tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83282280703572715632024-03-19T07:40:27.590+00:00From High In The SkySianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.comBlogger1110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-52971748851389102892017-05-29T12:38:00.001+01:002017-05-29T12:38:56.362+01:00Memos, Mail, Me<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dear Friends,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a weekend here of music and laughter and missed planes and returning heroes, and grown up children grabbing life and showing us how to give it a good shake. And, friends, it has confirmed to me what I've suspected for some weeks now. I need a break from writing - over the summer - so that I can spend time with everyone while we are all in the same place.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll still be scrapbooking and making projects for Gossamer Blue and Get It Scrapped (and I'll be uploading them to Pinterest, so you can find me there); and I'm sticking with Instagram, so you'll catch me there too. Thank you so much for your company and for dropping by here every Monday. If you enjoy making a memo, please do keep on Monday-ing! And have a wonderful Summer! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With love,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sian</div>
<br />
<br />
Last week's links, because you still deserve your wave, are: <a href="http://suburbansahm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me_22.html">Ruth</a>, <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-and-me_22.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/monday-memos-mail-and-me_22.html">Barb</a>, <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/pink-red-and-green-for-memorandum-monday.html">Mitra</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memo-mail-me-its-monday-may-22nd.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memo-mail-me-and-monday.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="https://mardiwinen.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-and-me-new-cotton-rope-and.html#.WSMKxWjyvIU">Mardi</a>, <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/05/mail-memo-me-musings.html">Karen</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/monday-mail-and-me-yarn-and-trousis.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/05/memos-mail-me-22-may-2017.html">Honore</a>, <a href="http://alisonslife-in-the-slow-lane.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mailme_22.html">Alison</a>, <a href="http://nannyjanes.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/monday-memos-mail-and-me.html">Jane</a> and <a href="http://in-my-playroom.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me-on-monday_22.html">Eileen</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-4794254938475362152017-05-22T11:38:00.000+01:002017-05-22T11:38:19.704+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: Do You Come Here Often?<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Monday: I'm not seeing it. It's supposed to be the warmest day of the year so far here today; and I'm waiting...but until I can take off my sweater and go out into the garden, let's talk weekends and mail and making a memo.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saturday morning, I was sitting at the kitchen table, wondering what I might write about once the weekend was done. The mail last week hadn't offered much. So I picked up our local City Council magazine which comes through the door once a month. It tells us what's on about the place, if there any new arrivals at the zoo, the latest astounding visitor numbers for the Titanic Exhibition, all of that. I flipped through it, I set down my knitting and I put on my coat. <i>Let's get out and about! </i>I said. <i>Any ideas? Somewhere not too far, somewhere I've never been?</i> And The Accountant said <i>Trust me.</i> And drove.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRq6kGP12_yB2QeeBbnEZ6mNJBQVGWcMa-Pj5f4oHpc9uzjBEETTYfvQgqNjaZCs3-udksgkoM5Xxd0NcTQLAJjiAPM5TexP1vac6XX-xeAvQ9eT-insNpHDlWiAC5Eh9hPBATC8x-Cs/s1600/redrinkha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRq6kGP12_yB2QeeBbnEZ6mNJBQVGWcMa-Pj5f4oHpc9uzjBEETTYfvQgqNjaZCs3-udksgkoM5Xxd0NcTQLAJjiAPM5TexP1vac6XX-xeAvQ9eT-insNpHDlWiAC5Eh9hPBATC8x-Cs/s1600/redrinkha.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We went out of town, into the country close to where he grew up, past a patchwork of fields and hedges all frilled in white; and then we pulled up outside a large red building, almost a barn, but not quite.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Rinkha? </i>I said. The <i>Rinkha! </i>he nodded. Now here's your new fact for the weekend (though maybe you are way ahead of me and know this already): "rinkha" is an old Irish word which roughly translated means "place of mirth and merriment". I'd heard him talking about this place for years. It sounded like a cross between Santa's workshop and Rudolph's holiday stop off: a magical combination of toyshop and icecream kiosk, out on its own, with fields all around. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwod4rRdHsLQl9RxEmsgMXuzbgWayCmvzkFH55m2FnlKGcNKw5uPhs3lPuq6YPDID3wxnstHdnNJ3aUIQtXRvwOg4W3nbY9Kq3oITmOP1rF4zeuH0d5Q1GcX3_KhY5-zJ3Ewzb3ILAvEA/s1600/redrinkha2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwod4rRdHsLQl9RxEmsgMXuzbgWayCmvzkFH55m2FnlKGcNKw5uPhs3lPuq6YPDID3wxnstHdnNJ3aUIQtXRvwOg4W3nbY9Kq3oITmOP1rF4zeuH0d5Q1GcX3_KhY5-zJ3Ewzb3ILAvEA/s1600/redrinkha2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Accountant held up his hands. He hadn't known if it was really still there, he admitted, he'd heard a rumour about apartments, and then he started rummaging in his pockets and counting his icecream money. I ate my rum n raisin at a table inside and as I licked I looked at the display on the wall and it all became clear. The Rinkha had been a ballroom, hugely popular when showbands were the thing round here. When I was at school I had a friend whose Dad had been in a showband, had even made it into the charts, and sure enough, there was his picture. I ate the end of my cone, I wondered if it was too late to learn how to jitterbug, and then we had to go</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oobQjUhSxCke3fzplrOAI0AMM-_A14s6D1WAViQkEvhyphenhyphen9bpbkW-bzAHhfNLYNJr4Nq-ReZ0irC2HS4EuMpYjRX7RuHcgSECl_e_SrOKQksLDPdzK6LdpMiF7XgJljeAHbfUtoYuEVcM/s1600/redrinkha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oobQjUhSxCke3fzplrOAI0AMM-_A14s6D1WAViQkEvhyphenhyphen9bpbkW-bzAHhfNLYNJr4Nq-ReZ0irC2HS4EuMpYjRX7RuHcgSECl_e_SrOKQksLDPdzK6LdpMiF7XgJljeAHbfUtoYuEVcM/s1600/redrinkha.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
onwards to the beach and then home in time for tea. How about you? Maybe your mail sent you on a trip this weekend too? Anything interesting? We'd love to hear about it! You could make a memo!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last time <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/05/memos-mail-me-mothers-day-week-end.html">Alex</a>, <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-and-me_15.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://suburbansahm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me.html">Ruth</a>, <a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/monday-memos-mail-and-me_15.html">Barbara</a>, <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/momming-magnolia-for-memorandum-monday.html">Mitra</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/05/memos-mail-me-15-may-2017.html">Honore</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memo-mail-me-its-monday-may-15th.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me-and-monday-fun-challenges.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/monday-mail-and-me-dispatched-but-not.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/mondays-mail-memo-on-tuesday.html">Melissa</a></span> and <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/05/memos-mail-me-the-late-edition.html">Karen</a> </span>shared a bit about what they'd been up to. Go on, give 'em a wave! And have a great week!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-5255955198317522052017-05-19T14:00:00.000+01:002017-05-19T14:00:35.430+01:00Shuffle, Shuffle: Finding Room for More Cards..<div style="text-align: justify;">
So every month when my box from Gossamer Blue arrives and I open it and begin to think about what I might make for my contribution to the blog, I tell myself to come up with a plan which doesn't involve cards. <i>Something new would be nice, Sian! </i>But this time round I couldn't help myself. I looked at all the pretty new die cuts, all exclusive, all waiting to be gathered up and clustered and I made this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSAbkGYQm5uEMGWdn6nrHb0xdADe3CkxWrAEs5nhUuZ0yB0q45B2oRE9Sic81dQAylcF9IqUdlVM8lNUven3Wn18QIJgPFzLnGEnB2JIUcPXqTxGvGu2KCwxqecy4HVp5lmGQPT1tock/s1600/SianFcard1May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSAbkGYQm5uEMGWdn6nrHb0xdADe3CkxWrAEs5nhUuZ0yB0q45B2oRE9Sic81dQAylcF9IqUdlVM8lNUven3Wn18QIJgPFzLnGEnB2JIUcPXqTxGvGu2KCwxqecy4HVp5lmGQPT1tock/s1600/SianFcard1May.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I turned a blank journaling spot sideways to make a resting place for a butterfly and some flowers. Then I used a picture frame to give a home to a little pink bird:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWAPYcAL5BZ_LSmxOafXIEdH41imSl00d6W6Olb_OWG8mPqD4TsqEDwbpXsihLtB25dGCkjjj8s6JarY-a9Z4OCD1rO0zCbzgH-T9k0R4X5dd8hHFxa-D4Reu-frYOo1TpbOkJQFb90o/s1600/SianFcard2May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWAPYcAL5BZ_LSmxOafXIEdH41imSl00d6W6Olb_OWG8mPqD4TsqEDwbpXsihLtB25dGCkjjj8s6JarY-a9Z4OCD1rO0zCbzgH-T9k0R4X5dd8hHFxa-D4Reu-frYOo1TpbOkJQFb90o/s1600/SianFcard2May.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
and then I found his friend and another frame but also a stamp, which I used to mark out a stitching line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LlFN3rAm57__RaYiiY5K9tWZp3bxLuGnUndxSL1JBMY8Z3Ok5bt8rsVDqwsS-oG8fNIckLFMiOz3HDeNt6xMqQ_5OxL96883Ko9Dn0BiJQQIkxGMiZXzpwdsLtTe3tXVTg6MqHLGg_g/s1600/SianFcard3May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LlFN3rAm57__RaYiiY5K9tWZp3bxLuGnUndxSL1JBMY8Z3Ok5bt8rsVDqwsS-oG8fNIckLFMiOz3HDeNt6xMqQ_5OxL96883Ko9Dn0BiJQQIkxGMiZXzpwdsLtTe3tXVTg6MqHLGg_g/s1600/SianFcard3May.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Gossamer Blue <a href="http://www.gossamerblue.com/send-out-word/">found room for my cards</a> and now I must find a space in my card drawer too. Or maybe I would be better finding a couple of stamps and a pillar box?<br />
<br />
See you Monday!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-58279576995564591882017-05-16T15:35:00.001+01:002017-05-16T15:35:29.855+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: Oh, Darn!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey, Monday! I see that you are actually Tuesday but that's fine. I don't mind working a little bit faster to catch up after the lovely weekend I've just had. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We travelled south and spent two nights in a hotel we like, we drove out to the seaside, we shopped (yarn, of course, books, and a navy dress I have in the "possibles" pile for our boy's Graduation in July) and then, on Sunday, I rocked up to the knitting shop for a class with the delightful Kate of A <a href="http://www.aplayfulday.com/">Playful Day</a> (find her instagram @aplayfulday and her beautifully curated and full of tips Pinterest boards <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/aplayfulday/?eq=a%20pla&etslf=9708">here</a>. She took my picture!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxkN-cfNQN7VqSllootjTIUrkIMfxM_zYdmvgNO_wQd44nFhHDme_6jCrgWGKL86suJBMF5YWwLZRNuvStRvj7jibAB4sQaLPXcJW6TufcxFUYwQI8wCnfChLf0NKHY38bRTX2q3KXpE/s1600/methisisknit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxkN-cfNQN7VqSllootjTIUrkIMfxM_zYdmvgNO_wQd44nFhHDme_6jCrgWGKL86suJBMF5YWwLZRNuvStRvj7jibAB4sQaLPXcJW6TufcxFUYwQI8wCnfChLf0NKHY38bRTX2q3KXpE/s1600/methisisknit.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't say too much about the class itself, of course, much in the same way as I couldn't share the contents of a paid for pattern on ravelry, say, but what I will save for another day and share then is what I realised I already knew, what I always think about when I try to tell a story with my phone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what else is new, then? I have post! I got the loveliest little parcel last week from my Monday-ing friend Ladkyis, who very thoughtfully (yes! thank you! you were right! it is exactly what I need) realised I could use a darning egg, for my socks, should they wear out, which they will and probably all at the same time, very soon. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTdgs9uP9-l-o3KxpNQ5rzJecF1EiwoDnvbjWv1o2XgQ1pz1qu7cvN0E_eUkdy9mWaHK5vCT4bLRInDKM8ZxhaUAcDa4QDs4ZF6CNbha4qDoksONAMpc6Y2xn8TazwaREgqSu7K92vSA/s1600/darningegg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTdgs9uP9-l-o3KxpNQ5rzJecF1EiwoDnvbjWv1o2XgQ1pz1qu7cvN0E_eUkdy9mWaHK5vCT4bLRInDKM8ZxhaUAcDa4QDs4ZF6CNbha4qDoksONAMpc6Y2xn8TazwaREgqSu7K92vSA/s1600/darningegg.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This one is a bit of an heirloom: it is smooth and satisfying to hold and I shall think of its original owner every time I use it. There it is in the middle of my photo, close to a nearly finished pair and a spool of reinforcing thread which I've lately been knitting into heels as a preventative measure.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My post today has just arrived and with it a letter addressed to this address, but with a name and a postcode I don't recognise. Someone has mixed things up. I hope with a little bit of detective work I can send this letter on its way again. So I'm off to google. How about you? Anything new? </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-and-me_8.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://suburbansahm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me_8.html">Ruth</a>,<a href="http://in-my-playroom.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me-on-monday_8.html"> Eileen</a>, <a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/monday-memos-mail-and-me.html">Barb</a>, <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/brownies-and-boards-for-memorandum.html">Mitra</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memo-mail-me-its-monday-may-8th.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/mondays-mail-memo-incoming-outgoing.html">Melissa</a>, <a href="http://alisonslife-in-the-slow-lane.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me.html">Alison</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/monday-mail-and-me-things-we-see.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://cheriandrews.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me-on-road-again.html">Cheri</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/apples-for-cider.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/05/memos-mail-me-8-may-2017.html">Honore</a> and <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/05/memos-mail-me-soulagee.html">Alexandr</a>a </span>made a memo last time round.<span style="font-size: large;"> Go on, give 'em a wave! And have a good week!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-12378359657802866562017-05-12T13:55:00.000+01:002017-05-16T13:54:44.688+01:00Have Notebook, Will Travel<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the day I wore this sweater and ate this fish and chip supper and was caught taking pictures of my dinner with a view to posting them on instagram (though in the end I didn't because it turns out a piece of cod in a mini metal frying basket is quite hard to capture in its full glory), I made a note in my diary</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKc9nG6sgER798RMjtS3eUq4QK8hGW4mXmLp-4o3nquu7m9tus2TQlF4owoEB72_SuMdiHJEM0_AeZ-dqRXqCGSERvqGSel9zmc_Ec5XsKF7TOASxPtgYQrfLTSy6I91J0_ypcJlnZxE/s1600/TN3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKc9nG6sgER798RMjtS3eUq4QK8hGW4mXmLp-4o3nquu7m9tus2TQlF4owoEB72_SuMdiHJEM0_AeZ-dqRXqCGSERvqGSel9zmc_Ec5XsKF7TOASxPtgYQrfLTSy6I91J0_ypcJlnZxE/s1600/TN3.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies from the May kits at Gossamer Blue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had booked myself a place on a phone photo course. And this weekend, it has finally come time! I've been looking forward to it and to the road trip we have planned around the journey. A two hour class a couple of hours from home has turned into two nights away, with plans for a yarn splurge and a museum or three. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I suppose what I'm really trying to say is that I may be Monday-ing on Tuesday next week. Don't wait for me! I'll be back!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With ideas for more pictures, I hope, and a story or two, and pages I can show you, instead of the bare bones</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSBTbpCcDLHlA_sA78KgzVk1y3rcIHOGhVSqzrLJs0kfyKyYVIuxh0bsfW6oyMFCsWbLTjbHpDvqnPo0r2HiSsXBljpQVrt57ncrj9dH9eUUiRYGoOSBnV4vO6_BieWVGlQJANDkO9Uc/s1600/TN2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSBTbpCcDLHlA_sA78KgzVk1y3rcIHOGhVSqzrLJs0kfyKyYVIuxh0bsfW6oyMFCsWbLTjbHpDvqnPo0r2HiSsXBljpQVrt57ncrj9dH9eUUiRYGoOSBnV4vO6_BieWVGlQJANDkO9Uc/s1600/TN2.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
of an entry, which will turn into a record of a Formal, with a black dress and red lipstick and a boyfriend in a very tight jacket (<i>why does he have his shirt tail untucked? </i>asked Granny. <i>That's rock n</i> <i>roll</i>, we said..)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are celebrating Mother's Day this weekend, I hope it's a lovely one. See you..maybe, Tuesday?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-8181956726740218422017-05-10T14:29:00.002+01:002017-05-16T13:55:09.704+01:00Out Of a Box<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When get It Scrapped asked for a page about dressing up, my hand shot into the air. Me! That would be me! Ever since my sister and I repurposed an old laundry basket and filled it with a net curtain, my mum's undergraduate gown and half a bridesmaid dress, I've loved putting on a costume. Which is probably why it didn't take me long to realise that I had, in fact, already told many of my dressing up stories.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDD_k1Xm8iVoiniE3KwcTVzyUE-8HAiRBlnnXioZJZ_V3g99qhvC_odDmh8BN6Vz7zRs4pi82dacJJ3id693gwG9Dqh_Z9MN4AMUJU8Ji1pI6GJgFNJ4BBgH_qKmvirgpSfPsHjqOR7E/s1600/Outofabox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDD_k1Xm8iVoiniE3KwcTVzyUE-8HAiRBlnnXioZJZ_V3g99qhvC_odDmh8BN6Vz7zRs4pi82dacJJ3id693gwG9Dqh_Z9MN4AMUJU8Ji1pI6GJgFNJ4BBgH_qKmvirgpSfPsHjqOR7E/s1600/Outofabox.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought back to <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://fromhighinthesky.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/no-show-rose.html">No Show Rose </a>, </span>a page I made when I hadn't been<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>scrapbooking for very long . I thought about my costumes over the years: the witches, the Mary Poppins straw boater, the boy band bow tie (we had a "B" party, I cut felt shaped undone bow ties and the four of us wore black trousers and white shirts), the back to front superman with the blue school knickers over the red pyjama bottoms (you're right: there hasn't been a page about that one, though there's still time); and eventually I found a different story</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbhpiwTAUHf8nhHZjiKPt5dqir3z88HyN8XUkNHz45ZEIduds6rIMRJ6ZvRmXnnCPFNgzOmKskQrshyphenhyphenL8MJrgCuAKcoj3NpcuLZGCHoAhrSu9DitTjOxKnmZ6c7Ut33Gr7Et7gSKiHMY/s1600/Boxdetail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbhpiwTAUHf8nhHZjiKPt5dqir3z88HyN8XUkNHz45ZEIduds6rIMRJ6ZvRmXnnCPFNgzOmKskQrshyphenhyphenL8MJrgCuAKcoj3NpcuLZGCHoAhrSu9DitTjOxKnmZ6c7Ut33Gr7Et7gSKiHMY/s1600/Boxdetail1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
which pulled all of the others together.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had to wear a "national costume" for a Girl Guide Thinking Day parade. I had a pretty dress my mum had pulled together with very little notice. But I discovered that that's not my kind of dressing up, unless I'm choosing the clothes. Pulling together a character is much more my style.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqsU84D6IY71ZxErBvI2MUGHamlJc_CfdWHtAHRZIfu4JfQJlmVDSvr7R1pan9aZt7m5aqhULg01R6ME_JKwen_gq_W9LA3EQOV7Weq7NoIuuoSby-S4E7UZc8KZrUPpfQQY2Sz4fxlM/s1600/boxdetail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqsU84D6IY71ZxErBvI2MUGHamlJc_CfdWHtAHRZIfu4JfQJlmVDSvr7R1pan9aZt7m5aqhULg01R6ME_JKwen_gq_W9LA3EQOV7Weq7NoIuuoSby-S4E7UZc8KZrUPpfQQY2Sz4fxlM/s1600/boxdetail2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
More pages about dressing up and wearing disguises at <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://debbiehodge.com/2017/05/scrapbook-ideas-stories-dress-disguises/">Get It Scrapped</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-91368124289397982402017-05-08T11:23:00.000+01:002017-05-19T13:23:24.803+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: Shoes Choose<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what is it about one Bank Holiday at the beginning of the week that puts the post on a go slow? It's been a very enjoyable few days here, but low on letterbox activity. Maybe it's the sun? I had to wait over an hour to speak to someone on Friday afternoon; and when he apologised I said</div>
<i>No, really, I was fine. I sat in the sun. I don't mind if it slows us all down. </i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And he said <i>Honestly? Everyone else said it should be making us go faster.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the weekend we went fast and we went slow and slow was better, sitting in the garden - oh, apart from my (very) fast fingerwork just after I received an email offering a big discount on a pair of shoes I'd been eyeing. Not the Fitflops from a couple of weeks ago, which arrived and fit and don't hurt my feet at all, but an altogether more dangerous pair, which probably will hurt, but I was having a moment and now they're going to be mine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've always wanted a pair of clogs. Ever since Cathy from down the street clicked past our window in a red pair, sometime in the 70's. I wasn't allowed clogs. Why?</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3kUz8k6JEderh6dGNg3xvjKCqXPYKpvtxs3Wo9gCAel7EvEViOtf31X6uQVZQ3R8jNzodVpN7F_wcM_bA05FzqNXneMyegnNanLxtAV_V5c56oAMMQeMTVQ9HSiYTC1c2bosJTJl34A/s1600/reasons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3kUz8k6JEderh6dGNg3xvjKCqXPYKpvtxs3Wo9gCAel7EvEViOtf31X6uQVZQ3R8jNzodVpN7F_wcM_bA05FzqNXneMyegnNanLxtAV_V5c56oAMMQeMTVQ9HSiYTC1c2bosJTJl34A/s1600/reasons.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life Pages card by Gossamer Blue, in May</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The same reasons - the ones which could never be explained - stopped me from poncho-ing up too. I did manage to achieve poncho ownership, thanks to an understanding aunt, but my present mysteriously disappeared not long after. That'll be the reasons again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I am no longer eight. I could crochet myself a poncho (though, interestingly I don't feel the need) and I can definitely buy myself clogs (these have straps, they're from Seasalt in the UK, they'll probably hurt. I'm going to pretend I don't care).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maybe I could mortify my children by wearing them with nice cushioning socks? I'm doing a brown pair at the moment, specially to go in a pair of Doc Martens: someone in the family knows how to look after her feet, then..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't enough knitted to make a picture, so instead I have one of a new page in my Traveller's Notebook</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x6S8ba86wb4cNHLa5RUpN9fw7zTBpfMdg4bWqCK5T6g_F_LyeE64fTJXlSm9_EkPXLf4WzkRme4eqnH1pvwPva-Y37APVuFjqo1hfA7xqVDbhRckoGZjUJdfxhV92e444EqKILqZXRs/s1600/TN1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x6S8ba86wb4cNHLa5RUpN9fw7zTBpfMdg4bWqCK5T6g_F_LyeE64fTJXlSm9_EkPXLf4WzkRme4eqnH1pvwPva-Y37APVuFjqo1hfA7xqVDbhRckoGZjUJdfxhV92e444EqKILqZXRs/s1600/TN1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With pieces from the new Gossamer Blue Traveler's Notebook Kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See you soon? Oh, but do please think about making a memo, we'd love to read it! It's fairly obvious from my rambling today that any news at all is very welcome: something you got in the post, something new you learned over the weekend, anything ..</div>
<br />
Last time round <a href="http://helenascreativemaven.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memorandum-monday-bursting-with.html">Helena</a>, <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-and-me.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://alisonslife-in-the-slow-lane.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mailme.html">Alison</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memo-mail-me-its-monday-may-1st.html">Mary- Lou</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/monday-mail-and-me-friends-make.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/05/memos-mail-me-may-1-edition.html">Karen</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me-and-monday.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/beer-barnboards-cigars-for-memorandum.html">Mitra</a>, <a href="http://in-my-playroom.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/memos-mail-me-on-monday.html">Eileen</a>, <a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/mondays-mail-memo-april-recap.html">Melissa</a>, <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/05/memos-mail-me-mayday.html">Alexandra</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/05/memos-mail-me-milestone.html">Honore</a> and <a href="http://simplyalexa.typepad.com/trimmingthesails/2017/05/memos-mail-me-the-not-quite-may-monday-edition.html">Alexa</a> shared. Go on, give 'em a wave! And have a good week!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-3147913418312054132017-05-06T11:35:00.000+01:002017-05-08T11:24:31.023+01:00Happy (Inter) National Scrapbooking Day<br />
....one of our favourite days of the year! (especially when combined with Yarn Shop Day, as it is today in the UK...)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are looking for somewhere to hang out, may I suggest the We Love GB! (Gossamer Blue Fans) FB page, where there will be a series of challenges with gift certificates for winners and an overall grand prize of a 3 month Gossamer Blue subscription for the person who completes the highest number of challenges. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While you pull together your photos, and maybe a pair of scissors, I'd like to share what I've been scrapbooking this week. I'm not going to call it a cautionary tale, because it's meant to encourage, but I'm going to warn you that it's not easy viewing. If you are sensitive to scrapbooking-gone-awry, probably you should look away now. No- not quite yet, I'll show you the version I LIKE first:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMdVgv6DxbTn9IHHroXJ-0In4tLh5bj7IrzGovz_CBQr7WCRihRQLTIk4b-LzTALUma26vmVzhj8kFdwTA799V5R4uqi7waVvxW1doPh23Yyau9NujvdVfZpmDK_Ygfd7LcVg9BZGs9k/s1600/knit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SianF for Gossamer Blue" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMdVgv6DxbTn9IHHroXJ-0In4tLh5bj7IrzGovz_CBQr7WCRihRQLTIk4b-LzTALUma26vmVzhj8kFdwTA799V5R4uqi7waVvxW1doPh23Yyau9NujvdVfZpmDK_Ygfd7LcVg9BZGs9k/s1600/knit3.jpg" title="SianF for Gossamer Blue" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, before that it looked like this:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWYivUfnBvWfpT7ILw1G7KRPvwEEMyP7gVqLJqAQrQ6VRJYwRfLUlzqFSQOQomuV7lpDK3SOXS1nwyHDIKGe9R6EObZDL-fxrdBF6gjIXn55-4CHZZG9B5LNMK3qAbpXKqRruzVtGEAc/s1600/knit4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWYivUfnBvWfpT7ILw1G7KRPvwEEMyP7gVqLJqAQrQ6VRJYwRfLUlzqFSQOQomuV7lpDK3SOXS1nwyHDIKGe9R6EObZDL-fxrdBF6gjIXn55-4CHZZG9B5LNMK3qAbpXKqRruzVtGEAc/s1600/knit4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not much different? There's one change: the piece of rumpled up green (GB exclusive) paper I took from the side of that photo above and slipped underneath the little orange house, just to hold it down on the page. The ripped and torn paper might be a hint of what actually happened. It wasn't pretty...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Wednesday afternoon I got stuck into some scrapbooking. My May Gossamer Blue kits arrived and I couldn't wait to get started. So I went in hard and fast and I made this:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfzd4e2RHiAT_zzwx8-pEpM4pv180pTHNxKnyzMvjLJCAbLAbNtdnqWjl2ErAhz712utw80ls6wyVbuMGxXPZcCPq2dFFgkK-gmb8eX7Cw8gs0Pc8dQfK4Jez6piUzZAzLwDsLWO6Xj0/s1600/knit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfzd4e2RHiAT_zzwx8-pEpM4pv180pTHNxKnyzMvjLJCAbLAbNtdnqWjl2ErAhz712utw80ls6wyVbuMGxXPZcCPq2dFFgkK-gmb8eX7Cw8gs0Pc8dQfK4Jez6piUzZAzLwDsLWO6Xj0/s1600/knit1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has all the elements I had wanted and planned for on my page: stitching with tiny embellishments added (because I wanted to showcase all the lovely pieces in the kits), a progression in the story, from the shop to home; and colours from the kit which picked up the colours in the photos. I even gutted that border paper so I could flip it over and use the brown dotted reverse side for my title. First page finished! I posted it on IG. And about an hour later I decided that I didn't like it one bit. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, this has never happened to me before. I've had plenty of pages that haven't turned out the way I planned, some I've been able to remake before I've stuck anything down, a few I've added to at a later date, even pages I've simply said "you'll do, you are just for me to look at, and you tell the story, so you'll just have to go in my album the way you are". But I've never had a page I wanted to disown and then rip apart completely. So I thought today of all days would be a good one to own up to it, to say - if you've had fun making it and you love the result? Perfect; if you've had a good time at your desk and you aren't so sure about the end product? No worries, it was a great way to spend an afternoon; and if you want to take it apart, do it. It's paper. We play with it. That's what it's there for.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I played. I took everything apart. I chose a smaller canvas to see if that would help me decide what I really wanted: the smaller you work, the less room there is for extras you don't need. I changed the border paper for one with a higher contrast. I kept the idea of the stitching, but I used it more sparingly. I even took away a photo (just gives me an excuse to make a little entry in my Traveler's Notebook instead). It started to look like this:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkBY6yLEoUk6Ur7YV8u64CsnKowI2-k1pkSerlAgsVQi9sOyRAHNV3b8rP5gbb_ant6nSqtSe4iobVo7Nm_9bkAu55LJ_YZ1MBxrW3JXAluDLrrsoMacVA4dyRljzy0vTrKaTB9jvNNU/s1600/knit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkBY6yLEoUk6Ur7YV8u64CsnKowI2-k1pkSerlAgsVQi9sOyRAHNV3b8rP5gbb_ant6nSqtSe4iobVo7Nm_9bkAu55LJ_YZ1MBxrW3JXAluDLrrsoMacVA4dyRljzy0vTrKaTB9jvNNU/s1600/knit2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And I knew I'd done the right thing. A few extra touches - more black to hold it all down - and I was..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...home. I wanted to make a layout to show off the beautiful things in the May Gossamer Blue scrapbook kit. I hope I got there in the end. And I hope I've inspired you to dig into your supplies today. Happy Scrapbooking Day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-65391372454797051032017-05-01T12:11:00.002+01:002017-05-19T13:23:24.799+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: Not a Problem<br />
Ah, Monday: on a sunny Bank Holiday we don't want to keep anyone for too long, so let's make this quick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OSa7gOeXb1KkjoH8jA_ytzK8h8xW6iDMb6clxWnbk1jiVFdg9iHtlwrMWSssWCsDRuxoXanFcynhfPsoc_oSOTL_RkBcCEdt8GA6Yjj50WxlZZkTYVxZweZbct25RzVXLl81eBljR6o/s1600/blackandwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OSa7gOeXb1KkjoH8jA_ytzK8h8xW6iDMb6clxWnbk1jiVFdg9iHtlwrMWSssWCsDRuxoXanFcynhfPsoc_oSOTL_RkBcCEdt8GA6Yjj50WxlZZkTYVxZweZbct25RzVXLl81eBljR6o/s1600/blackandwhite.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Quick is good because it means that I won't have time to get unreasonably annoyed by my <i>mail fails</i> this week. I'm keeping in mind Captain Jack Sparrow's maxim: <i>"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem."</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I tried, I truly did try, to come up with a funny story about how we raced to the docks on Saturday to collect a parcel before the Sorting Office closed at 12.30, and how we screeched to a halt outside said Sorting Office door and I sprinted (if it's a stretch to picture it, imagine how I felt doing it) to the desk at 12.27 only to be told my parcel was actually still <i>in Coventry.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And I thought there might be a joke in the story of how we went home for a cheering corned beef and tomato lunchtime sandwich and the doorbell rang and the postman handed over a very small parcel of new wool, which should have been a much larger parcel because I ordered aran weight for a cosy sweater, though it turns out they sent 4 ply, so my Bank Holiday cast on was stalled.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead I'll admire the new grey skein I bought at the craft fair yesterday ( while I was taking time out from a spot of landlording which involved crawling under a bed someone else had been sleeping in for four years, and removing everything he had left under there..) and I'll take a minute to thank Nathalie of <a href="http://anounceofcreativity.blogspot.co.uk/">An Ounce of Creativity</a> for the surprise of a beautiful card and note this week. Thank you!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, how about you? Anything new at the weekend? Any mail? Any firsts? Why not make a memo this Monday. Last week</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me-and-monday-looking-back.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/04/memos-mail-me-happy-mail.html">Karen</a>, <a href="http://suburbansahm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me_24.html">Ruth</a>, <a href="http://helenascreativemaven.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memo-monday-is-blooming.html">Helena</a>, <a href="http://nannyjanes.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/mondays-memos-mail-and-me_24.html">Jane</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memo-mail-me-its-monday-april-24th.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-and-me_24.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/monday-mail-and-me-teaching-satnav.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/04/memos-mail-me-vote.html">Alexandra</a>, <a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/mondays-mail-memo-april-book-swap.html">Melissa</a>, <a href="http://in-my-playroom.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me-on-monday.html">Eileen</a>, <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/golden-hammer-card-for-bill-memorandum.html">Mitra</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/04/memos-mail-me-april-showers-bring.html">Honore</a> and <a href="http://cheriandrews.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me-life-is-full.html">Cheri</a> </span>shared their news. Go on: give 'em a wave! And have a good week!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-28076316010097751352017-04-27T11:28:00.000+01:002017-05-08T11:24:06.719+01:00The Sock Notebook Rides Again<br />
So I have my Traveller's Notebook. I also have this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXqKIsAp3fB5YJ0wsJBQ9DmM5m412sBacw4EjmnycmwQYeHjf2yajHvDhRDf1ChV56ZcGRgiQWdO1O_kMzkPiPxnp-KRmq0y3JJSJK196eexrdAGC7WUVb-gof461qN2GTcdKoWewky0/s1600/sockbooking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXqKIsAp3fB5YJ0wsJBQ9DmM5m412sBacw4EjmnycmwQYeHjf2yajHvDhRDf1ChV56ZcGRgiQWdO1O_kMzkPiPxnp-KRmq0y3JJSJK196eexrdAGC7WUVb-gof461qN2GTcdKoWewky0/s1600/sockbooking1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've been dropping by here for a while you might recognise it as my sock notebook. No? You're right: it hasn't seen a lot of action lately. I made my first entries almost two years ago - I ordered wool for my first ever pair of socks on St. Patrick's Day 2015 (or so the notebook says) - and started recording my progress not long after.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then, for a bit, I was knitting faster than I could write: the notebook couldn't keep up and I began tucking ball bands and snips of yarn inside, in the hope I'd get back to it. Last week I knocked my notebook off the shelf and, yes, of course, all my carefully curated but completely unattached ephemera fluttered to the floor, all wild and free. So I decided to catch up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This page</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeJ2nZSPtekAkWTkqMnpYS-B9sL03BIZ_66XCj9ZW5qHohyOnaE7iCTEI2EuLJjz8eLWAbjYnzBl7h9AmLgTZX1oOczGXQHWS272U07WIqWmsdISO1__wz4mBWj0_XoZT345wLOMnNEY/s1600/sockbooking3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeJ2nZSPtekAkWTkqMnpYS-B9sL03BIZ_66XCj9ZW5qHohyOnaE7iCTEI2EuLJjz8eLWAbjYnzBl7h9AmLgTZX1oOczGXQHWS272U07WIqWmsdISO1__wz4mBWj0_XoZT345wLOMnNEY/s1600/sockbooking3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
records a big moment in the life of a hand knitted sock: its first hole. When a shop bought sock wears through, we bin it (unless we're a student who works on the who is going to see my feet principle. Maybe your mother? When you come home for the holidays? Let's park that thought and move on..) But it's not so easy to turn your back on hand made. Clearly I had to learn how to darn.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And this page</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1u630_HP25Px3Wc_3MoaOrw9I4mOTF40FNKPtlIzimwPcguiQbAhZzC89Yu9y849QFe9UO00eeKwmba6ru0FR0_EY0_AIxT7Hi1o6-ONv-vv-Lu_ymY3cJiXrsQdEqmcnWNz_VVVLt0/s1600/sockbooking2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1u630_HP25Px3Wc_3MoaOrw9I4mOTF40FNKPtlIzimwPcguiQbAhZzC89Yu9y849QFe9UO00eeKwmba6ru0FR0_EY0_AIxT7Hi1o6-ONv-vv-Lu_ymY3cJiXrsQdEqmcnWNz_VVVLt0/s1600/sockbooking2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
makes a not of my contribution to <a href="http://winwickmum.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/yarndale-sock-line-2016.html">Winwick Mum's Sock Line</a> last summer. I think she'll be running it again this year, so I need to remember to leave myself time in the old knitting schedule. Schedule? Sounds like I have a plan. Maybe there's a small one, incorporating a phone photography class in a knitting shop. I'll say that again because it's a magical combination. <i>A phone photography class in a knitting shop. </i>I'm looking forward to it very much. There will be wool, new wool, so I'd better get going on pinning down the details of what I've already used. Just one more sock related note before I go. Pablo Neruda, I recently discovered, wrote a beautiful poem about a pair of hand knitted socks. <a href="https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/ode-my-socks">You can find Ode to my Socks here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Whitney, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start;">"and what is good is doubly good</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Whitney, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Whitney, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start;">when it is a matter of two socks</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Whitney, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Whitney, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start;">made of wool in winter.."</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-11563782095082026382017-04-24T11:49:00.002+01:002017-04-24T11:49:26.975+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: Planning, Not Dreaming<br />
...though there's nothing wrong with the latter<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld1fvK_BEWiAhTA_ub3sXX_n8n1xq9yRLXYj6O0qXEdI8ZZuY_w3DxNDNf2VCyRDr8AwvbBoQ6ghZmixltCqNzYCp-BEvrJOaURxhlKvzAxpmENMS6xDSzRUrNNnhk-A9wwHKWz-MP2Y/s1600/planning%252C-not-dreaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld1fvK_BEWiAhTA_ub3sXX_n8n1xq9yRLXYj6O0qXEdI8ZZuY_w3DxNDNf2VCyRDr8AwvbBoQ6ghZmixltCqNzYCp-BEvrJOaURxhlKvzAxpmENMS6xDSzRUrNNnhk-A9wwHKWz-MP2Y/s1600/planning%252C-not-dreaming.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
even as I've been spending more time on the former. And it's because of the planning that I have to apologise today for my photos, versions of which some of you will have already seen on instagram over the weekend. I can't show pictures yet, see, of any of my mail. Over Easter, when the post slows down, nothing special arrived, so this week I'm looking forward...</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...to parcels I'm hoping will arrive very soon. There's been some birthday buying: surprises for our girl, so please don't tell, all I'll say is that I hope she'll like what I chose to go with that Uniqlo dress</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaH7mjo07QS5t1qV5dfTguHt38HMK7Mly1TQprWUmJxzZEb8Jgs1SNsVAZJqFjpecu98NlJBKIMDbH_ULPWgqkbKy0Ycz7VTTvHyRryqJUVhUH4WIz1A6MxIWjBdvpFLcp29qmPfluyg/s1600/Planning%252C-not-dreaming1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaH7mjo07QS5t1qV5dfTguHt38HMK7Mly1TQprWUmJxzZEb8Jgs1SNsVAZJqFjpecu98NlJBKIMDbH_ULPWgqkbKy0Ycz7VTTvHyRryqJUVhUH4WIz1A6MxIWjBdvpFLcp29qmPfluyg/s1600/Planning%252C-not-dreaming1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notebooking supplies on these pages from Felicity Jane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finally hemmed, using over three metres of horsehair braid to make it swirl. She's hoping, I think, for a record player too, so as soon as that's settled I'll be ordering. Vinyl really is back. They're all looking for proper records now, talking about album covers again, carrying them round like the badges of honour they deserve to be. So there's that to look forward to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And there's the fitflops I ordered after seeing them reviewed <a href="https://www.barkingdogshoes.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a>, on the blog which speaks to those of us with feet we'd quite like to swap. I'm pinning my hopes of a summer of comfortable walking on these babies, so they'd better deliver <i>when they're delivered.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, after going backwards and forwards over it (cue one more weekend picture of confused sheep at crossroads)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7ZOSDOCPFkJ-W6jfFDdjOipV4z1yA9U_Vj4dgBR0iHZ7swdfNiJzOjcQ49BzbzalUPVJ5E1RlCxBrO0OKczmuKtcEsKr_kM2aAeVPuixh8zvpYZODbLRGTDkpXBQTQ6Gvq6dliU5fjo/s1600/planning%252C-not-dreaming3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7ZOSDOCPFkJ-W6jfFDdjOipV4z1yA9U_Vj4dgBR0iHZ7swdfNiJzOjcQ49BzbzalUPVJ5E1RlCxBrO0OKczmuKtcEsKr_kM2aAeVPuixh8zvpYZODbLRGTDkpXBQTQ6Gvq6dliU5fjo/s1600/planning%252C-not-dreaming3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've decided to buy a new photo printer. I had, and happily used for years, a canon selphy; but it stopped working last summer and since then I've tried various printing services instead. But ordering pictures is my least favourite part of scrapbooking. It's the only bit I would call "work". Printing at home, on the spot and (this time round) wirelessly from my phone? As The Tall One would say: <i>that's happening</i>. Soon, I hope. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's only one thing I've left out of my post plans. And that's what to tell you about next week now that I seem to be working ahead of myself. But you never know what's round the next corner (cue debate over whether to move the sheep picture to here) Right? I had no interesting mail this week. But I did have a couple of lovely texts, both of which will, I think, result in meet ups, one with an old friend, one with a new knitting pal. Maybe there'll be a story for next time there?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How about you? Anything new over the weekend? Any interesting news? Mail you'd like to share? It's Monday! How about making a memo?</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://helenascreativemaven.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memo-monday-tate-and-green-field.html">Helena</a>, <a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/monday-memos-mail-and-me_17.html">Barb</a>, <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-and-me_17.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memo-mail-me-its-monday-april-17th.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/eastering-demoing-for-memorandum-monday.html">Mitra</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me-and-monday-celebrating.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://simplyalexa.typepad.com/trimmingthesails/2017/04/memos-mail-me-april-17.html">Alexa</a>, <a href="http://alisonslife-in-the-slow-lane.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me_17.html">Alison</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/04/memos-mail-me-easter-monday-2017.html">Honore</a>, <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/04/memos-mail-me-easter-weekend.html">Karen</a>, <a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/mondays-mail-memo-magazines-catalogs.html">Melissa</a>, <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/04/hello-dear-friends-waving-happy-hello.html">Alexandra</a> and <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/monday-mail-and-me-up-north-for.html">Ladkyis</a> </span>were good enough to share last time round. Go on, give 'em a wave! And have a good week!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-41121579919171392562017-04-20T12:57:00.000+01:002017-04-20T12:57:35.046+01:00Making It All Over Again<div style="text-align: justify;">
The holidays are all tied up and finished off here at High In The Sky. I got up at 5.30 this morning to wave The Tall One off to the airport, having climbed into bed just before 1.00 am because I'd stayed up to gossip with the other one. But that's what you do, when you know Studentland is calling: if the talk starts, you don't say <i>It's bedtime</i>, you say <i>I'm listening.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO2XBu0K4Xvvz9xVzi7uC5XbwKaIx-o7rOyLXWT3WVfV0FThQOx-p0yID7dTo026esLKoqgYJrYbew2_DPdR-KwA1UJk8sQ-lgIpDmKrJ5i3OqnTQ2OJOmC5MaOrjC8iLcUo8npjHWT0/s1600/crofthooseyoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO2XBu0K4Xvvz9xVzi7uC5XbwKaIx-o7rOyLXWT3WVfV0FThQOx-p0yID7dTo026esLKoqgYJrYbew2_DPdR-KwA1UJk8sQ-lgIpDmKrJ5i3OqnTQ2OJOmC5MaOrjC8iLcUo8npjHWT0/s1600/crofthooseyoke.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As they pack up I finish off little jobs I'd promised. I did a bit of mending for The Tall One yesterday: exactly the same mending I'd done for him as he got ready to travel to Scotland for Freshers Week, over three years ago. As I stitched those stitches over again, I thought about him surrounded by suitcases and boxes holding half of his life, back then, and I thought about today's trip, travelling light, in charge, back to do his Finals, back to his friends and his flat, and the promise of a job, not next year - his diploma year - but the one after that. That's a whole life, right there, pulled together in between two mending sessions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a scrapbooker, I'm used to seeing a record of what we've been up to as I create. That's what it's there for. That's the point. With a big sewing or knitting project often the recording comes as you finish it off and reflect upon what life has cast up since you picked out the pattern and made the first stitch. I recently finished off that brown yoke sweater in my first photo. It's the second one of this "crofthoose" pattern I've made this year. The first - maybe you remember it - is blue with red and green houses, bright and cheery and the sweater I turned to every morning in a difficult March in which I cast on and knitted hard and fast on a new version I'm now wearing with a lighter heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8aEdO-9ewtPLZjFW7JtmBTztuIPqBaJYm6PZMw47hO9OvysEP7orRe0D3agnTT0LP_MOLqZrHY7Bxdim0S5-ZRQ_ZzMPll6qPY6xPG5sVjoHVUvM0VaDd9MOHGtYIprRWmps0uSo7jM/s1600/saddlesweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8aEdO-9ewtPLZjFW7JtmBTztuIPqBaJYm6PZMw47hO9OvysEP7orRe0D3agnTT0LP_MOLqZrHY7Bxdim0S5-ZRQ_ZzMPll6qPY6xPG5sVjoHVUvM0VaDd9MOHGtYIprRWmps0uSo7jM/s1600/saddlesweater.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've finished up that man sweater I've been telling you about too. It's another double. First time I knitted this pattern - maybe four years ago? - I knew enough about knitting to realise the pattern was wrong and some trickery would be needed to get sleeves and neckband combined. This time (for I had to make it again as everyone was agreed this particular pattern offered your every day accountant both cuddle factor and macho manliness in magical proportions) I knew enough about Ravelry to look for help, which I found. No trickery required.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qbcAw5hKEGoGlElcSjLuAm62fOzFlUwWqhV53wCelPTiOTKlfU5KTAbPIo9AB16nrQYcGg_YBnj1jzeF1piJwtRVA6z6DwdXSWJd5SX8B6gPJjnT10-oTIoHBbr4lT10UNDE7Mhgx4s/s1600/drachenfelsshawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qbcAw5hKEGoGlElcSjLuAm62fOzFlUwWqhV53wCelPTiOTKlfU5KTAbPIo9AB16nrQYcGg_YBnj1jzeF1piJwtRVA6z6DwdXSWJd5SX8B6gPJjnT10-oTIoHBbr4lT10UNDE7Mhgx4s/s1600/drachenfelsshawl.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Every project marks some change, ecah one is a way of moving on. I'm working a shawl at the moment, with many, many stitches: plenty of time in that to wonder what's next. Maybe I'll be warding off a stiff Scottish breeze on Graduation evening the first time I wear it. Who knows? How about you? What plans do you have for your works in progress?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Project Notes:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crofthoose-yoke">Crofthoose Yoke</a> by Ella Gordon knitted in Jamieson and Smith 2 ply bought at Tangled Yarns</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Baseball Sweater from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knits-men-want-the-ten-rules-every-woman-should-know-before-knitting-for-a-man">Knits Men Want </a>by Bruce Weinstein knitted in Rowan Alpaca Merino DK</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/drachenfels">Drachenfels Shawl</a> by Melanie Berg knitted in Rosy Green Wool Cheeky Merino DK</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-4715228823785184832017-04-17T12:49:00.000+01:002017-04-17T12:49:39.130+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: Running Behind, With a Flag<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ah, Monday: a holiday day here, everyone home, working at the kitchen table, or tidying a bedroom, or peeling potatoes for the roast dinner we had intended to eat yesterday, though changed our minds after, ahem, too much snacking. That would be down to the Easter treats we brought home from Little E's on Saturday.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lQc3KE6AMN_CIwXnM8beadmH1J4JA7-ZxNUjY3Qm9VCV5D_dSaFvC_DodFi5NMiRWAI_2F86JDjEbR8MfD8L9GxWCKnTr6nXpuVrrfB9gHM_KaCx9NvvVUI7OCMDiL1q12ANIUdkaBY/s1600/Felicityjanepaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lQc3KE6AMN_CIwXnM8beadmH1J4JA7-ZxNUjY3Qm9VCV5D_dSaFvC_DodFi5NMiRWAI_2F86JDjEbR8MfD8L9GxWCKnTr6nXpuVrrfB9gHM_KaCx9NvvVUI7OCMDiL1q12ANIUdkaBY/s1600/Felicityjanepaper.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mail this week: paper and pictures all on the one day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a very satisfying trip, in all kind of ways. First, we stopped off at a beach I've never in my life been to before. Haven't we all got a place like that? Somewhere not so far from home, you could get there if you tried but you haven't, and you grow up hearing everyone else talking about how amazing it is? We went. It turns out to be the kind of beach Jim Rockford might have wanted to move to, or Pamela Anderson, if only they had packed their waterproofs and their thermals, because of course we aren't actually talking about California.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then on to Little E. As is tradition now, he had an Easter basket waiting for me. Hurray! Last year's was wrapped in tiny lights. How could he top that? With <i>twinkling</i> carrots! And more <i>chocolate </i>carrots inside and - </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>There's been some debate here, </i>his mother said, <i>about the Easteriness of carrots..</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
but I wasn't listening. I was admiring. Little E hadn't been with me in the shops the day I had spotted the clip on bunny tails and regretfully decided to pass. But he had <i>guessed </i>and so my basket contained my very own bobtail. I clipped it onto my behind, on the back of my skirt. I felt so bunny I almost hopped.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>I'm glad you're feeling energetic </i>my sister said. <i>He has his birthday scooter charged up and ready to go..</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And Little E took me by the hand and led me outside. It was a go kart-y scooter - a "razor" I think he called it -just the right size for a small aunt to try. I did a few laps. <i>This is so going on Facebook!</i> I heard someone shout as I flashed past. But I don't really do Facebook, so I don't really care. All I know is I want a razor for <i>my</i> birthday. Then it was Little E's turn. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Here's the flag!</i> he said. <i>I'll drive. You run behind me waving it.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Which is what we did. And that burst of exercise could go some way towards explaining why the rest of my weekend has also been - running behind. I have a story for you - or maybe that's a tale? -</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA9Oegtu6YhufwJHc2ul3Df20qc784LXw8MRjaRfCHFy8aTqAwQFKOXR9X-yZSYpYBcqIbrCpjcjC-81fwR79AQky0J0dgF_vviDDY7Lup2uOt6wv58008DarDw1kkx8s6ZPQCdjUp74/s1600/bunnytail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA9Oegtu6YhufwJHc2ul3Df20qc784LXw8MRjaRfCHFy8aTqAwQFKOXR9X-yZSYpYBcqIbrCpjcjC-81fwR79AQky0J0dgF_vviDDY7Lup2uOt6wv58008DarDw1kkx8s6ZPQCdjUp74/s320/bunnytail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Little E</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
but the paper and pictures which made up my best post this week really do need combining. Next time I hope I'll have some craftiness to share. How about you? I hope you had some fun this weekend. We'd love to hear about it! Anything new, any mail you enjoyed, we'll read it all..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have a good week!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last time <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-and-me_10.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://helenascreativemaven.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memo-monday-what-is-collective-noun-for.html">Helena</a>, <a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/monday-mail-and-me.html">Barb</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memo-mail-me-its-monday-april-10th.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/monday-mail-and-me-real-mail.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me-and-monday_10.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/04/memos-mail-me-extremes.html">Karen</a>, <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/04/memos-mail-me-trois-petits-tours-et.html">Alexandra</a>, <a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/mondays-mail-memo-untouched-uppercase.html">Melissa</a>, <a href="http://alisonslife-in-the-slow-lane.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-and-me.html">Alison</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/04/memos-mail-me-my-2017-three-little-words-.html">Honore</a> and <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/baby-bunny-some-blooms-for-memorandum.html">Mitra</a> posted their post (or their weekend news, anything goes..Go on! Give 'em a wave!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-7026881725834509372017-04-15T10:58:00.000+01:002017-04-15T10:58:38.011+01:00Greetings This EasterThis afternoon we are off to the sea, to see Little E. But before I pack his Easter eggs into the car I wanted to wish you a<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohfLFMEPv1htyhe9TlSWniDoSWMcMYLbK61RsdH2KZZZKXXJMHTBY5BUQ0yITRWtMRs9Yn65vrx6yMKDafQJ3gii0464OkJqGS7s2Q6F4oprzb4NwJoVTBMUD5FpxXJ3s4p21S7ahTsU/s1600/springcard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohfLFMEPv1htyhe9TlSWniDoSWMcMYLbK61RsdH2KZZZKXXJMHTBY5BUQ0yITRWtMRs9Yn65vrx6yMKDafQJ3gii0464OkJqGS7s2Q6F4oprzb4NwJoVTBMUD5FpxXJ3s4p21S7ahTsU/s1600/springcard3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Weekend. Let's hope for some sun and some good company</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFKa_yhqaMcqiJST_dipGB9xGagXRAa1G6OIUpXwDrGHcvLwKkSg3_iYwzIAa6Q_00v6AfkOyfYGBTIksmrT5DVv0sdl2umr75PdavlnurNMBU1rdX952u_cPR79DKYAWwbONmM8KSUk/s1600/springcard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFKa_yhqaMcqiJST_dipGB9xGagXRAa1G6OIUpXwDrGHcvLwKkSg3_iYwzIAa6Q_00v6AfkOyfYGBTIksmrT5DVv0sdl2umr75PdavlnurNMBU1rdX952u_cPR79DKYAWwbONmM8KSUk/s1600/springcard2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and maybe a chance to make something. This year, for the first time ever, we have our own homemade simnel cake cake to try. When our girl is home she bakes and the rest of us enjoy the results.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLT-clXaREL_l3q8kAobGVFUb2lc9HY6rSYXwzzibyl8zZ25vrdKVx8f0iRixypE-7usXH9melPaonIh-8PfDxGDUPZeiNfBpI12cDZejHkf7vNclDaCtYZXggl6iQAf1qflzy31W17M/s1600/springcard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLT-clXaREL_l3q8kAobGVFUb2lc9HY6rSYXwzzibyl8zZ25vrdKVx8f0iRixypE-7usXH9melPaonIh-8PfDxGDUPZeiNfBpI12cDZejHkf7vNclDaCtYZXggl6iQAf1qflzy31W17M/s1600/springcard1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cards made with supplies from Felicity Jane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have a good break, won't you? I'll be back on Monday.</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-54983223966125565652017-04-12T16:58:00.000+01:002017-04-12T16:59:03.468+01:00Building Bricks: a Scrapbook Page<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Get It Scrapped asked me for a page on which I had combined some embellishments in stacks, I had all kinds of ideas -3D flowers, maybe, or butterflies with decorated wings - but as I flipped through my photos I thought the best plan might be to find a picture in which "stacks" had some real meaning. And then I found one of the Berlin Wall.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgmI13qHY7TmZXtDUwNHtRQuR5uePY8FrhA59Z8PF2OawLkD0zMl77nIvjAckWZdrEhCab7QGwkGeei2exHeKhq1h3U7KKdokRVP0zBEFXzCQEgpweoOE3lieEGjMaSnnNsRivi3CKaw/s1600/Wall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgmI13qHY7TmZXtDUwNHtRQuR5uePY8FrhA59Z8PF2OawLkD0zMl77nIvjAckWZdrEhCab7QGwkGeei2exHeKhq1h3U7KKdokRVP0zBEFXzCQEgpweoOE3lieEGjMaSnnNsRivi3CKaw/s1600/Wall2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have already scrapbooked a sizeable number of my Berlin photos. But those ones of the wall: I keep picking them up and setting them back down again. I remember the night the wall was breached. I remember a little of the before and more of the after and I understand, now, that what I knew was not nearly enough. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We stood beside one of the remaining sections last summer and the tour guide began to unpick its story for us; and if I were being fanciful I might say that it felt a little as if he wanted to hand us brick after brick so that we might build up our own understanding of what it had been like, before everything changed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgEhJkD90ljeGrak3kao2mFteR_b-ZFf6DoJfP9GfzQOQ4OkwIYH0vgDEpyLbCxz-R8ypX6589yFHDXNsjH4_Aa_sMwUfBWi0Xojl5p-uqSK5EYQqmBzKVLn_aQktqBhMl-tRPfZFJYI/s1600/Walldetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgEhJkD90ljeGrak3kao2mFteR_b-ZFf6DoJfP9GfzQOQ4OkwIYH0vgDEpyLbCxz-R8ypX6589yFHDXNsjH4_Aa_sMwUfBWi0Xojl5p-uqSK5EYQqmBzKVLn_aQktqBhMl-tRPfZFJYI/s1600/Walldetail.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
So I stacked up bricks with my embellishments, with the result that I saved the journaling for another page (of course I have more pictures). The layers do a fine job, I hope, of illustrating how it felt to be there, in 2016, with so much to discover.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://debbiehodge.com/2017/04/scrapbook-ideas-combining-embellishments-clusters-stacks-series/">More ideas for combining embellishments here at Get It Scrapped</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-89928199336808873092017-04-10T11:36:00.000+01:002017-04-10T11:36:15.401+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: Never So YoungSo Monday: how old is too old? If it takes most of the next day to recover? Would that be it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY3wN0OP7l5pCHduEkoejJ4IUUHU0yRv3qLRvjNpApa4fQlCPG5FO1r27vpuM2O91JK7YDkuRaSy7ahKoG8ZqOlTwKPZL9udCO2mXvfzSK_fy3bTTX2k0VeYF01bZ6L70p-0KOH0Ulrk/s1600/Drachenfelswool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY3wN0OP7l5pCHduEkoejJ4IUUHU0yRv3qLRvjNpApa4fQlCPG5FO1r27vpuM2O91JK7YDkuRaSy7ahKoG8ZqOlTwKPZL9udCO2mXvfzSK_fy3bTTX2k0VeYF01bZ6L70p-0KOH0Ulrk/s1600/Drachenfelswool.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The (Not So) Small One and her boyfriend (if he's sticking around, and I think he might be, I'll have to give him a name..) took me out on Saturday night, to see a Smiths tribute band. Those two know as much about the music as I do, and I was there the first time round, in the eighties, with the albums and the baggy shirts. Many of us singing and shouting on Saturday night were looking for the nostalgia, so I wasn't the most ancient of the audience. There was that guy: the bouncer who threw me out of the Students Union once, for trying to get in on somebody else's student card. I never forget a face. We've stayed in the same area. I see him around. If I'd known he was a Smiths fan way back then, I might have thought to distract him with a clever Morrissey based question. You live and learn.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take recovery, for example. Now I know how much it takes, these days, after a night out. You can probably hear that I'm still a bit hoarse. Though I could see the stage! In the first check-up to have gone the right way in many months here I discovered that my eyes haven't changed this year. So I left the opticians and walked up the street feeling no older and carrying a purse feeling no lighter. Then I got home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Did you go out in those old lady boots?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
my dear daughter asked. How can biker boots be <i>old lady?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>If you have to ask, </i>she said..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I ignored her and opened my post, which contained three richly coloured skeins of Rosy Green Wool. For a shawl.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>I give up! </i>she shouted, and made to leave.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you see this finished, you are going to want one for yourself, young lady. There's nothing "old" about wanting to try something new. I've never knitted a shawl: there'll be techniques to try and colour combinations to explore if I like this one, dozens of them to look forward to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Stop me if you think you've heard this one before </i>I said (and if you were singing on Saturday night you'll see what I did there). <b><i>You'll never be as young again as you are today. And that counts for both of us.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I seem to have come up with another rambling memo for this week. How about you? Any news? Anything in your mail? Or have you learned anything new? We'd love to hear . Make a memo! And have a great week!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/mondays-mail-memo-surprise-package.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Melissa</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-and-me.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://suburbansahm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me.html">Ruth</a>, <a href="http://helenascreativemaven.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/monday-memo-birthday-sushi.html">Helena</a>, <a href="http://nannyjanes.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/mondays-memos-mail-and-me.html">Jane</a>,<a href="http://alisonslife-in-the-slow-lane.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me.html"> Alison</a>, <a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/monday-memos-mail-and-me.html">Barb</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memo-mail-me-its-monday-april-3rd.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/monday-mail-and-me-recovering.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me-and-monday.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/04/memos-mail-me-sunday-in-paris.html">Alexandra</a>, <a href="http://starnitesky.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me_3.html">Barbara</a>, <a href="http://kkfantasticplace.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/memos-mail-me-on-monday-best-convention.html">KraftyKaren</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/04/memos-mail-me-3-april-2017.html">Honore</a>, <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/04/memos-mail-me-the-road-home.html">Karen</a> and <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/let-there-be-light-raking-and-show.html">Mitra</a> </span>all joined in last week. Go on, give 'em a wave!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-12858956872796709682017-04-07T16:50:00.000+01:002017-04-07T16:50:09.309+01:00A Traveller with a Traveler's Notebook<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's leave aside the vexing question of whether here in the UK we travel with two "l"s, or more economically, with only the one, and instead simply enjoy the current trend for this particular kind of notebook.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhOFjfCEHbXUucEwTtt972yoPIBkKLF03js0wAZXjZqsjh1ViBBFI36EBO9thZf3oILmqz1maqQhg8cy62yVuSaz8qj_HalVbmf-jTXI2_KdpbBUGmZASADCC0vjGtBFb6cAeMNrir24/s1600/Aprilblog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhOFjfCEHbXUucEwTtt972yoPIBkKLF03js0wAZXjZqsjh1ViBBFI36EBO9thZf3oILmqz1maqQhg8cy62yVuSaz8qj_HalVbmf-jTXI2_KdpbBUGmZASADCC0vjGtBFb6cAeMNrir24/s1600/Aprilblog3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's slim, so filling it completely feels like a distinct possibility rather than a pipe dream, and it looks at its best when stuffed, clipped up so that it all stays together. I'm a fan. I've never kept a diary, not for longer than a week or two, but - and it has been a surprise - I've found myself using a notebook, over the last couple of months, to make a record of what I've been doing day to day. Not <i>every</i> day; but at weekends glueing in a picture of one of our child free trips, writing a couple of sentences, it's been<i> satisfying</i>. </div>
<br />
Some weeks I have gone further - another surprise - writing more about the March just past, which was a hard month here<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MC_rVeQphlAFj91Kdn77jtNloN589OXT-q-Z3nyMjAyif4BsULTWS2dtY5U_B13PnAGAUUXgsvHUihdKL1iocbdHBibG-XChdPGYyy0G5lD6eIsblJMlSIXxT7-QL1FxcskShkXKBwg/s1600/Aprilblog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MC_rVeQphlAFj91Kdn77jtNloN589OXT-q-Z3nyMjAyif4BsULTWS2dtY5U_B13PnAGAUUXgsvHUihdKL1iocbdHBibG-XChdPGYyy0G5lD6eIsblJMlSIXxT7-QL1FxcskShkXKBwg/s1600/Aprilblog4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't honestly explain why writing it small, clipping it up so that I can hold it in my hand, feels somehow better than spreading it across a 12 inch piece of cardstock. Maybe it's the clipping? If I can hold it in my hand then I can get a grip of it, in any sense you care to imagine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As an experiment I tried telling the same story in a layout. I can't say that I didn't enjoy cutting up paper. I always do. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhXqb-ylmG3VOyGrx2WfpreIzI_qrsg6qbpbNK2hrPqB5t3LREn9N-VqDFhYmri1m7BXR5MVsiHJg2rMnCiCdiOLoa2tS3SkMV9JRpXnIiWtB54_z6CDyPPQNjkYBZSpYI4JMqocKihM/s1600/Aprilblog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhXqb-ylmG3VOyGrx2WfpreIzI_qrsg6qbpbNK2hrPqB5t3LREn9N-VqDFhYmri1m7BXR5MVsiHJg2rMnCiCdiOLoa2tS3SkMV9JRpXnIiWtB54_z6CDyPPQNjkYBZSpYI4JMqocKihM/s1600/Aprilblog1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"> But with the notebook entry I was able to fold it all up and put it away. Interesting.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoeTeUamYdNqaFdRdfolyzubQGAe1KVY_1hHWGbhfutyew6wrZr1n8TySHpnnonUxiFCwYcI-1dpGZsjJj0maiwRQA9xFL_0AEkRMSvGLryfyCDbb7VyoOVzTLFUcnNDrWH_oEiF1geU/s1600/Aprilblog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoeTeUamYdNqaFdRdfolyzubQGAe1KVY_1hHWGbhfutyew6wrZr1n8TySHpnnonUxiFCwYcI-1dpGZsjJj0maiwRQA9xFL_0AEkRMSvGLryfyCDbb7VyoOVzTLFUcnNDrWH_oEiF1geU/s1600/Aprilblog2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both of these projects were made with the Gossamer Blue April Planner Kit and have appeared on their blog <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gossamerblue.com/sians-april-projects/">here</a>.</span> Next month there will be a <a href="http://www.gossamerblue.com/product-category/subscriptions/">separate subscription</a> for Traveller's Notebook fans. Roll on May!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-35888951237029561312017-04-03T13:02:00.000+01:002017-04-03T13:02:46.818+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: All Roads Lead to Home<br />
Monday: I'll give it to you straight. I'm only talking to you in order to aid my procrastination.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabn6aq7RRtmQJk3TFaQQ4bOain8nyAL5QVSU0tvEbS6a-uO3Hey_RqoeVn4U9m3x7yqunnQAwQf_ePb5-Q2yYy_CUDJZ5xPdSMEgz1ixn6Bklk92rnS-JCLWEgvkOQ6p0PFsDASF_t-A/s1600/Fairfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabn6aq7RRtmQJk3TFaQQ4bOain8nyAL5QVSU0tvEbS6a-uO3Hey_RqoeVn4U9m3x7yqunnQAwQf_ePb5-Q2yYy_CUDJZ5xPdSMEgz1ixn6Bklk92rnS-JCLWEgvkOQ6p0PFsDASF_t-A/s1600/Fairfamily.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've reached the 156 stitch pick-up stage on the neckband of my large, grey man sweater project, so, please, keep me as long as you like, because that's a job I need to build towards.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's going to be a week of jobs-from-a-list. Take the hole in the bathroom ceiling. Prime example. Clearly it can't stay there forever. Though of course the cavity, since it's no longer dripping, is certainly better than coping with the threat of the shower above heading downwards. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's the weird thing: we aren't on our own. Fair homes across the land have been similarly affected. There is bathroom chaos wherever I look. We had a text from The Tall One, our boy in Studentland, Scottish Division:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>We have no bathroom, </i>it said. <i>There was a leak and the landlady sent a plumber who took all the fixtures out of the bathroom and left. He'll be back tomorrow. But. We. Have. Nothing.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
His sister texted back:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Better go buy a bucket, then</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And I suspect that's what they did. For those lads were indeed left facility-less, overnight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's fixed now. Bucket panic over; and I took a cool twenty four hours for a little professional smugness. I'm not his landlady and I didn't have to sort that one out. No facing down students with their legs crossed for me. Twenty four hours. Then I had another text, this time from Studentland, Closer-to-home Division.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Our drains are blocked again. The bathroom is flooded. Just warning you that I'm about to phone the plumber and he'll send you the bill.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, you are right. This one is all mine. That would be two out of three in the bathroom shuffle. And so I'm making a memo this Monday: <b>Sian: think about a plumbing class. Soon-ish.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My mail? It's in the picture. A just-arrived-this-week Mother's Day gift of a personalised street sign. By next weekend everyone will be home for Easter. Now they know where to come. It's perfect.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How about you? What's new? Anything you'd like to report? Any mail worth remembering? Give us a shout! We'd love to hear about it. Last week <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-and-me_27.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Deb</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://suburbansahm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-me_27.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Ruth</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://helenascreativemaven.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/monday-mail-memo.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Helena</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://nannyjanes.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/mondays-memos-mail-and-me.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Jane</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/monday-memos-mail-and-me_27.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Barb</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/lights-drama-kitchen-for-memorandum.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Mitra</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memo-mail-me-its-monday-march-27th.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Mary-Lou</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-me-and-monday.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Maggie</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="https://mardiwinen.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-and-me-holiday-planning-again.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Mardi</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/03/memos-mail-me-misty-monday-potpourri-.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Honore</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/03/memos-mail-me-we-are-family.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Alexandra</a><span style="font-size: large;"> and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://fiona-staringatthesea.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/mail-on-monday.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Fiona</a> shared. Go on: give 'em a wave! And have a good week!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-40107974873567591022017-04-01T15:08:00.000+01:002017-04-01T15:08:07.779+01:00April Projects at Gossamer Blue<div style="text-align: justify;">
And there I was, just about to yell hurray! Spring has sprung! when I looked out of the window and realised that the rain was on and all my washing was getting wet. That's April. And I'm happy to see it. Pretty happy, too, I was, to crack open a box of Gossamer Blue kits and start thinking about some new season projects.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2bLN3JJP6gFTJP2mwP_rHBKEJJgsHbLsu3ooE2kAzjrcuY3rM1mx9gdOpvfnIh4Dbs9oxYW_3vOw-LggYJwM9X-aP80ZpgwY2_7T7y5xE7lzHUSMl6vF5UQT4fykpYSOJ92PN37YKiU/s1600/SianF-Apriltravelersnoteboo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2bLN3JJP6gFTJP2mwP_rHBKEJJgsHbLsu3ooE2kAzjrcuY3rM1mx9gdOpvfnIh4Dbs9oxYW_3vOw-LggYJwM9X-aP80ZpgwY2_7T7y5xE7lzHUSMl6vF5UQT4fykpYSOJ92PN37YKiU/s1600/SianF-Apriltravelersnoteboo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First up, some green for my Traveller's Notebook. You know, if it hadn't been for the December Memories kit last Christmas, with the Traveller's Notebook inclded, I might never have discovered the simple pleasure of pasting pictures into a little brown book. I have my sock notebook, of course, but it's all about the details, the nitty gritty: an everyday notebook , instead, can be about anything at all. There doesn't have to be a story, although that's always good; a sudden thought, a pithy saying, a verse, a picture without any other home...they're all welcome here. A quick page in a notebook is an excellent warm up for an afternoon of scrapbooking...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-IL5dLxIgW4shdbgpSNb3B6BBH8emE5CsFhIby9_euuBTHoWFbsNVPSiTTsQlOGeiXK6WRDkTUtdCZwWQvYnbkatFjgE6QJjdm5rFDY7xZtbPsHjyvRdlMenGxXbOlqSXrvn6TMZxYA/s1600/SianF-Over-The-Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-IL5dLxIgW4shdbgpSNb3B6BBH8emE5CsFhIby9_euuBTHoWFbsNVPSiTTsQlOGeiXK6WRDkTUtdCZwWQvYnbkatFjgE6QJjdm5rFDY7xZtbPsHjyvRdlMenGxXbOlqSXrvn6TMZxYA/s1600/SianF-Over-The-Sea.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and so I followed it with a page about a trip we took last summer, when we were touring Scotland. We made it all the way to the Isle of Skye for the day and it was just as beautiful as we'd hoped. What we hadn't expected to find was a sunny, laid back surfer feel to the coffee stops and little shops scattered along the main tourist routes. Time to break out the Crate Paper Oasis collection from this month's Main Kit.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOO21lxw2t3Df-zkgQjVqTxvX2QirAJi2r4CdHUtORNm6UVADYwlvLwbS8lKKQgB5m9VZYPjSRMlQuFjdeKJ5svStduxAehWKIh6LA308hlYAOE6GGc6VgEYsGfuEKy4ce1LG7ieXL3Q/s1600/Skyedetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOO21lxw2t3Df-zkgQjVqTxvX2QirAJi2r4CdHUtORNm6UVADYwlvLwbS8lKKQgB5m9VZYPjSRMlQuFjdeKJ5svStduxAehWKIh6LA308hlYAOE6GGc6VgEYsGfuEKy4ce1LG7ieXL3Q/s1600/Skyedetail.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My second page was crafted around that "Bloom" acrylic piece. I had to squeeze it on somewhere, so I paired those "o"'s with a photo punched into a circle, and then added some more, from the Planner Kit.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTZqjWtzBmf2M6pWRZBj5UI_QBuCQgxwD-bU_Weh_PI2viwUR6_Km-wcdlc8ieYAz-FGMpoK-LQ08HtU168_Ya0oX7ClE1SZHuSjeTwJNFR0f7viScdG3N3rPblc8-KtiKnqXhBAv2Vw/s1600/SianF-Bloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTZqjWtzBmf2M6pWRZBj5UI_QBuCQgxwD-bU_Weh_PI2viwUR6_Km-wcdlc8ieYAz-FGMpoK-LQ08HtU168_Ya0oX7ClE1SZHuSjeTwJNFR0f7viScdG3N3rPblc8-KtiKnqXhBAv2Vw/s1600/SianF-Bloom.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I was going to make this a smaller sized layout, until at the last minute I found myself drawn to that<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmDCJxE8qomA_nJQ0I_s0KEKB6eM8vhG64zApnPPXbO8poTZbpnoFHAmbQKJ4DRjD8pAU3HTUqBsBgbp67ohZYhun0aSvI7i_o7EcymgNcYEvt74yXznLR3UaOKkN7vYCpGXPQDn6alY/s1600/Bloomdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmDCJxE8qomA_nJQ0I_s0KEKB6eM8vhG64zApnPPXbO8poTZbpnoFHAmbQKJ4DRjD8pAU3HTUqBsBgbp67ohZYhun0aSvI7i_o7EcymgNcYEvt74yXznLR3UaOKkN7vYCpGXPQDn6alY/s1600/Bloomdetail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
black and white print (from the Main Kit) as a background.<br />
<br />
And those are my projects for today. But no fooling, I haven't packed April at<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gossamerblue.com/"> Gossamer Blue</a></span> away. More to come.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-51528171649338151752017-03-31T12:15:00.000+01:002017-03-31T12:15:58.131+01:00A Million Little Things: Towards April<div style="text-align: justify;">
Towards April...and just as soon as you like. I'll be very happy to see March over and done with here at High In The Sky. More Spring, please!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As soon as it gets lighter in the evenings I feel in a mood for finding some sewing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNyrPacVW3ApyikUJPtAekVJLZlSQBm4jsO5BkF6rqAki48xAhI-cJrHAgQF-Y-_kFDeqxXgCb8Z04d68kxJsjqZmXW2grkkVGogvdBjbVkp_QZHScvnME5q8ELbGQ_PqJhJE8MtLUwc/s1600/brownsewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNyrPacVW3ApyikUJPtAekVJLZlSQBm4jsO5BkF6rqAki48xAhI-cJrHAgQF-Y-_kFDeqxXgCb8Z04d68kxJsjqZmXW2grkkVGogvdBjbVkp_QZHScvnME5q8ELbGQ_PqJhJE8MtLUwc/s1600/brownsewing.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope that's more than just a commentary on the state of my ageing eyesight. No: it has to be about crsip cottons and gathered skirts and remembering the Liberty print smock I once made in needlework class. Or maybe a few alterations would do?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's a little story behind this one. I did a bad thing. I made a rookie mum mistake, though I maintain it was an accident (see eyesight ref above). I got an email a while back from Uniqlo, about Ines de la Fressange's latest capsule collection. I like her style, so much that I have in my list of books I'd buy if I had a book token <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/New-Garconne-How-Be-Modern-Gentlewoman/1780678584">The New Garconne by Navaz Batliwalla</a>. So I followed the link and I looked and I knew some of that navy, a little of that chic, had to be mine. I bought a shirt and I bought a tunic and then I added a dress for The (Not So) Small One, who is planning a summer of festival wear, due to a boy and a band. My parcel arrived..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...and I discovered that in my excitement I had hit the wrong button. My tunic and her dress are in the same print.I'll say that again. <i>The same print.</i> Gah! I'm taking the hem up, up high for her in the hope that she'll like it again. But that might only happen if I promise to save mine for Old Folks Outings only.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Other signs of optimism chez Fair?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIv6Q7ywu9c9S3c-h6dafPmxCaenYCbGqBWJAq9iBTOXxB6AoUdpav3LJGdb1onlA3krHCQCO3SIo3C_MCOt7Nl4U3hfZzxphxTVHUcyuuUdiDldaPW2urDM31bHmJTGuAO2snoinY7c/s1600/brownwool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIv6Q7ywu9c9S3c-h6dafPmxCaenYCbGqBWJAq9iBTOXxB6AoUdpav3LJGdb1onlA3krHCQCO3SIo3C_MCOt7Nl4U3hfZzxphxTVHUcyuuUdiDldaPW2urDM31bHmJTGuAO2snoinY7c/s1600/brownwool.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A new cast on. Is there any better way of looking forward than sliding those first stitches onto the needle? I still have to piece together the man sweater I've been working on - it's nearly done - but I couldn't resist the call of the yoke: a new one for me, more of the little croft houses I knitted before, because the blue one I finished at the beginning of the year has been lifting my spirits every time I've put it on ever since.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week if I haven't had needles in my hands I've been flipping through a book of some sort. I have</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6oDv9_Gs4fZ2Lywd_6RfwuCSftWcmCjVcyxSx0xaa6ywl55yfrcJRBPTWo3oC2lMA_WJ2G4cHl86_vLpN8eCayHB-Tvu4n2iRvV2YUdCCOE0tj5RSKOlGkpy1yzkXF9syMWFU50Fvik/s1600/brownphotoalbum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6oDv9_Gs4fZ2Lywd_6RfwuCSftWcmCjVcyxSx0xaa6ywl55yfrcJRBPTWo3oC2lMA_WJ2G4cHl86_vLpN8eCayHB-Tvu4n2iRvV2YUdCCOE0tj5RSKOlGkpy1yzkXF9syMWFU50Fvik/s1600/brownphotoalbum.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Little E and his school project to thank for the resurfacing of this old photo album. It's usually kept high up on a shelf at Granny's house: a record of her husband's, my Dad's, life before they met. That beautiful lady in that faded picture, that's not my Mum. She's called Betty, it says so on the back <i>with love. </i>I wonder, did she marry? have a family? Is there somebody out there, maybe roughly my age, looking at an album and puzzling over the identity of the little man with the Welsh name? I'll never know. And maybe that's right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not just looking, but reading: I've finished several paperbacks. <i>A</i> <i>Farewell To Arms</i> I hunted out after watching</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuyddIkrb2RlmrCovf8iD4E2uonQKw4QOF-BZEgPNT8jq1wcVTx3JY8obHBgrdpGc8bB1wrOqidVfm0rA-E3SzVxSIr9kgki1y9lAozIhy1L74seOqCYM33aumXlKTwpamWJwqSxDgHk/s1600/brownbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuyddIkrb2RlmrCovf8iD4E2uonQKw4QOF-BZEgPNT8jq1wcVTx3JY8obHBgrdpGc8bB1wrOqidVfm0rA-E3SzVxSIr9kgki1y9lAozIhy1L74seOqCYM33aumXlKTwpamWJwqSxDgHk/s1600/brownbooks.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the film of <i>Testament of Youth. </i>The other two are both new. I found <i>His Bloody Project</i> very sad. "It's only a story, or is it?" the reviews said: it's about a murder trial in nineteenth century Scotland and put together as a collection of documents. Very clever. As is <i>Golden Hill</i>, which takes place in eighteenth century New York. I loved it. What have you been reading?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...and that's everything I've been up to lately. More scrapbooking next time!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-81991801605120797162017-03-27T12:10:00.002+01:002017-03-27T12:10:38.161+01:00Memos, Mail, Me: Pass Me That Phrase Book<div style="text-align: justify;">
Monday: let's move today along, shall we? get some chores done, tick a few outstanding items off the list, and then we can break open my Mothers Day Terry's Chocolate Orange (<i>because it's not Terry's it's mine..</i>) I've just realised that I ought to have included it in my picture</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPtUZsUk2pO3XZLMvDgH1lyHXJSeSOEXvnY6sCN0GCNJx45tXetBpzB6iTg4V4iDrZJ-ks4k776dnxwBp9V48nA3o294kN0JExKMvtfcOLtadzPSdbTS7yvowdiMq2zoq8xT7aBtRPfE/s1600/garn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPtUZsUk2pO3XZLMvDgH1lyHXJSeSOEXvnY6sCN0GCNJx45tXetBpzB6iTg4V4iDrZJ-ks4k776dnxwBp9V48nA3o294kN0JExKMvtfcOLtadzPSdbTS7yvowdiMq2zoq8xT7aBtRPfE/s1600/garn.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It would have slipped - orange-y and perfect - right in there beside my favourite mail from last week.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Saturday I received two beautiful cards from two stellar card makers. Thank you <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/">Alex</a> and <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/">Karen</a>! It's not just the making: it's the message writing and the mailing. I know it all takes time and thought and it's very much appreciated.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The other item in the picture is a Norwegian knitting magazine: a Christmas present from Uncle Dave. Uncle Dave knows more Norwegian than I do. Quite a lot more. Last time I hit the fjords I asked him what he would like as a present and he said <i>a newspaper</i>. So when I told him about a beautiful blog - <a href="http://paper-tiger.net/">Paper Tiger</a> - I'd been browsing, with stunning photos of Norway and lots of good things to reading about knitting, including where to get hold of a new magazine, it didn't take much of a leap, only a couple of emails, before he was agreeing to navigate the magazine subs page for me, and to gift wrap the results too. Thanks little brother. I do have plans for another Dave sized cardigan: just let me find that phrase book..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's my mail memo for this week. How about you? Did your post require a phrase book? Or, if you don't want to post about post, went your weekend well? Learn anything new? It is Monday, after all, and we'd love a memo..</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://helenascreativemaven.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memo-moay-empty-benches.html">Helena</a>, <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/snow-sculptures-garage-shenanigans-new.html">Mitra</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memo-mail-me-its-monday-march-13th.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/monday-mail-and-me-family-history.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-me-mail-and-monday-my-spectator.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-and-me_20.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://suburbansahm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-me_20.html">Ruth</a>, <a href="http://starnitesky.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-me.html">Barbara</a>, <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/03/memos-mail-me-kitchen-remodeling.html">Alexandra</a>, <a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/monday-memos-mail-and-me_20.html">Barb</a>, <a href="http://lizzyhill12.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memorandum-monday-with-mail.html">Lizzy</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/03/memos-mail-me-surprise-.html">Honore</a>, <a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/mondays-mail-memo-march-book-swap.html">Melissa</a>, <a href="http://kkfantasticplace.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-me-on-monday-pink-or-blue.html">Krafty Karen</a>, <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/03/memo-no-mail-me-a-road-trip.html">Karen</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-me-and-monday-our-young.html">Maggie</a> and <a href="http://nannyjanes.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/monday-memos-mail-and-me-on-tuesday.html">Jane</a> </span>all joined in over the last couple of weeks. Go on, give 'em a wave (and by that I mean, click on the link, say hello, they'd be happy to hear from you..) and have a good one!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-34645579555122905472017-03-24T15:08:00.002+00:002017-03-31T12:46:16.814+01:00Sea Overleaf: a Scrapbook Page<span style="font-size: large;">"I want to see that map," </span>he said<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pQaWxJ60lH9Fb19tPjjwoPlDUtfVBuH-o3zkqJZUV0mzIIwBRhfuyG8I2nZTDunhxZGz-lYFw_3WOOfssWnOlsErJxK1k0_9l4Jp16d8UVaFYeIJEiACFAdjAUiinO6AjqRkKoyHkYQ/s1600/Sea-Overleaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sian F for Get It Scrapped" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pQaWxJ60lH9Fb19tPjjwoPlDUtfVBuH-o3zkqJZUV0mzIIwBRhfuyG8I2nZTDunhxZGz-lYFw_3WOOfssWnOlsErJxK1k0_9l4Jp16d8UVaFYeIJEiACFAdjAUiinO6AjqRkKoyHkYQ/s1600/Sea-Overleaf.jpg" title="Sian F for Get It Scrapped" /></a></div>
<br />
and after that we found the sea.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thinking about summer holidays here; and road trips and fresh air and days with nothing ahead except a carefully chosen playlist, an unexpected viewpoint and a fish and chip supper ...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8T6xDxxUjNm8mgDwYW2pzy8uOBAXyayJhCbsmom6GQDrrwP0_HHoesUWVjVpo1IugLeqT3rcsWWcXYK_MxHUQYaVEg8DCY9QHlv9kb9ABC6x7wgHsiGDchq3L97wWeKLAID3aOXYdpk/s1600/SeaOverleafdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8T6xDxxUjNm8mgDwYW2pzy8uOBAXyayJhCbsmom6GQDrrwP0_HHoesUWVjVpo1IugLeqT3rcsWWcXYK_MxHUQYaVEg8DCY9QHlv9kb9ABC6x7wgHsiGDchq3L97wWeKLAID3aOXYdpk/s1600/SeaOverleafdetail.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With a page put together for Get It Scrapped's new blog article on <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://debbiehodge.com/2017/03/tell-bigger-visual-story-extend-scene-off-canvas/">Telling A Bigger Visual Story</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-77768224056943669872017-03-20T11:06:00.000+00:002017-03-20T11:06:23.782+00:00Memos, Mail, Me: Hippity, Hoppity<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
....it's a grand kind of an early Spring morning here, after what has been a stressful couple of weeks. And although, of course, I want to thank - most heartily - everyone who left me a message here, or sent an email, or dropped me a card - thank you! - I'd be happier talking about something else. Anything else. What's your news? Anything new with you? Any nice mail or lessons learned or <i>anything</i>? My energy levels are low right now, so I'm going to have to hold my hand up and admit to no new photos here. I have this one, though:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAnK0IpqPW6L-_1zxC4Tn_9xgL9RHyJxIOt6bh_uYe3EFCMDzoEWzMTiKIa5Qyyxwub8BdoZQBE1f1xVEa6f3k6r552KfN3pjCO02gtejTwrysUTqqLGvvHRg__YmAb6AiSe1SbHJg_w/s1600/rabbits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAnK0IpqPW6L-_1zxC4Tn_9xgL9RHyJxIOt6bh_uYe3EFCMDzoEWzMTiKIa5Qyyxwub8BdoZQBE1f1xVEa6f3k6r552KfN3pjCO02gtejTwrysUTqqLGvvHRg__YmAb6AiSe1SbHJg_w/s1600/rabbits.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A version of which appeared on my instagram a couple of weeks back, just before I took my little collection of rabbits to Knitting Club and handed them over to a friend running a fund raiser for Romania. They were a lot of fun to make: just a garter stitch square pulled together following these <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://josoandsew.wordpress.com/tutorials/knitted-bunnies/">clever instructions</a> </span>from Jo Soandsew. I have also been knitting what looks like an enormous grey elephant, but is actually a man sized sweater; and I'm aiming for some scrapbooking this afternoon. But first a catch up, with thanks to everyone who has kept on Monday-ing. Have a good week!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-44107250175689266852017-03-13T10:17:00.000+00:002017-03-13T10:17:38.905+00:00Memos, Mail, Me<br />
Dear Mondayers,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maybe you've heard someone sometime say <i>A Sunday well spent means a week of content</i>? I hope you had a great one and you're feeling well set up for the week ahead. We helped Little E blow out his birthday candles and that's what I'll be thinking about through the next few days. As a result of that horrible mail I believe I might have mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I'll be spending some time in hospital this week. Your thoughts would be very much appreciated. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While I'm away, please support these lovely bloggers who put themselves out there every Monday <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://suburbansahm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-me.html">Ruth</a>, <a href="http://debs14.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-mail-and-me.html">Deb</a>, <a href="http://helenascreativemaven.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memoranum-monday-gets-crafty.html">Helena</a>, <a href="http://barbaraeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/monday-memos-mail-and-me.html">Barb</a>, <a href="http://mitralee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/in-perspective-for-memorandum-monday.html">Mitra</a>, <a href="http://honorefrancois.typepad.com/morning_glory_studio/2017/03/memos-mail-me-milestone-.html">Honore</a>, <a href="http://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2017/03/mail-memos-me-the-weekend-edition.html">Karen</a>, <a href="http://farmerswifedaybyday.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memos-me-mail-and-monday-virtual.html">Maggie</a>, <a href="http://simplyalexa.typepad.com/trimmingthesails/2017/03/memos-mail-me-march-06.html">Alexa</a>, <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/memo-mail-me-its-monday-march-6th.html">Mary-Lou</a>, <a href="http://ladkyis.blogspot.com/2017/03/monday-mail-and-me-what-nothing.html">Ladkyis</a>, <a href="http://melissagross.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/mondays-mail-memo-coloring-book-pop-dots.html">Melissa</a>, <a href="http://www.artscrapandmore.com/2017/03/memos-mail-me-scratch-off-my-bucket-list.html">Alexandra</a></span>. Go on, give 'em a wave! And I'll see you soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328228070357271563.post-91796707028824916822017-03-10T13:31:00.002+00:002017-03-31T12:47:01.436+01:00Not a Get Well Card Anywhere<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Careful! Don't come too close! Unless you have already had Chicken Pox, in which case it's lovely to see you. I got an emergency call on Monday, from Studentland, from a girl who was covered in spots..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAiWZLydlLO7dlkyxdwYpGfieCX4uUZvgaUmZlMu5miA5if39zkRvPNRTBCDyyUkDbABsHbtG2_4QXHtz444n644GPh8MX6q4iy1-5Ugad0cpDJZNJtlnzkp4GcglN1tO-lp-1qc-1bQ/s1600/SianF-Marchcard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAiWZLydlLO7dlkyxdwYpGfieCX4uUZvgaUmZlMu5miA5if39zkRvPNRTBCDyyUkDbABsHbtG2_4QXHtz444n644GPh8MX6q4iy1-5Ugad0cpDJZNJtlnzkp4GcglN1tO-lp-1qc-1bQ/s1600/SianF-Marchcard3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...there has been calamine lotion and bicarbonate of soda and many, many baths since then. So today I'm just jumping in quickly to post the cards I made for the <a href="http://www.gossamerblue.com/sians-st-patricks-cards/">Gossamer Blue blog</a> this month. And not a Get Well card among them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33jWDqknxXa4UZkz-o1nBOI1opw0H2YzO8Mzu625xUBZko0r-RRi59DGO3KZhWXh2RLu3ERoBhxZu81d8AQFkZzl5_uAUPxpFAG9GW_KL3WSy79KmeMMVDC8jKhzXaoMaSxHrif3-Wv4/s1600/SianF-Marchcard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33jWDqknxXa4UZkz-o1nBOI1opw0H2YzO8Mzu625xUBZko0r-RRi59DGO3KZhWXh2RLu3ERoBhxZu81d8AQFkZzl5_uAUPxpFAG9GW_KL3WSy79KmeMMVDC8jKhzXaoMaSxHrif3-Wv4/s1600/SianF-Marchcard2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lucky she's on the mend, then.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More soon!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzus06xARxvELXJr0dRepndst_OEOrjEIEl6qmrLEwVRhxowl_fxF3vrxKAQM_ipluW8_27sOZaR3Tw4UoFXRmK7HoMCv2hT24hiO0kZ7eQuUjU6ZKGDSUJup6RpcXQAX7AGyVsMxbnt8/s1600/SianF-Marchcard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzus06xARxvELXJr0dRepndst_OEOrjEIEl6qmrLEwVRhxowl_fxF3vrxKAQM_ipluW8_27sOZaR3Tw4UoFXRmK7HoMCv2hT24hiO0kZ7eQuUjU6ZKGDSUJup6RpcXQAX7AGyVsMxbnt8/s1600/SianF-Marchcard1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Sianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01764280029794453933noreply@blogger.com15