For a special friend

Finally it has arrived at the 'yellow door' and been received by my dear friend.

It is a collage of memories and aspirations for a friend I have had for a long time. The road she has travelled hasn't always been smooth or straight but it has been guided by one who cares deeply for her and is stronger than any of us.

I had much to say and yet find it hard to express what I want to say. (Note to self- perhaps a creative writing course is required for 2010).

My dear friend- I trust you 'welcome' many to your new home and share with them the strength that you have gained along your journey so far, inspiring them to continue walking the road before them, whatever the weather, not forgetting a coat and hat!

A fantastic holiday

We all survived the seperation. MJ had a great time with his grandparents and their dog and we had a lovely relaxing kid free few days.

Iceland is an inspiring country. Sparce and isolated yet friendly and captivating. We did lots of relaxing in the hot geo thermal outdoor pools. I loved the coolness of the air on your face, the warmth of the water surrounding your body as you marvelled at the vast open landscape.





Since returning home on Monday I have been catching up on the chores and making Mothers day gifts. This brooch I made for my mum in an evening!



And even had time to start the 'happy birthday' bunting which has been in the pipe line for a few weeks. I might even get back to it now while MJ has his nap, or get a cuppa and dip into this months Ethical living magazine which popped through my letter box this morning.

Mixed emotions

My bags are packed and soon it will be time to say goodbye.

We are leaving Mj with his grandparents for 4 whole nights. I have mixed emotions...lots of emotions. Happy that M and I will have some time alone together. Happy that I will get some time to reenergise physically and mentally. But oh so sad that I will not get a cuddle from Mj for 4 whole days. Sad that I won't be there for him when he wakes and calls out in the morning! Will we survive the seperation?!

Yet, as I type I am reminded of Mothers and Fathers who have lost children and children who have lost parents never to see them again. Lets not forget those directly affected by accidents, earthquakes, floods and illnesses. But, celebrate the family we have and the precious time we have together.

'...yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.' The bible, James ch4v14

See you next week!

It seems that Friday has become my blogging day!

And this week I am thankful for~

Our first real trip to the allotment this year. Interestingly we reflected on how much Mj has changed since we got our allotment 10 months ago. He loves to help with all the jobs at hand and his attention span has increased greatly. I never thought we would chart his progress as we charted the growing of produce!

Check out my husbands allotment blog for a more indepth update.



Inspired by a brooch created by Madeleine Shepherd which I gave my mum a long time ago I began stitching and beading this week. In the end I made a fascinator in a similar vein for a 'hat' party which we are going to tomorrow evening.


Brooch and fascinator

In the pipe line is 'happy birthday' bunting in yellow and blue bordered with yellow ric rac. Watch this space.



Happy Friday!

Whoop Whoop for sunshine!

We had sunshine today. Warm, bright and energizing sunshine!

This week I am,

thankful for ~

Sunshine and the desire to get outside.



A working mobile phone.

Friends who encourage and inspire.

A trip to London with family.

inspired by ~

The amazing creativity of Yulia Brodskaya.

The printed fabrics and clothes of Desigual.

thinking about ~

Lengthening a new dress.



Making a new maternity skirt. If only we had a good fabric store nearby that sold inspiring printed jersey cotton.

Baby names

looking forward to ~

A quiet family weekend, and more sunshine please : )

It's gratitude friday again!

It is with mixed feelings that I attempt a 'gratitude friday' post this week.

This week has been filled with tiredness and frustration. Frustration over my mobile phone dying since Mj baptised it in a glass of water. It was only 4 days old...I am still mourning! Tiredness from a series of rough nights, due to crazy pregnancy induced dreams and a restless 2 year old.

But this is 'gratitude friday' so enough of the self pity and onto some things which I can look back on and smile.




Mj's insistance that his dog must have a dish of water each day.




No more muddy footprints on the car seats. Finally, I get around to making a cover from vinyl for the back of the passenger car seat. I wanted to sew some pockets on for Mj's drink bottle, snacks and activities but I just can't sew on vinyl. Apparently I need a teflon foot for my sewing machine, so am watching out for that. I didn't quite think in time of how the spotty fabric might be a bit difficult to look at...perhaps I should have choosen something more calming...but I do love spots!




A new peg bag. I love it for so many reasons...such as...I really needed one, the colour (it matches my kitchen too), the print, the cost (50p in our local charity shop). I would love to know how old it is...any ideas?

Now as I think of things I can be thankful for I feel like the list is endless...and that is why you too should try taking part in 'gratitude friday'. It is good for the soul.

And finally...my parents and brother are arriving tonight so I have 4 days of things to look forward too...I had better get some cleaning done : )

Gratitude Friday

The idea of 'Gratitude Friday' is borrowed from my friend 'Silverstreet', which she in turn borrowed! I like the idea of reflecting on a week almost past.

And here's what I am thankful for this week.



Creation... and the peace it brings to my soul when I am connected with it, and of course the sun shining through the trees helps too!



Mj...i'm always thankful for him even when his will conflicts with mine!


Rainbow cake...in a week of serious sugar cravings, a friends cake hits the spot!

And finally, I am thankful for the time spent this week reuniting with an old friend and meeting and getting to know some new friends.

I hope you too have something positive to reflect on on gratitude friday.

Have a lovely weekend.