile. The Full Moon on the 19th brings more good news on the financial front; don’t be surprised if you’re awarded a lucrative job after a lengthy interview process. Your social life will burst into flower in the final days of December. JANUARY: Don’t jump to conclusions midJanuary when you’re introduced to a person who has a strange and unusual background. There will be more to them than meets the eye. You’re tired of being stuck in an oppressive rut. Think about agreeing to new routines being suggested by an inventive friend or colleague who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)
GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)
RUSSELL GRANT CALLING
Work will become much more rewarding in December, when you’re given a chance to interview for your dream job in the opening days of the month. On the 4th, the New Moon opens the door to an enticing partnership. Giving your heart to an adventurous flirt or entering an alliance with a seasoned expert . The second half of December warns against getting embroiled in legal battles. JANUARY: Sit tight as the year begins. When it comes to partnership concerns, this isn’t the time to rush things. Your patience will pay off beautifully when later in the month joint matters will improve dramatically. If there is anything in a friendship or love affair that needs to be cured, this is a good month to do what you can to restore your relationship to good health. Keep your longterm goals a secret and it won’t be long before you gain the recognition you deserve. Focusing on your spiritual development will be rewarding as January ends.
LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)
The New Moon on the 4th could pave the way to a passionate romance or rewarding creative project.An experienced partner will give you the courage to take some risks that are incredibly fulfilling. Hard work will be a theme in the middle of December; you could be putting in long hours for the sake of a demanding project. If you’re unemployed, you may plunge into a rigorous interview process. JANUARY: Take good care of your health. Make it a resolution to get plenty of rest, prepare nourishing meals and exercise regularly. Keep an eye on a colleague who can’t be trusted to work on their own. It will be easy to fix any blunders they make if you notice the problem immediately as it will be a case of a stitch in time saves nine. If you are in a position of leadership, insist on being kept informed of all new developments as they happen.
VIRGO (August 24thSeptember 23rd)
Adream relationship could take off like a kite in the opening days of December. Whether you are single or attached, this should be a delightfully romantic time. The New Moon on the 4th finds you devoting more energy to domestic pursuits. If you’ve been thinking of moving, this is an ideal to time to search for a place to live. Beware of confusing passion with love in the second half of the month; the two are not interchangeable. JANUARY: If you’re unhappy with a present romance don’t be too quick to break off this relationship. It may be that you have reached a stage where you need to spice things up and find exciting things to do together. Suggesting fun ideas will keep boredom at bay.Astrong need to make a difference will prompt you to put your personal stamp on all that you do during the latter half of the month, no matter how big or small.
LIBRA(September 24th-October 23rd)
Sharing your expertise with an appreciative audience will be a welcome trend at the beginning of December. Starting on the 4th, the New Moon could find you teaching an online course or record some instructional videos. The pleasures of home will call your name at the middle of the month; take time out of your busy schedule to connect with friends, relatives and neighbours. Hosting a big party will be very rewarding. Get a jump start on New Year’s resolutions by starting a fitness program in the final days of December. JANUARY: Trust your intuition when it comes to your relationships. Facial expressions and body language will say more to you than words. If you sense someone is saying one thing but thinking something else, be wary. An emotional encounter around the 18th will help you air your feelings. Someone has been taking your kindness far too much for granted and there is no reason, in any relationship or situation, why you should have to shoulder the main responsibility.
SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)
An additional source of income could arrive on or around the 4th, courtesy of an enriching New Moon.Any job that allows you to work from home will be fulfilling, stable and lucrative. Lengthy business negotiations could begin towards the middle of the month. Be patient and supplement proposals with reliable facts and figures. The second half of December could be stressful, due to a business or romantic partner’s erratic behaviour. JANUARY: Atesting situation could cause tension in the home or workplace. If a rift develops between you and some friends, by the 19th you will be ready to offer an olive branch. Rather than leaving it to someone else to make the first move, you might encourage everyone to let bygones be bygones.
Spending more time at home can soothe your fiery energy during the first of the month. You’ll be back in the public eye on the 4th, thanks to a fame enhancing New Moon. Don’t be surprised if you are put in charge of a community or educational project; people respond well to your upbeat energy. JANUARY: With Mars in your sign for most of the month, working with an innovative and energetic team will be a welcome change of pace.An opportunity to take the helm of an important project will fall into your lap. Through some frank talks with loved ones around the 21st, you could discover some profound truths. Self-care should be your priority as January ends.
CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)
You should use the power of your increased magnetism to promote your personal and professional agendas before the year ends. The Full Moon on the 19th may find you reaching a personal best regarding your health; give yourself a handsome reward for having worked so hard. Don’t let a financial shortage cause you to panic in the second half of December; you can find some creative and inexpensive ways to have fun at year’s end. JANUARY: The new moon in your sign as the year begins makes this a great time to gain a greater understanding of where you are at in life. Whether you are thinking of relocating or making a fresh start in your career, the important thing is to express your feelings, state your intentions and then make a plan on how to bring this goal about. You’re more in touch with your imagination, emotions and feelings. Family relationships will benefit through your sensitivity and kindness.
AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)
On the 19th, the Full Moon will bring news of an engagement, marriage, or creative achievement. Enjoy the round of parties that ensue from this happy event. Don’t discourage a relative from pursuing their dreams as the holidays approach; your approval will pave the way to their success. The final days of the year will bring at least one extraordinary earning opportunity. Ring out 2021 in style. JANUARY: Strengthening your spiritual and emotional foundations will be a priority as the year begins. News you hear as the month ends will change the way you see an important person in your life. Some quiet contemplation will help you build a vision of the life you want for yourself in 2022.
PISCES (February20th-March20th)
Put your creative talent on display at work towards the middle of the month; it’s a great way to gain distinction. Beware of making angry outbursts in the second half of December or you could regret it. You’ll command the spotlight in the final days of the year. JANUARY: By mid-January there will be a refreshing degree of honesty apparent in all your relationships.As the month ends you will be getting together with close friends and family to consider new arrangements. Some interesting ideas will be discussed and a money-making proposition is worth considering.Ask to sleep on it before making a firm decision especially if you will be committing your time to a big venture.
