Mandy's Many Musings

Do you ever wonder ......

2009-06-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

why you get involved or do certain things? Well these last few weeks I've been wondering that about my photography course. What a rush to the finish line, suffice to say there were some very unsociable hours kept but the 6 panels of photos and 3 workbooks are now submitted. Just have to wait and see if I'll pass now.

Lots and lots is going on generally, and lots to think about with the prospect of moving hopefully sometime late this year or early next. Looks like if all goes according to plan my first home in the USA with be just 10 miles from downtown LA! Interesting times ahead.

Anyway I did get the chance to do a little bit of crafting over the last couple of weeks and finally finished a piece for Gill. By special request, ladies I give you ....... Dawn French!!

For Teresa ......

2009-05-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Apologies for being MIA! I guess I just got busy with life etc lol. Anyway I will try and do better and post some more interesting developments later. In the meantime let me share another of my fabric pieces.

I saw the original of this image in a newspaper and loved it. I had planned to do it with scrapbook paper but then as I was working on the fabric CJ thought why not try it with fabric. I was pretty happy with how it turned out!

So here is President Barack Obama!

Miss Haversham

2009-02-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well I've been kind of looking around at some things wedding related. M and I have been talking about ceremonies and I have to say it does seem more difficult as one gets older. Anyway I've been looking at some sites which I guess influenced what I was doing. So here's my entry for Flo, lots of lace, ink, embossing powder, tule, ribbon and beads and copius of distressing with a heat gun! This is the result!

Otherwise life is same ole same ole.

LOSS

2009-01-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

Well loss is so individual and yet embraces and emcompasses us all. Little things, huge fundamental things, I guess it something that we all have to embrace in our own way throughout our lives. If we're lucky, it comes late and we're mature enough to be able to rationalize if not deal with.

Anyway today there was a loss of a wonderful music talent. A whole lot of people won't even register his name, but I was lucky enough to love and hear him live. An amazing and charismatic individual. I've looked for his version of Over the Rainbow and can't trace it as a video, but if you get the chance I'd say listen to the best version I've ever heard. In the meantime, i'm trying to give you some insight to his wonderful, mellow and incredibly sexy voice!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-06T16:14:00.001-08:00

Well it certainly is, and how things change! For those of you who haven't already heard, Santa brought me a fiance!!! Yeah, that's right, I am now officially engaged to be married - to a wonderful, funny, thoughtful, handsome, sexy, intelligent, caring, hoarder of a man. So, all being well, it's looks like this lil Northern Ireland gal will be living in the USA in the not too distant future - US Department of Immigration permitting.

I had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, was thoroughly spoiled with great christmas gifts from friends and family and generally didn't want the holiday season to end! M got me a Pink Bind it All, complete with masses of accessories which included a fluffy, snuggly bathrobe, a mega pack of double sided scrapbook papers, a pack of scrummy L'Occitane goodies, and built me a sooper dooper computer with go faster stripes and more lights and whistles than I could ever use, oh and of course the most beautiful, sparkly, mahoosive diamond engagement ring a woman could ever desire! I also got troll type beads and perfume, and at work Secret Santa got me some white chocolate body paint and pink sparkly nipple tassles (what goes on in my colleagues minds I dare not think about!!).

I hope you all had a restful and joy filled break and that 2009, whilst it seems likely to be filled with trials and tribulations, will also be filled with triumphs.

Oh and check out my bling!!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well it's almost here, just another 30 minutes or so until some guy, with bad taste in clothes, supposedly is going to break and enter my house - oh I don't bloody think so!!! Hmmm on second thoughts, if he's carrying a Tiffany's box I don't care if he's b*ll**k naked lol.

Anyway I'm holding off on all my shopping until I hit Stateside. Yep off to Virginia to spend some time with my dreamboat and a bonus is that I get to spend his birthday with him too. Can't wait ... well don't have to for too long now do I.

So a few little piccies. A couple of shots from the continental market which was as the city hall up until last week

Next a wee look at some of my stitching. This was fun! I got to play with some of the disolvable fabric that my pal Angela gave me, and to use some silk from a favourite old skirt that I bought way way back in Portmerion, just a stones throw from the little village where my mum was born. I started this at the end of last month and wanted to do something that represented the frosty weather and sprinkling of snow we had. This is what I came up with ............

Well suppose I'd better get my butt to bed before some nekkid guy arrives with a big surprise for me!!!!!! I hope you have a holiday season filled with love, laughter and all good things, and that 2009, which looks like it could well be a year of trials and tribulations, ultimately will be one of TRIUMPH! Love and hugs to all. xoxox

Busy busy bee ............

2008-12-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, well most times, there are just not enough hours in the day to do the things that bring us joy!

I've been busy with work and left with little energy for too much else. Luckily though, I'm not having to do too much preparation for Xmas this year as I'm off to my baby bros for dinner and then Virginia beckons.

Bit of a funk today as I've had bad news about three friends who are going through difficult times and my heart goes out to each and every one of them. I could put all sorts of trite sayings in here ... you know all the "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and such like, but tonight I'm in a B0ll0CKS to that mood! These lovely ladies have had more than their fair share of heartbreak and worry, please can which ever god or power that you/we/they believe in just cut them a break!

It does remind me though to be very very thankful for family, friends and health right now and of how much more important these things are than material goods and possessions.

Anyway will try and post a catch up over the weekend.

Home comforts ....

2008-11-30T04:15:00.000-08:00

Nothing like making yourself comfy, and my little Toyah is a dab hand at it.

I have been wanting to scrap this piccie for a while and just had an urge (creative this time!) so went with it. Not my usual style as I seem to go for clean and simple, but there is a definite trend for clustering at the moment so thought I'd give it a go.

Do you?

2008-11-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

Well ....... ever get unexplainable urges!????

I was doing some quick shopping tonight and whilst meandering around the aisles there was one man in particular that I had a real strong urge just to nip his butt as I passed!

Of course I didn't but I just was so curious to how he might react. Now in my own defence, I have to say here that it was nothing to do with a sexual attraction. He wasn't particularly good looking, nor really what might be my type (based on appearance only of course), and I'm absolutely not looking as I am more than happy with the man who is in my life, heart and head right now.

There was just something about him, which I suspect had a lot to do with the fact that he looked ultra conservative, proper and business like, that I wanted to see how me might react - would it be shock, would he laugh, would he even realise who had done it!

So does that make be bad, bold and brazen??? Well most likely not as I didn't actually do it.

So, do you every have the urge? To do what? Did you? Tell me!

One man's induction to crafting!

2008-11-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

Well since we've been dating, I've been chatting to M. about crafting and he's now involved in a whole world that he was previously oblivious to. He now knows where all his local Micheal's and Jo Ann's stores are, and indeed the best routes to take to get there in a hurry, and, has taken to checking out all the sales flyers that come with the Sunday paper. He's also great at letting me know when Costco have any interesting crafting things. A few weeks ago he informed me that they had a Scrapbooking set at a very cheap price - but he didn't buy it for me as it looked more like something a beginner would use and not really for someone of my level - awhhhh what a sweetie! He does makes me laugh ........... a couple of HIS versions of scrapping tools!

CROP-A-DOP - if he hears me working whilst we chat on line he'll ask me, "are you crop-a-doping? Obviously he's referring to the ole Crop-a-Dile, although what I have is the Big Bite, but hey, let's not split hairs. He's doing much better than a crafting lady who came in to our local scrapbook shop and asked me if she could use the "elephant punch"!

CHUNK-A-DUNK - that little thing you'd like for Christmas, the pink binder thing. Ahh that would be the Bind-it-All then lol.

He says he has no clue what the things are but they always have cutesy names - and there lies the genius of the marketing gurus. Give us a cutesy name and a girlie colour and we're suckers for it.

So what Dop-de-Wop, Crop-a-Dop or Chunck-a-Dunk are you hoping Santa will bring this year?

People say .........

2008-11-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

the nicest things. Well at least yesterday one did. I'd been doing my usual briefing with one of the senior managers and discussing generally how things weren't too happy in the world right now. Anyway after we finished she said I'd managed to really cheer her up, she felt great and that I was an INSPIRATION! Awhhhhhh I just thought that was so sweet and nice.

Anyway so on to inspiration, well this fabric CJ I'm involved in has my wee brain cells blinking on and off all over the place. Lou's was next in line, and I have to say both her and Sharon's pages were to die (or should that be dye!?) for. Lou mentioned that she is very interested in all things spiritual ............ and when I think spiritual I think Yin Yang. So this is what I came up with.

The velvet was stamped, then devored, then dyed. Natural wood needle felting on the other side, which I deliberately left quite rought as I like the contrast in textures. Some beading and some of the swirls (doesn't look like a Fancy Pants stamp does it?) on the velvet picked out with hand stitching. I quite like the finished result even though it wasn't what I was planning to do at all! But then, isn't that all part of the fun in creating!

Hasn't the weather turned cold!! Makes me realise that I need more sweaters oh and oil too. I hear prices are to drop over the next couple of months .......... maybe I'll just dip it and see if I can wait!!!!

Hugs to all. xox

Two in a row ...

2008-11-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

but I don't expect I'll keep it up for too long. Just thought I'd share another layout I did this weekend when I was just having some crafty play. I haven't done any scrapping just for me in ages so I really enjoyed my last few projects.

Don't think this would win any awards but I just loved the autumn colours. Obligatory bling included of course - would you expect any less ;oP

Especially for Paula .............

2008-11-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Well she has rapped my knuckles a couple of times now for being missing in action for such a long long time, so decided I really must update the blog.

So what's been happening? Well I suppose the most important thing is that I am a woman in love! Oh yes indeed, well and truely snagged and bagged. Now of course, you know I never seem able to take the easy route but hey, what's 3500 miles when love someone, right? Mr. L. lives in the USA (oh there's a surprise I hear you say), but at least it is East Coast; Virginia to be kind of precise. I had a wonderful two weeks there back in August which went just so amazingly well that we had to get Mr. L. to Ireland and spend another two wonderous weeks together here in October. Next get together will be on Boxing Day when I head back west for another 10 days or so. All is going better than I could have imagined and I never thought I'd say this, but my ex. E. did me a favour. Mr. L. is the most wonderful, lovely, loving guy I could have hoped for. We laugh a lot together, share very similar views, hopes and dreams. He is definitely one in a million and I am well and truely besotted and blessed.

So for curious minds, here's a little layout I did of my favourite pic of him so far. Who says manly and bling don't go together? I find it so hard to resist putting a lil sparkle on any of my projects!!

Work has been challenging, I now do a national role which means I'm working right across the UK. More travel!! Not filling me with a lot of enthusiasm as it's just so tiring, but there are lots and lots of people who are facing redundancy across the country that I try and focus on being thankful that I am still employed.

I've also been doing quite a bit creatively. The little canvas below is a blatant scraplift of one done by the wonderfully talented Tracie Hudson. No point in trying to improve upon perfection! If you haven't seen her work go and check out her blog she's amazing, so talented.

Sew, what next .... well fabric!!! I did a needlework qualification when I was at school and recently I've joined in a Fabric CJ which has just soooo inspired me to get sewing again. The left hand page is my first page, the one on the right is the page I did for Sharon (Magpie) who's work is amazing - I want to go visit Sharon so she can teach me her wonderful machine embroidery skills!!

OK so is that good for now Paula? I sure hope so!! Promise not to leave it so long next time.

Aloha

2008-05-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been around for a while but I've been kind of busy with real life stuff! Pain in the rear how it get's in the way of the virtual world - ;o))

Anyway thought I'd share the latest of my little projects. It's a girlfriend mini book, although could be adapted for any celebration or occasion of course. It'll be running on 17 May at Forget-me-not Papercrafts. If you want further details just leave me a note - although I don't expect any of you UKS ladies will need further signposting.

Hope life is treat you and yours well. Will do some blog hopping over the weekend and check in with how you all are. Love n hugs xoxoxoxox

Go to your room ......

2008-03-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

you've been a bad bad blogger!

Well I haven't been around for ages, have I? Thought it was about time I let you know I am alive and well - better than well in fact, tip top form and ready for anything (eh .... well most anything lol).

Work is frantic but good and I have to say just lately it's been so busy that it really did remind me how much happier I am when things are buzzin and I'm trying to fit too much in to my day. Being bored just doesn't suit me.

I've been scrapping and have another little project class planned for Forget Me Not and will try to upload here when it's ready to go. If you have a special girlfriend, then girlfriend, this one could be just the ticket.

I had the pleasure of the company of two wonderful guys yesterday (gutter ladies, out of the gutter!!) and their mom's. What a great day, the evidence of which is below. As you can see I took the opportunity to get some piccie takin practice in too.

Almost have a few panels finished for my photography course finished now. If only the workbook were underway too - is it just me or do we all leave these things hanging weightly around our shoulders until the last minute when we are pushed and stressed!!

Ok so as far as blog goes - hoping that it's not so long before the next post. Hope all you Norn Iron, Jelly and crafting ladies are looking forward to Spring with a lil bounce in your step. Love to you all.

Coming to a Scrap Shop near you soon ......

2008-02-15T14:05:00.001-08:00

Alright, well I've been doing some creative stuff and this forms part of a class I'm doing at ForgetMeNot Papercrafts on 8th March.

Had a lot of fun doing this, not too hard, not too time consuming but effective so hoping to see some of you then!

So how was your Valentines Day? Were ya all lurvvveeeedddd up!!?????

Phew, first week back at work, squillions of email etc., but it's good to be back to the land of the livin, guess the ole travelling roadshow continues. Next stop, London!

A quickie

2008-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Well in my efforts to sort out my storage and space etc. I had a little jaunt to Ikea with Sam and Mum - well I say a little jaunt, it turned out to take us about 4 hours to get round the store (partly because we had to keep doubling back to find mum bless her!). I found this Lekman boxed which fits their shelves and they actually fit in to the ones I currently have - and even better a sheet of 12 x 12 fits too, conveniently hiding all the bits and bobs inside - cool eh?? Can you imagine the fun co-ordinating your favourite range of scrapping papers with your craft space - ok so I need to get a life ;o))

I'm definitely going to get three more although they stick out the back of my shelves a bit but eventually I'll replace it with the Ikea one. Does anyone else feel like their craft room/space just is consistently in need of one major tidy up!?

Oh and a funny story - walking around Ikea my mum came upon a basket full of hats in the children's dept. She noticed one that she thought would suit Sam and lifted it for her to try on. Mum did a little jump when she found it to be still warm - turned out the hat belonged to the big edjit who was trying on the kiddie hats beside her lol! Leave it to Mum. Oh and I then mortified both Mum and Sam in KFC. They were playing one of my favourite tunes and so I started singing - rather too loudly for Sam lol, imagine her face when I said I was going to get up and dance in front of the counter so I could see myself on their security screen!!

Blink ........

2008-02-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

and it's gone. January that is. Wasn't it fast? At last we're starting to see a little lengthening in the days, you've got to love that - I do because for me it's a sign that soon winter will be over and there will be new life springing forth. All those pretty lime green shoots and leaves, lambs in the fields and hopefully some better weather to get out and about and enjoy nature.

I've been a bad blogger I know, not posting for ages! Been busy around the house trying to tick off some of the projects that I had promised myself I'd do in 2007. Getting there, and it does feel great to be making progress with things that just seemed to be around forever.

Ok I promised I'd show off my bathroom when it was finished - well, it's getting there, but some little bits and pieces to be done. I've tried bribing my pal with the promise of dinner so hopefully in the next week it will be complete. Anyway as it's only bits and bobs I thought I share these pics with you. I'm really pleased with how it's looking - very grown up!

I've been working hard on decluttering too. Definitely therapeutic, and the advantage is the house is tidier, easier to find things and easier to clean.

Oh and some of you may have seen this but those who haven't, I had an experiment with dry run-on decal paper for the computer and made these fancy corners for my boudoir wall. It's just about finished now - only thing left to complete it is some nice rich dark chocolate - now come on girls - a leopard never changes it spots lol!! Some day my prince will come - just wish he'd arrive via airmail rather than pigeon post!

Time just flies ....................

2008-01-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

Where on earth has half of January 2008 just gone??? I know when you are younger your elders tell you that time passes more quickly the older you get, well it seems that they're not joking.

Been working on a scrapbook album for a friend and have probably got about a 5th of it done. 20 years of pictures is a lot to scrap and I do feel quite a weight of responsibility to do the memories justice. I've also signed up for more deco swaps and funnily enough the title of todays post is very much the theme for the page to send to my swapee. It's still drying, so when it's done I'll try and update and post a pic.

Little Toyah seems to be doing ok in terms of health, certainly she's eating fine and just wanting to be with her "mummie" 24/7. We have cracked the sleeping apart though lol, thank goodness, she was waking me four and five times a night and I can't handle that at all.

Bathroom project is still "work in progress", hoping it will be done very very soon and then I can share my latest makeover with you. Never really stops does it? Always something needing done or fixed.

Oh and if you read this before 9pm tonight and have Sky, there's an interesting programme on Sky One on women who marry BNP members or work for the BNP party. I'll probably want to scream and throw things at the tele., but I am fascinated to know how they think and how they justify the unjustifiable!

Catch ya later folks xox

Bring it on ......... 2008!

2008-01-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

Well I wonder what this year will have in store for me? Whatever it is I hope that I can meet it head on and rise to the challenge. I'm so glad to see the back of 2007 -not one of the best years on record for me, but such is this journey called life.

I'm looking forward to meeting up with old friends and new and haven't made lots of resolutions. One that I'm going to try is to get back to Yoga. I really enjoyed it when I did it (probably because I'm double jointed and therefore flexible which means I'm relatively good at it - us Leos hate to be average at anything!!). The other is just to get my ar$e in gear with the photography course and hopefully do well at it - even though it's just for pleasure. I have a little business idea I'd love to try out but I need to improve my photography skills in order to explore it.

I haven't put any of my pics up in a while so thought I'd add a couple that I took in November on a cold and blustery night in Blackpool - oh my job takes me to some delightful hot spots!! Pics came out not too bad I think, but feel free to give your opinion lol! At least I've learned enough to have been able to know that I needed to adjust the shutter speed to let more light in!! Small steps, itty bitty steps. So here is (allegedly) the worlds largest glitter ball and a couple of the scupltures along the promenade.

May 2008 bring all my friends health, wealth, love and happiness in abundance xoxox

Happy Christmas!

2007-12-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

To all my buddies and anyone else who happens across this page.

Here's a piccie of my wee Toyah in her new bed - her Xmas pressie! We still miss Thai but we're starting to find our own little twosome routines. I just wish her sleeping on my chest and announcing everytime she gets back on the bed during the night weren't two of them!

Here's hoping that 2008 brings all that you could possibly wish for!

It's Official ..............

2007-12-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

the days will now start getting longer again - HURRAAYYYY!!!!

I detest the dark winter months, guess as a Leo, which is the only star sign ruled by the sun, I shouldn't be surprised.

Well been busy getting last minute shopping, so other than beverages and one to two lil things I'm officially done.

I wish I could claim to have taken this pic but I can't. I have been at Maher Point in the Grand Canyon at sunrise and it was freezing - but it certainly looks very very pretty.

I Feel Blessed!

2007-12-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

Well with friends like these ............................ what else do you need!??

I've just finished making a lil album for my best friend as part of her Xmas pressie (i'll try and take some pics and add them later). How lucky am I? We've been friends for 33 years now, never fallen out, been there through our marriages, her children (to whom I'm godmother), divorces and the good and bad parts of being single ladies of a certain age. I love her to bits and just hope that I have given her half of what she has given me!

Then just a couple of days ago I got these beautiful roses from my Jelly Baby team mates and friends on UKScrappers, for no other reason that they wanted to give me something to smile about! Now you have to realise that apart from one lovely meeting with Ra Ra, these are still "virtual" online friends. I so hope that we get to meet up in person during 2008 - what a special bunch of ladies (and lil squirt!).

So see I am truely blessed - there are a number of others who aren't necessarily mentioned here (the entry gang for example - you know who you are lol!!) but I have so many truely good and thoughtful friends that I am a lucky woman!

Love you all xoxoxoxox

Get some Therapy!!

2007-12-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

Well at least it feels like therapy at the moment that's for sure. I had fun playing with this one. Signed up for a Deco swap on UKScrappers, the theme was Christmas and I've to send my page to Caz, in Queensland, Australia! I hope she likes it - first time i've attempted the more altered type of page although I've played with canvases and wooden shapes ohh and my plaster cast too.

Other than that, been trying hard to find Xmas spirit (not the bottled type), did manage to book turkey and veg etc., and have put tree up, so just the pressies to get. There will some t'internet shopping and stuff bought locally, other than that I couldn't face the whole busy city thing.

Toyah and I are still adjusting to Thai not being around. She is certainly a whole different lil puddycat that's for sure but she is such a sweetie!

Hanging in there

2007-12-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

just keeping myself busy trying to get on and do stuff around the house. Have half made some Xmas cards and done a couple of CJ entries that were well overdue. I signed up for a Deco swop too so will have some R&R (rest and relaxation) doing that.

I was so surprised to get some Christmas cards last week, thinking why on earth are people posting these so early but then I realised I kind of lost a few weeks. No food ordered, no shopping done, nothing so I really need to get my ass in gear! Looks like most of it will have to be done online.

To top it all I have more car problems - must see about a trade-in in the new year.

Season spirit .............. come find me!

Sometimes

2007-11-29T15:30:00.001-08:00

life throws you a curved ball, sometimes more than one. It's a difficult few weeks. Sadly my lil Thai man didn't make it, he came through the surgery fine but just stopped breathing and there was nothing the vet could do for him. Awful thing is that, although I can't quite explain it here, I think Thai and me both knew. We did have a very loving last few days, more so than usual, lots of hugs and strokes and licks - we both (me and Toyah) miss him like crazy. I went to see him afterwards and he looked so beautiful and healthy. I suppose it is better than having to watch our pets get ill and deteriorate gradually and perhaps suffer but that seems little comfort right now. He was a big big part of my life for 16 wonderful years, he and Toyah have seen me through some of my darkest days. Now it's just us two ladies in the house and so lil Toyah has my undivided attention and love all to herself.

I miss him.

Never rains ...

2007-10-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

but it pours. Now one of my precious furbies is feeling a bit under the weather and in need of some surgery. Hopefully it will be routine and he'll bounce back all fine and dandy but both my babies are getting on in years and I do worry about them.

Otherwise I'm hanging on, trying to keep occupied (understatement!) and focus on DOING stuff, any stuff.

Anyone know of a warm desert island going cheap?

Shiney and new ....

2007-10-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Yep, my furniture that is (well not very shiney but heck I wouldn't want it that way!). All lovely and in place now after much sweat and huffing and puffing - it's deceptively solid and heavy!

This is the sideboard (Doh!)

The coffee table, lots of storage you'll notice, and here is my CD storage - took all of them with half of it empty - so I can buy more music lol!!!!

And finally, La Boudoir!! I know it is over the top but it was just exactly what I wanted for my Louis the whatever look.

House is still a bit upside down, my bedroom still has to be painted and I currently have a bath sitting in the spare bedroom. The bathroom is the next project on the hit list! It will be Le Spa (sometimes I just crack myself up I'm soooo silly!!).

I have been taking proper pictures too though, not ones that involve me, the house or cats lol. Maybe I'll dare to share tomorrow.

Tired, tired, tired ...........

2007-10-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

I've be hard at it since Friday 1pm. All my new furniture arrived - AT THE SAME TIME! - so I ended up with boxes the size of coffins and bigger in the hall and bedroom with little space to move.

All new furniture now in situ. (much sweat and pushing/shoving, and moving out of all old furntiure) - thanks T and M for picking up surplus stuff!!, boxes broken up and a few journeys to the tip (oh and did you know - and not a lot of people know this!!! I managed to lift old dishwasher in to the back of me Freelander and take it to dump!! Big strong girl I am!!)

Gardens front and back mowed, edges strimmed, bathroom tiles collected and stored ( jez they were heavy little bugg3rs), house kind of cleaned and tidied sooooo phew I'm one tired bunny!

Hopefully will have some pics of new stuff soon. Off to bed for me, it's late and I need my sleep!

2007-10-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

The ever helpful Sebastian (who I would remind you isn't my cat but I think I'm officially part of a cat share partnership!!!).

I've been tagged .............

2007-09-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

by the lovely Marlou so I guess I'd better answer them ............ ok here goes!!

4 places I have worked: Electrical and mechanical engineers, aircraft manufacturers, linen manufacturer and demonstrating decorative paint effects.
4 places I have lived: hmmmm well haven't lived outside of NI soooo Newtownabbey, Carryduff, Ballyclare!
4 places I have visited: Paris, NYC, Washington DC, San Francisco.
4 favourite foods: roast lamb dinner, soya bean yogurt and mint salad, proper baked cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, chicken caesar salad.
4 places I would rather be: with E., in Las Vegas, on a quiet beach in the Maldives, or California!

Nothing too earth shattering there then!

Nothing too much

2007-09-25T15:11:00.001-07:00

from me tonight. Feeling very tired and have a hectic few weeks ahead so guess I'd better get myself to bed.

Thought I'd share a layout I did a while back. Was really happy with it, not because it's all that artistic /creative in terms of the layout itself, but because I made the papers myself. So if you know anyone who would like to start a new line/business tell them to give me a holler!!!

Oh the the pic? Well let's just say the vino tinto had been flowing and I was messing around with my collection of hats. This one has been filtered to within an inch of it's life lol.

Hope your week is going swimmingly chaps.

Acrylic is in .....

2007-09-23T02:48:00.001-07:00

Well in the scrapping world it is, so I decided to have a go. It was a lot of fun and definitely want to have another go at this too.

This one was done for a ForgetMeNot class in October. A bit of Basic Grey, some paint, stamps, rub ons and a lot of fun.

I've been a bad girl ................

2007-09-22T13:05:00.001-07:00

and went and bought myself a new toy! Yes after a couple of years of debating, I decided I'd upgrade, particularly as I'm doing the photography course.

Ok so I haven't had time to read through the manual yet but still went out and had a play this evening. Here are the results. This my neighbour's cat Sebastian - isn't he a handsome fellow! He thinks that I'm his part-time mummy and with those beautiful eyes he is hard to resist.

Next up is Jess. I met Jess in the local park with her owner. He had found her abandoned in the very same park almost one year ago, skinny and flea ridden. She is a real sweetie and he asked me to take her pic, so how could I refuse.

Ok so next stop was off to the shore just before it got too dark to do anything more - well at least more than me or my new toy was capable of! I managed to take this picture which I'm quite pleased with, it almost makes Belfast city lights look quite glizty.

and just to finish off, another picture of the lovely Sebastian who was the most patient model - probably more to do with the ever hopeful notion that I might give in and get him some more cat biscuits!

Well that was tonights offering. Depending on what the weather is doing I might have a wee trip out again tomorrow to try something else.

Day One

2007-09-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

said in a thick geordie accent a la Big Brother.

Well I am a work in progress, no doubt about it but our tutor told us to go forth and take pictures! I felt a bit of a plonker with my tripod and all but I guess I'd better get used to it if I'm to get better. I did try some manual changes to ISO settings and apeture etc. but also tried hard not to fall in to the rapid fire trap (so only took maybe 15 or 20). Out of those there are only two that I think are so so.

Here is Carrickfergus by night! Was very disappointed to learn that they only light the Castle up for special occasions - flippin heck Carrickfergus Borough Council - not too many places have a wonderfully preserved historic castle in their town - light the darn think up folks!!!!

Then I took a wee dander along the harbour and this is what I came up with. I quite like the fact that the people walking are blurred.

Well I'm hoping that through this blog I can keep track of my development and see how I get along. No doubt there will be more later this week. Our first challenge is to produce two panels of six pictures on a given theme (these are set), particularly difficult for me (as I don't normally picture people) is the fact they must have people in them ..... so the castle wouldn't make it and the harbour would - well if it was a decent pic it would!

I got me a

2007-09-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Fearless Heart!!

and isn't it just fantastically luscious!! It is a one of a kind, lampword pendant by the fabulous Kim Miles. I've been admiring her work for an age but could never manage to get the timings right and missed out on buying them from her website. However a few weeks back Kim opened her shop on Etsy and this was the first bead she put up there. It is indeed called Fearless Heart, and if you look carefully at the gap in the red you'll see some fine handtwisted silver barbed wire and some floating CZ's. Kim said it made her think of the Leonard Cohen song where he talks about the breaks in your heart being where the light gets in - I just loved that sentiment plus one of my favourite songs is Fearless Heart by Steve Earle. I think it very much sums me up, not soooo much the falling in love a lot .......... and for those of you who think I'm irrepressible I can honestly say I've only truely been in love three times. Anything else was just lust!!! and on that note my lovelies I'm off to La Boudoir!

Fearless Heart(Steve Earle)

Don't you worry bout what you've been told cause honey I ain't even close to cold

It's kinda soon to fall in love again but sometimes the best that you can do is just jump back in

I got me a fearless heart strong enough to get you through the scary part

It's been broken many times before a fearless heart just comes back for more

Folks'll tell you that I'm just no good but I wouldn't hurt you honey if I could

I can't promise this'll work out right but it would kill me darlin' if we didn't even try

I admit I fall in love a lot I nearly always give it my best shot

I know you must think I'm the reckless kind but I want a lady with a fearless heart just like mine

Back to School

2007-09-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well I've just start a C&G Photography course, sooooo I guess there should be lots more to look at on here over the coming months.

A bit daunting to say the least, especially having seen some of the fabulous work that the previous class had done, but exciting too and it looks like my free time will be quickly filled by all thing photographic. Seems like a great bunch of people too soooo interesting times ahead. Maybe a shift in career - I wish!!

But I can, can't I!??

"You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?" George Bernard Shaw

Mixed fortunes

2007-09-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

that's how the last few days have been. E. was over last weekend and of course, as always, that was lovely. We went to the Prom's in the Park at Carrickfergus, was a nice night but too many people for the space they had allocated. The castle did look very pretty and I definitely want to head their again some quiet and still evening to take a few photos. We had a very chilled and loved up weekend - just what was needed for both of us I think. Ohhh and E. approved very much of La Boudoir, and yes, it lived up to it's romantic looks lol! Next project is the bathroom.

Early last week was pretty uneventful, but Wednesday my Freelander got sick and died, turned out to be the fuel pump and so was housebound for a couple of days and shed some serious £££££ yesterday. Anyway such is life at least it didn't happen on some remote road when the rain was chucking it down etc. and the lads at the garage are very reasonable when it comes to labour costs etc. Just hoping that I get a free run now for at least a year!

Right off to measure the bathroom for tiles. Hope that your weekend is a happy and blessed one.

Hindsight

2007-09-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

is of course as always, a wonderful thing.

I watched Walk the Line tonight, I bought the DVD ages ago but only just got around to viewing it. I bought it because it had strong connections for me with my Dad. He adored the Man in Black and in my younger day I wasn't quite sure why. I suspect that it had something to do with the fact that he thumbed his nose at the "establishment" though of course it's too late now to ask him. But I have to say in watching it, I loved every minute of the music, I knew the words line for line and it was a mixed bag of pain and pleasure.

Soooo off to Amazon to buy Live at St Quentin, and an apology to my Dad - I was young, I was blinkered, I didn't appreciate his talent - I do now Dad - thanks for introducing me to John R Cash!!

Stroke it, touch it, love it ................

2007-09-02T12:27:00.001-07:00

that made ya sit up lol! Yep, my Boudoir project is all about sumptious textures and rich colours!! I got up early this morning and finished off the sewing and then started putting it all together. It's not finished as I have to repaint (same colour more or less just freshen it up) and my new furniture arrives in a week or so then I'll post a piccie of the finished room, but in the meantime here's what I've been working on .................

I had thought about changing this to read "Enter at your Peril" but didn't want to be too boastful lol!

Some of my sewing projects!

Soft sheepskin for the tootsies .............. and finally some decadent beaded tassles - nooo not for me silly ............ for the curtains!

So that's it so far. I'm liking it a lot - most definitely a Bad Girl Boudoir!!!!!

Right tired I am ...

2007-08-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

but had a productive day and started it off with a little bit of a lounge in bed.

Posted off some parcels that I'd meant to do early in the week, then home and started making cushions and curtains for La Boudoir. It's looking good, new furniture is ordered and hopefully will be with me in a couple of weeks so I need to get on and get the painting done too. I'll post some wee pics tomorrow of how it's going. Oh and finally got a replacement dishwasher - just need to find a handy person to fit it now.

I also got an ADS Tech Instant Music widgit. Brilliant! I've been experiementing tonight and have managed to copy some ole vinyl on to the PC, burn a CD from it and also import it in to my iPod - how cool is that!! and all for a princely sum of less that £40. Bargain I say!! It's going to take a while to copy my whole catalogue but heck it will be worth it. I can then store my vinyl out of the way and keep it until it becomes unseemingly valuable when I will sell it to the highest bidder and live the rest of my life crafting and being a lady of leisure.

Hmm so in the meantime, as I don't have any current pics to share, here's how La Boudoir was prior to it's current makeover.

A bit sad and worried

2007-08-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

unfortunately the ole Jelly Baby weekend has had to be cancelled. Poor Tracie managed to tip a pot of boiling water over herself and is currently in hospital. So thoughts are with Tracie and Dave and the boys - sounds so darn painful too - ouuuchhhh T!!!! Hoping you are soon feeling better.

I thought I'd post a piccie of my lovely jewels, got some new ones. It's kind of an obsession as you can probably tell.

Right well off tomorrow. Lots going on with DIY and home improvement type stuff.

Missing my man madly. Just feels like we haven't had too much time together over the summer - not anyone's fault - just how it worked out. This has left me ......................... well I'm much to polite a girl to post here, but needless to say I soooo need to see him soon!

Slam dunk this Funk!

2007-08-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

hmmm not quite sure what happened but I've been in a bit of a funk and finding it hard to get myself motivated, hence nothing new on here for quite some time.

Maybe it was hitting my 46 birthday, although I doubt it, or maybe just that I've had a few niggling and bothersome illnesses which have reared their ugly heads again and left me feeling tired. Awh well not to worry, nothing serious in the grand scheme of things.

Sooo I've been busy buying fabrics and doing stuff around the house. My guest bedroom is almost finshed, managed to recover my rocking chair and as you'll see Thai and Toyah seem to approve!!

I also bought some lovely fabrics for my bedroom and I'm about to order some furniture too. Next up was to be the patio but I think it's going to take a lot more ££££'s than I have at the moment so I might just tart up the bathroom. I'd really like it to be a little (emphasis on the little) luxurious treat - we'll see how the cash goes!

Here's a pic of me, me at 46! Don't think I'm doing too badly, well at least my face isn't. Not so convinced about the rest of me lol.

Oh and finally managed to sign up for a photography course starting in September which I'm really looking forward to. Right off to bed for me now. Hopefully I'll not leave it so long before I update this for my squillions of readers - yeah right!

Where does the time go ..........

2007-07-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted all week. To be honest I think that's the result of a very late night/early morning on Monday when my SleazyJet flight was delayed and I didn't get to E's until after 1am in the morning, then London Monday and Tuesday and late home again. Kind of knock's the stuffin out of ya for the whole week.

Ah well, not to worry, I've been pretty productive around the house. My home improvement/DIH (that's Do it Herself for the uninitiated) projects are coming along and hopefully soon there will be some stuff going on here at my abode that I've been waiting for since I moved in.

I had a very quiet weekend, some online stuff chatting with friends, and my mom and sister over for dinner. Shopping with my best friend and generally just enjoying being with my nearest and dearest. I did buy a swimsuit which looks fabulous - should I ever want a career as a Porn Star!! I gave it to my baby sister as she's not so curvy up top as me. I have some funny pics of her modelling it but it's getting late and I need to get my weary a$$ to bed so I'll save them for later in the week.

As usual I've been feeding all my feline visitors, they weren't quite sure what to make of Taz (my sis's doggie) but he's a real sweetie and isn't a cat chasing dog. Somehow I seem to attrack animals (thankfully they're usually only the four legged type lol!).

Only other thing that comes to mind is the Vegas ticker counting down all the time .......... I'll probably bore everyone to tears by the time it comes around. There are now six of us going, so watch out Vegas!! If you've never been, I would recommend it, most definitely a Disneyland for adults, but not half as tacky as you might suspect. There is so much to do there, so much to see, and the atmosphere is just great - my theory is because everyone is there to have a good time, but who knows. Oh and almost forgot, looks like I'll be meeting some of my Jelly Babe team mates from UK Scrappers sooon. Hopefully Ra Ra (Rachel) and I will meet up on Tuesday but then at the end of the month quite a few of us are heading down to Tracie's for a weekend of wobbly Jelly fun! Can't wait to meet the girlies IRL!!!!

I haven't been doing much crafting but I've got so many ideas and things I want to try going on in my head that it can be hard to switch off - maybe I should keep me an Art Journal, because I'm sure just as many won't be remembered as are.

Right well off to the big city smoke again tomorrow and not back for a few days. Catch ya the other side of hump day!

Best laid plans .....................................

2007-07-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Damn, damn, ole SleasyJet, my poor hun got chucked off the flight because they had overbooked and he was one of the last to check in ......................... he had his boarding card and all that but it seems that EJ didn't want to play and as I'm flying tomorrow there wasn't much point in him coming over tonight.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooo I should be snuggled up with my hun and instead he is at home and I'm Home Alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway that meant that I did get to Forget Me Not and did get a lil housewarming gift made for that mad ole Frogg, Teresa.
aHHHHHH days like this!!!!!!

TGIF!

2007-07-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, thank goodness it's Friday. I'm one tired bunny and need to get the house tidied up before my hun arrives - not that he'll notice but I just don't want to be doing any housework over the weekend whilst he's here.

This weather is sooo bringing me down, I am dying for some sunshine. Tried to convince E. that we should move to California but he's not having any of it ..... spoilsport! Although he has mentioned Georgia a few times - great food there apparently (I swear that the way to my man's heart is definitely through his tum!) mind you on having a wee look I could be easily persuaded!!!

Trouble wi' waterworks!!

2007-07-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Not my own personal plumbing (mind you, on reflection, that would probably be a lot cheaper to sort out!), but that of my lil abode. I got a new washing machine delivered today and of course there had to be something not quite straight forward. The waste hose wasn't long enough to stretch behind the dishwasher and all the way to the waste outlet without an extension. Of course the nice delivery man happened to be a plumber in his spare time and for a fee would come back later and sort it, but determined ole me decided to try myself. Soooo after much ado, I'll not bore you with the details, a couple of trips to local B&Q and one very helpful roll of PFTE tape later, the machine is working, no leaks, and another thing of my list of "plumbing stuff to sort". Wish I could find me a nice Mr. DIY, tall, dark (very dark lol), handsome, genuine, honest, not too clingy, own teeth and hair, to help out around here ......... oh hang on, I have one, only thing missing is the DIY ........... damn, back to the drawing board!

Busy busy

2007-07-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

as usual. I've had a few days off and amongst other things was determined to get my spare bedroom decorated. It's been kind of half heartedly decorated since I moved in 7 years ago and was well overdue an extreme makeover. It's almost done now, really just furnishings to move (when I get new stuff for my own boudoir) and some pics and bits and bobs. I found a lush rug today and some scrummy fabric with 10% off at the Cotton Print Fabric Shop, lots of texture ...... and then managed to find some toning cushions from Debenhams reduced from £30 to £9 - bargain!!

Oh and I've been tagged by Marlou so I guess I'd better answer the 7 questions/facts below!

1} I used to ....... play the Cello and was a member of three orchestras.
2} In my whole lifetime, I have moved ...... 5 times {not too many and unless it's to the USA (I wish! lol) none pending}
3} Neil Armstrong (astronaut) ......... shares the same birthday as me {5th August and no funny comments about space cadets pluuease!}
4} I like to ............. take long haul flights alone, I meet the most interesting people!
5} I hate ......... snobbery and people who are sanctimonious.
6} Last movie I saw was ........ Spiderman 3 {at Lakenheath with my hun, typical boy's movie!}
7} When I was a child I used to ........ eat the funny shapped and coloured dog biscuits, I swear that why I have good strong teeth lol.

Right hoping that's enough of a 'fess up for you. I haven't tagged anyone officially, but ladies if you want to play along feel free (I just don't have that many bloggin friends and those that do are busy ladies so this is going to be a voluntary tag!)

Oh and I did manage some crafting recently too. Here's a double layout I did for a Moggie CJ I'm taking part in - my two furbies!

Horrah!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-12T14:30:00.001-07:00

Well not much achieved today but at least my camera issue was just a battery one and nothing more worrying.

Sooooooooooo tomorrow, lots to do and hopefully some of it will involve taking some pics!

Hugs n squishes to all who want and/or need them!

Ohhh and I reckon I was around 13 here! Me and Sam and Nigel on Dad's Honda bike. I had on a very trendy (courtesy of Frazers I believe) Tweetie Pie T-Shirt and notice that Sam and Nigel have on matching Disney T's. This was obviously long before mom had done lots and lots of work in the garden, transforming it in to a real wee treasure.

Lazy day

2007-07-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

ever get that you have so much to do that you just can't quite get started!? Well it's been one of those days for me I'm still messing around not achieving much.

I do seem to be a bit jinxed at the moment though, my dishwasher has been on the blink for a while and now my washing machine needs replaced too, then to top it all my beloved lil Fuji camera doesn't want to switch on - I'm hoping it's just a battery issue - but if not I'll be mega miffed!

The weather is enough to drive anyone to drink ..... why of why couldn't I have been born in a sunnier climate ... us Leo's who are ruled by the sun shouldn't have to put up with it, should we? "Oh let the sun beat down upon my face" as the song says (Kashmir by Led Z if you don't know it).

Right well enough of this nothingness, I'm hungry and need to try and motivate my butt to actually do something with this day off.

Hope you're enjoying you day whatever you are up to.

Yeee Haaa!

2007-07-08T15:01:00.001-07:00

What a weekend that has been ...... busy and full and pretty good actually.

Sam's birthday was yesterday and we had a fabulous relaxed late and somewhat boozy lunch with mum in Cafe Vaudeville, and if you ever hit Belfast, let me tell you the food is absolutely delish! I love the burlesque feel to the place, very tart's boudoir ...... bit like my bedroom actually lol. She was more than pleased with her pressie, a Troll Bracelet with Freya lock, a little silver crab bead (as she's a cancerian obviously) and half a dozen glass ones. A really good day for one and all!

Today has been busy too, packed up my office stuff as I'm moving offices tomorrow, same building just different/bigger space, then a lil shopping, back home and out to cut the grass (that' s the yard for my USA friends!) before we got hit with another of those really heavy storms, then inside to tidy up. Had a wee visit from my bestest friend, Carol and then some more tidying. Right now I'm about whacked and ready to sleep. Sooo I'm going to pour me some Butterscotch Schnapps and get my ass to bed. Busy week ahead too, hey ho, all in a days work.

But just before I retire I had a look at some friends blogs ....... she had this little test and I love messing about with these things so ...... here's the result! Click on the piccie to take it yourself.
What color is your soul painted?

Orange

Your soul is painted the color orange, which embodies the characteristics of balance, heat, enthusiasm, flamboyance, playfulness, aggression, over-emotion, danger, desire, strengthens the ability to concentrate, attraction, adaptability, and stimulation. Orange falls under the element of Fire, and symbolizes glory and fruits of the earth.

I'm liking that, do you think we see in these what we like? It it pretty accurate expect for the agression, 'cause although I'm a Leo, I'm a real pussy cat - you remember Puss in Boots from Shrek? Right?

Not exactly tagged

2007-07-05T15:16:00.001-07:00

but a very sweet and fun lady I know posted this on her blog so I thought I'd have a go ......................

1) I AM A CLASSICLY TRAINED MUSICIAN - CELLO IF YOU ARE CURIOUS!
2) Im totally freaked by DADDY LONG LEGS!
3) My favourite colour is PINK!!!
4) I would love to be able to GET BACK TO PLAYING MUSIC.
5) SUMMER is my favourite time of the year
6) I would love to TAKE A LONG TIME OFF AND TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD, VISITING CULTURES I'VE READ ABOUT IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
7) I love MUSIC, VARIED, LIVE, NEW, OLD!

Slow down girl .........

2007-07-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

order to myself! Been a frantic start to the week and seems like I've been an emotional sponge, mind you whenever I do any psychometric profiles it does seem that that is my role in life. Lots of issues to deal with as a result of the day job and there are days when it feels like a mighty ole weight on my shoulders. No doubt this too will pass but I'm really feeling in need of some down time. ROLL ON VEGAS ........... boy is that a party town, can't wait to get their and get down lol!

So just thinking that yesterday, en route to the airport, I've noticed that there is a lady who walks her dog early in the morning. I've seen her a few times now, and she obviously walks her Golden Retriever the same route each day. There is one particular place where they come to a field with a gate which is filled with our bovine friends, and here they stop .... her lil dog obviously likes these fellows because he stands at the gate wagging his tale saying hello. It really makes me smile because I doubt very much that the doggy speaks cow language, yet here he is obviously pleased to see these big black and white chaps, and they come to the gate and have a good ole sniff of the dog. Two completely different species being friendly and saying hi, how are ya!! How come we are the same species but different colours and some of us can't even manage to be civil to one another!?????? Anyway even with an O'whataridiculoustimetobeheadingouttowork O'clock time, it brings a smile to my face!

So tonights prayer - Lord, may I never loose my ability to delight in the small wonders of nature!

Yeahhhh ...........

2007-07-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well now I've discovered how to add some music video here too, so now I can subject visitors to some of what I love to listen to and perhaps just introduce you to something you've not heard before.

Been so busy of late haven't had time to catch up on here. Looking like the next couple of weeks will be the same - grrrrr - I do like my down time. Got quite a bit of travel on with work and will be teaching a scrapbook class in Forget Me Not papercrafts on Wednesday night. It's Sam's (my baby sister) birthday next weekend and I've got her a brill birthday surprise, well at least I hope it's something she likes.

Wonder where the summer has gone, or if we'll get the fabulous weather they predicted a while ago - don't you find all this rain depressing - or is it more so to me because I'm one of those people who is ruled by the only sun sign - LEO!?

It's been a good day ............

2007-06-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

So I had a bit of a relaxed start and then headed off down the entry to Forget Me Not papercrafts. Good to see Stephanie, Helen, Karen and Nicola but missing the ole Farting Frog (you gotta know her to love her!) and BelfastGirl, aka Angela. Finished off a Circle Journal (one on Pussy Cats that I'm involved in) and got it posted to Lori in Dundee, Scotland. Then met up with Mom and Sam and headed off to Sprucefield.

We had a multi-cultural festival in Belfast today. A celebration of the Diversity that we now have. It's been a long time coming but it's great to see a broader ethnic melting pot here in the Emerald Isle. Bring it on I say! Ehhhh so is this a case of interracial sheep!???

The Essence of a New Day

2007-06-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ok so I posted this to my buddy Alvino and he thought I should post this on My Space and blog so folks here it is ............

The Essence of a New Day

This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, in it's place is something that you have left behind .... Let it be something good.

What a glorious evening

2007-06-21T13:00:00.001-07:00

and very appropriate for 21st June and the summer solstice, I'm hoping that this is a sign of things to come and that we get the wonderful summer the weather folks have predicted.

Well almost the end of another week. Looking forward to the weekend as always, not too sure what is planned other than a wee trip down the entry (sounds dark and mysterious doesn't it?) but it's my friend Helen's term for our regular trips to Forget Me Not papercrafts down Pottinger's Entry.

I do have lots of home improvement projects in my head though so perhaps I'll get on and do some more of those. Would also like to get out and get some pictures too though oh, and get to the garden centre for some things for my pots and hanging baskets ....... hey don't accuse me of not knowing how to have a WILD weekend lol!

Really want to go to see Oceans 12, maybe I'll fit that in too. Want to get in to the Vegas mood. Still counting the days and looking forward to having a real ball with the girls. Watch out Vegas!

Failing miserably

2007-06-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

To keep up to date with this at the moment that is. Well where has the time gone. Let me think ......... I spent a wonderful sunny weekend at home with my hun and it was lovely that he just arrived in to the back garden like he'd just come home (he had driven the car all the way to Birkenhead and got the ferry) to find me sitting elegantly (well attempting to be maybe) at my little bistro table sipping wine in the sunshine. We had a BBQ with baby sis and mom and generally other than than got seriously loved up!

Last week and this week so far have been pretty busy with other stuff, you know, kinda life! Rotary has been fun though with a day out organised for 60+ special needs kids. We had an indoor kurling competition and by the level of decibels I'd say they had a great time. As did I! Of course can't show the pics here but there are some cool floor level shots of the little uns, let me tell you the concentration on their faces made me smile big time.

And so it is the end of an era for me. Today I offically handed over my beloved Snot Mobile to a lovely young lady who I hope will get lots and lots of trouble free driving from my wee baby.

But bring on the Freaky Freelander! Baby sis can't wait for me to get the roof off (have you the blemmin rain!) and get some nice accessories for it - been watching too many episodes of Pimp my Ride by chance?? I think so!

To the squillions that do read this blog .... (oh how funny am I!) lets hope I don't leave it so long before I post again.

and another thing

2007-06-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

I love this altered pic. What if trees weren't green????

Feeling like a whirling dervish!

2007-06-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Alright, so third time lucky I’m hoping. Seems that blogland doesn’t want to play with me tonight and so this is the third post I’ve tried to upload. New strategy ….. type in word first then copy and paste so that if all goes pear shaped I haven’t lost my mumblings!

Weren’t yesterday and today lovely. I spent all last night painting the outside of my lil abode. I’m hoping that a little bit at a time and it will soon be done. So far all the grey stone work has been done and it’s already making a difference. Still undecided about the colour for my front door. Ah well not at that stage yet so won’t sweat it! I did however sort out my mini water feature and cut off the old daffodil leaves and generally have a wee tidy around. Then with E. arriving tomorrow I thought I’d get the inside sorted so that I could have a more relaxing weekend and spend some quality time getting luvvved up by my hun. He’s bringing my “new” car over on the ferry so I’m a wee bit excited about that. My Snot Mobile is now officially for sale, I will miss the little green beastie as it’s been a very nice car to drive and no trouble – just hoping my next is the same!

Now I’m a bit cream crackered and need to get my weary bones to bed. I might just a glass of the ole vino tinto as a bed time treat for being so industrious. Going to add a couple of piccies of my clematis which is looking lovely and my mini water feature!

Whizz bang ....

2007-06-05T15:30:00.001-07:00

and where did the last few days disappear to!?

Not to worry I guess it's good not to be bored, isn't it? Well nothing too earth shattering has happened in the last few days so I won't bore you with the details. I did manage to put some pics on here so if you go all the way to the bottom you'll get a wee look see at things that make me smile!

Stay well.

Miss You Dad

2007-06-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well I can't let today pass without mentioning Dad. Three years ago today I was in work as usual when a colleague came to tell me the news. I wrote this to be read at his funeral, but the minister didn't quite comply - not that it mattered, the writing and feeling it was what was important.

I Remember ..............................

I remember my Dad crossing one leg over the other to make a nest for Daddy's Girl to sit in.

I remember my Dad building the biggest and best Dolls House (Bungalow) that a girl could have wished for.

I remember my Dad playing old sentimental tunes on a harmonica.

I remember my Dad building furniture that housed LP's, toys, books and an old radiogram.

I remember my Dad taking apart motorbikes, putting them back together and saying "oh you don't really need these bits!"

I remember my Dad taking me to open my first adult bank account when I got my first job.

I remember my Dad lying in bed awake in the mornings waiting for me to bring his first cup of tea of the day before I left for work.

I remember my Dad, the unemotional man, trembling and tearful as he started to walk me down the ailse.

I remember my Dad who always took water in his Black Bush.

I remember my Dad and how he came to life as he found another victim to listen to stories of his days in the RAF.

I remember my Dad being very proud of us all and hearing what he said to others that he couldn't quite say to us.

I remember my Dad barbequeing in the garden complete with chef's hat and the flames being almost a foot high.

I remember my Dad a willing "grandad" and baby sitter to my two siamese cats.

I remember my Dad and his wonderful curling script writing.

I remember my Dad and him being there for me in his own quiet way when I was going through the worst of times.

I remember my Dad, the ordinary man, with all his flaws and problems, his imperfections and shortcomings and most of all I remember that I loved him regardless.

I miss you Dad.

Busy busy

2007-06-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

well I did indeed make at least some use of my day off. Strimmed all the edges of the grass and cut it. Then I started on the painting of the outside of the house. I was going to pay someone to do it, but I live in a bungalow so can reach most of it, sooooo decided I wound go for it and do it myself. I managed to rub down and pain all the key stones and grey detail around windows etc. on the back of the house so feeling pleased with myself. It looks pretty good so only two sides and front to do, then black masonary, then the black gloss then the doors! Now will I change colour of my doors - they are currently a bright rich purple which I love but I did spot a warm buttery yellow in B&Q today and I'm a bit tempted to change it.

The local village school also had it's annual BBQ tonight, they were lucky as the weather was very kind to them. Lots of firemen in trucks, farmers shearing sheep, little 'uns taking part in the talent competition (think 9 year olds singing From Paris to Berlin and doing the Cha Cha Slide!). All quiet now. Oh and I got to meet Foster's real Mum and Dad ............ more on Foster (aka Kiao) later.

Drool drool drool ..........

2007-06-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

Well those scrummy beads arrived today and are now in place on my bracelet. It's hard to capture the beauty of it but I am absolutely thrilled to bits with how it's looking now. Only to get a gold lock and some gold beads, but as they are mega expensive I think that they will be special occasion purchases - well unless my hun has a rush of blood to the head!!

More later but for now I really really must get on and do something with my day.

Executive decision ......

2007-05-30T11:57:00.001-07:00

I've decided I'm going to have the rest of this week off as it's generally quiet about the office with most of my colleagues from across the pond being on half term. Although, I am actually doing some work tomorrow but that's for my own benefit.

So, what to do with Friday? Well there is so much needs done both inside and outside that I doubt that I'll have trouble filling the day. So will most likely be garden, painting or sorting out the craft room (which seems like a perpetual task I have to say).

Today I got some pictures from the lovely Becky (http://www.chameleondesigns.co.uk/index.html) who I commissioned to make some silver core beads for me. I asked for them in a range of red/orange colours and wanted them to have some gold it at all possible (as gold trollbeads are so expensive!) and maybe a couple of animal print type ones. Well I have to say that Becky has amazed me with her lampwork skills and come up more than trumps. Here are the little beauties I should have in my possession by the end of the week. Aren't they just delish!

Becky tells me that now that Uni is finished for the summer she's going to be very busy with the torch, can't wait to see what else she comes up with.

Well a day in Derry/Londonderry for me tomorrow. Now foreigners to our lovely soil may not know or understand why it is a city so wonderful they named it twice - but if you want to know, hit me up and all will become clear!!

Happy times

2007-05-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well that was a great bank holiday weekend! Not the weather of course, well at least not what we experienced in the beautiful countryside of Suffolk. It was truely terrible, now I expect it in Northern Ireland, but not at the end of May in the South East. Not to worry though, I was with my hun and watched one of my best friend get married and what a fabulous wedding. She looked fantastic - happy, radiant and relaxed and after the ceremony in a quaint little country church, we had a wonderful reception in a marque on the lawns of her in-laws.

Fireworks, free flowing champagne, and wine meant that I danced all night in my high heels and me and my dodgy knee (dislocated in January) were feeling no pain - well at least not until the next morning. My friend C. is a really special person and I am delighted that she has found an equally special man to share her life with. Mr. and Mrs. H. may you have many many happy years together.

Back to the ole porridge today and back to chasing my tail at work and at home. Just seems to be lots and lots going on in both at the moment but at least it keeps me out of trouble, and if you believe that dear friends, you'll believe anything.

Stop the world

2007-05-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

I wanna get off! Phew ...... it's been a frantic day, work has been stressful and really busy at home trying to get organised for some time away. Not to worry, I have a beautiful wedding to go to this weekend and time with my hun so not all bad.

Thinking of whirling around made me think of this little pic. Taken on the rollercoaster at the top of the Stratosphere Tower in Vegas - now that was fun!

There might be a wee break for a few days but never fear ........... I will be back and bloggin soon!

One last view

2007-05-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

before I head off to the land of nod - it's been a busy, frantic 10 days or so and I'm feeling more than a little cream crackered - another little marketing pic for Norn Iron! This one was taken in Belfast during the Maritime Festival and shows the very famous Harland and Wolff crane. Now it's either Samson or Golaith, but afraid I don't know which. This is where the infamous Titanic was built - and as the saying here goes ...... She was alright when she left Belfast!

2007-05-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ok so this is almost idiot proof it would seem, so let me continue our wee journey around Co. Antrim. Here's a picture of my favourite place to go walking, Glenariff Glen. It turned out to be pretty cold and damp the day I took this picture but it didn't lessen the beauty. Great spot to go and clear the head of all the usual daily rubbish and noise.

2007-05-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

OK so dipping the lil toe in water to see if I can manage to add pictures etc. Not rocket science to squillions of folks I know, but I'm a blog virgin.

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago on the Gobbins path in Whitehead, Co. Antrim. I love gardening too - well at least when the weather is dry (bit of a challenge at times here) and I'm not travelling with work that is. When I have visitors to Northern Ireland I love to show them the side of this pretty country that was all too often forgotten in the new coverage of the past.

Hopefully one of the things I can do is show more folks that this is truely a beautiful place and well worth a visit for all the right reasons - great Guinness, the natives are friendly (I would say that wouldn't I ;o)) and fantastic scenery.

Jumping In!

2007-05-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well it seems like so many people are at this, and I've been thinking about it for ages and ages sooooo here goes. How much or how often it's updated remains to be seen.

I guess I'll need to sort out a profile, a pictures and all manner of clever things if I am to become visible on the www.

WATCH OUT WORLD - HERE I COME!