Normal service resumed......

Well I hope its been resumed....OH has started a new job!  Fingers crossed that this lasts a little longer than the last one. Actually it is better as it is a new post within the company so there will be lots to keep OH stimulated and happy.

The only downside is, OH is using my car so its back to public transport and as I live in the country the bus service is a little odd to say the least, but hopefully its only for a little while til He gets his own car!!!   Feels strange sat here on my own with my dog - just one cup of tea to make now!!!  Caio

Generosity of spirit......

Matilda stands guard over my pots outside in the garden... she is an angel and as an angel she has generosity of spirit, which I am finding a lack of at the moment.

I wonder sometimes is it me?  I have encountered a couple of occasions recently where I did not feel totally welcome by some of the group.   I find this mystifying.  OK i have pink hair, laugh out loud and am passionate about certain things, but does that make me different, unapproachable not to be made welcome?  I have always tried to make anyone coming into a group for the first time as comfortable and as welcome (gushing even!!) as is possible.  That is so important as they have made the first step and it is up to other members/people to engage with them and make the situation comfortable.  I have to say that I am finding this lacking in places....

It is so hard to go into an established group and find your place, there is always some sort of politics/structure in place.  I know this only too well as I have to make new friends all my life,  I have been on the move from 6 weeks old!  and when you get to my age of 60 you would think that it was easier, believe me it isn't......  and it makes me feel sad.  If people think that I am intimidating in some way, they should meet some of my friends in the art world they would be in for a shock!!!  Life is difficult enough at the moment, all my energy is focused and I don't have any extra trying to put up with others

negativity/jealousy or any other thought they may have.  So, the challenge is to make people feel welcome.  It takes very little to give generosity of spirit to those around us.  If you have a kind soul I'm sure you will find a way.   Ciao

Saw these....

Would you believe that I found these lovely ladies in our local market town where I live.  I had to have them.  I haven't found them a place to 'live' yet.  Who would believe that I would find Kelly Rae Roberts here!

I can't believe its 2 months since my last blog, time flies as they say.  I've been to see Eric Clapton at the NEC, had a fabulous day in London (will blog about that later) and have signed up to do a certificate in Sci Fi/Fantasy illustration... trying to keep busy with the hope that life will get better.

I have been creating so will post some pictures (sometime).  I may not be blogging, but I am keeping up with whats going on with friends blog happenings....  Ciao

Pants..... not the ones you wear!!!

Life is pants!!!  Life isnt going too well in this part of the country, after a great holiday in New York we got a swift punch from out of nowhere (didnt see it coming) and landed with a large bump.  I was looking to a year of fun, the year started great but OMG its taken a nose dive. So has my creative side, nothing getting done here, just trying to get through the days.

Anyway, have more photos to post of the N.Y. experience which will be posted on facebook.  Ciao

Where have I been????

I have been around, but somehow seem to be non-creative at the moment.....I have done the odd card but seem to be in a blank space, if that makes sense.
I had a really bad dose of something nasty and it has really laid me low, I have no energy and get tired quickly.  Whilst all this has been going on I've booked a trip to Australia for September to see friends (OH doesn't want to come along, more spends for me!) So that's all booked and paid for.  Its the New York trip in 10 days, so amazing. Wishes do come true.
I'm trying to do something different every month, April is looking quiet, but you never know.  May is filled up already with jaunts etc. Got to seek other adventures, there are plenty to be had in this big world.
Just finishing a cuppa and deciding have I got the energy to move from the sofa!!!!    Ciao
 

Brrr its cold

Here in the cold of Leicestershire I've been in a semi cant be bothered state of mind, though I've quite a few cards to make for birthdays this month.  I definitely need an injection of some description to get me going.
We've had a decent covering of snow and the county has come to a standstill!! but Mollie is loving the snow and wants to be out in it all day - bit cold for that.
I hope you are all keeping warm and well and that the creative spark is flowing... please send some my way.  Ciao

Well the big one is here....

Its my BIG birthday this weekend and I intend to celebrate ALL YEAR.   I will be travelling to be with family, then its Sunday lunch (not a party), going in a stretch limo and taking a birthday cake in the shape of a skull (made out of chocolate with pink roses).  

I really want this year to be special, to try and do some travelling and attend an art retreat, create as much art as I can and to hell with the household chores etc.  When you are 20, 60 seems a life time away, but it comes round before you realise and bang!  got to make a mark.

It is only a number, its how long you have been alive, it is not OLD, that word should be banned, some people are old at 20, 30 and 40.  Its a state of mind and I'm thankful that all my friends are completely off their heads, having fun and living life to the full.  So I might have pink/lilac in my hair who cares, you've got to get out there and have FUN.  People are so stressed trying to get through life, they need to slow down and get through a DAY, laughing as much as possible, smiling and saying hello.  I may not be rich in monetary terms (something always comes along to fill the hole) but I'm rich in crazy friends, family and being able to do what I want in creativeness.  It has been a long hard road to get here, some days I didn't think I was going to make it, but here I am.  It certainly hasn't been a boring journey, of that there is no doubt, I've travelled, live in foreign parts and made new friends, had no money but managed to live.  

I've never had a job that I liked, I was good at what I did but was not settled or happy.  Take a warning from that. Life is what you make it as they say, so make it special, take a leap of faith there will be a net to catch you and start a new adventure. That's what I intend to do.  Ciao

Great magazine.... I think so

 This caught my eye yesterday.  It has lots of great ideas, some templates and great photos.

Some of the ideas may not be brand new to some of us, but they may spark something for someone out there in blog land. You could even utilise them for other times of the year..... Ciao

Even more ......

 More flowers though these are supposed to "fantasy flowers".... the oil paints were so translucent and beautiful to work with.

 I decided on a black background just for a change, just a slightly different technique.

It was a fun day, with lots of laughs whilst working hard.

 Booked on another one in December, can't wait.

Will definitely have to invest in these oils.  Its such a long, long time since I've actually painted, the last 3 pictures made me realise how much I miss it.  Ciao

Woo... its all Hallow's Eve

 Just a small (very small) selection of skulls that live with me

 in my house and keep me company....

 I don't know where this passion has come from, but it feels deep

 rooted in side me and has taken many years to flourish.

 Thinking of getting a skull/rose tattoo for my significant birthday next year.

 Perhaps I was a witch in a past life, who knows... all I know is

skulls are amazing.  Have a great All Hallows Eve.  Ciao

Where does the time go????

I'm busy getting ready to teach a card class in November, but I'm away and have other stuff to do that November is going to flash by so quick.

I've been to art classes, visiting craft fairs, stitch club and generally having a great fun time.
Just a few piccys of the items I have been creating...
Hope you are all keeping well and busy creating.  Ciao

Seascape this time......

 Another great class with Jayne.... got another one booked for this weekend..........

 Love this rock...

 

 My first attempt at seascapes....

Final painting.....ciao

Yes I have been busy....

Busy crocheting ...... this is a gift.  Have made a few in other colours, so I think Halloween charms and Christmas Wreaths?
Love this Twilley's glitter yarn, easy to use and looks classy (I think).  Ciao

Painting....Magnolias

What a great day I had on this workshop.  I'd forgotten how much I loved painting...... got another class next week.  I have been busy got more creations to show you later......ciao

Not Jellies!!!!

I just love these colours, make me smile.  I was trying out some new paints I'd had for ages and when rinsing off the paintbrush this is what I got...... remind me of jellies at a party. Ciao

Just because......

Because its such a beautiful colour......  Ciao

My Guardian Angel.......

 Heres my Guardian Angel...... she sits in my car and looks after me.  I think I needed one after the problems I had. She whispers in my ear and keeps me safe.

 This is her back, I made her wings from a heart punch and added black pearls.  She is painted metallic gold hence the reflection.

She has a little hat instead of hair made from transparent flowers, a matching wand and wears a skull and crossbone necklace with matching cummerbund.   Ciao

Fear.... its so irrational

Fear is so irrational.....yesterday was so bad I didn't know what to do with myself.  What was causing this totally life sucking emotion? I have no idea!!!   I just didn't want to go out, do anything or even think. I've got the car I always wanted a few weeks ago (2nd hand one), unfortunately it has had a couple of problems and today has come back from the garage... this has totally un-nerved me, why don't know.  I haven't really driven a car since last October, that I was fine with.  This time its different.  Like I said totally irrational and off the scale.....  trouble is, it's not only driving thats freaking me out, even thinking of doing anything is sending me into panic status... i was like this many years ago, but I got it sorted and got on with my life.  What is different now I have no idea.  Is it because its a bigger car (6 gears)?, living in a new area (been here 8mths)?, trying to start up a business?  I went on the Bach's Centre website (as in Rescue Remedy)and ordered a customised Natural Flower Tincture, which has really helped me (must order more).. I can recommend this site if you do need assistance.  Am I going mad (probably)?, is there anyone else out there feeling like this?  I go out of my front door, put on smile and carry on.  I do feel positive about life and what I am achieving, I just can't reconcile the two emotions.  Is it that 'time' of life? is because I'm entering a new phase of my life? I just don't know......

No doubt I will get through this, come out the other side and think 'hum yes that was daft'....... I think about the positive happenings of the day, focus on that and take comfort.  At least when I go to bed now I sleep deep (even if do wake up once or twice) thats the Remedy helping me there....

I am just fininishing making a Guardian Angel to travel with me in the car.  It does all sound so 'barmy' but if it brings me peace of mind what the heck...

Am i over thinking situations? they are never as difficult as you think they will be, so what's the problem??????  

At the moment I'm looking out of my window at the rain, listening to the thunder, knowing my poor dog Mollie will be hiding somewhere from the noise. Thank God for Mollie, such unconditional love and adoration, what great snuggles she gives, makes me laugh at her antics, most of all Mollie makes me feel safe. Ciao

Just take your knitting.....

 Went to Trentham Gardens near Stoke upon Trent a couple of weeks ago... it was also a hot day (not as hot as this week has been).  Needless to say there were some nice shops there and of course there was a CRAFT one, so I had to look inside.  And guess what, came out with a ball of wool & needles.  I've started taking knitting wherever I go, if I get a chance especially with a coffee I knit.  Met some really cool folk, as they are curious as to what/why I'm doing it.....I'm just knitting scarves nothing too hard.....

 So whilst the other ladies went for a wander around the garden centre, I found a great spot to knit, have a drink and enjoy the quiet....

but I decided against sitting on this seat.... it was made of stone!!!!
Whilst I write this snatch of my exciting life!!!! I'm boiling hot (its 11.00pm) I've had to undo my bra as it was killing me and I thought what the heck... damn awful contraptions in this weather!  I certainly feel cooler... and with that lovely picture Ciao....

Winging its way.....

Here's another Bodacious Angel winging her way to her new home...
dressed for the occasion, in her finery and taking flowers this time.

She's even wearing golden slippers, perhaps to dance the night away????? Ciao