An Unexpected Hug

You can probably tell why I hate the internet here!

2012-01-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

The last post was supposed to have 5 photos in it! These would have included the cake, the mirrored room, the heap of shopping bags and my beautiful girl aged 14. Instead ( I think) we got two photos of my girl aged about 7, in the wrong place. AND I CAN"T EDIT IT COZ THE ^&*%^$&$ INTERNET CONNECTION WON"T LOAD ENOUGH!!!!!!!

If I find a friendly Mc Donalds, I may try again!!! Dear God, I am dependent on a fast food chain for my internet fix, what is the world coming to?!

Keeping up the habit...

2012-01-04T01:18:00.000-08:00

Today my beautiful baby girl turned 14.

For many years we have been saying, in slightly embarrassingsituations, that we would ‘tell her when she is 14’. That day has dawned and,thankfully, she can’t remember what is was we were supposed to be telling her.Frankly she knows it all already!

We spent the day shopping (mostly full price things, thougha few sales and discounts proved to be helpful). Skirts, tops, jeans, a jacket,two pairs of chucks(great sale) and one happy daughter!

Her birthday cake was amazing-triple layers of chocolate anddecorated with little muffins courtesy of Katy and Robin. The health kickbegins again in earnest tomorrow-although how that is going to work in RotoruaI am not sure! I decided to take the kids away for a rest from ‘the beach,hubby’s illness, the crowded house and, in my case, all the cooking and cleaning’. Hubby has of coursedecided he wants to come too ( and was a little put out when the kids lookeddisappointed-I think they were looking forward to the freedom of just being).We will get a few days on our own in Taupo so all will be well!

The weather has really been crap this holiday so thewindsurfing business is not going well and our lodgers and their boss arebored. The family decided to escape for a day and headed into the city. Iwanted to go to the zoo but was overruled by hubby (you may begin to understandwhy I was hoping that three of us could have an adventure!). We ended up goingto the New and Improved Auckland Art Gallery. It has been being renovated since we arrived in New Zealand andwas finally unveiled a few weeks ago. It is truly stunning. The building itselfis a work of art and the range and variety of the exhibits is breathtaking.From Picasso to Burne Jones, from Gainsborough to Bridget Riley, from foundobjects to traditional Maori portraits by Goldie, there was something amuse,beguile and fascinate every member of the family.

The consensus favoured one particular exhibit-a room ofmirrors (the name of which I will find when my internet connection is working well enough to surf efficiently)

It was just like being in an elevator shaft, thousands offloors up, with each floor repeating and repeating above and below.

And then there is running! I finally decided upon a marathonschedule by Hal Higden, 20 weeks building up to a marathon, building up gentlyfrom three miles three times a week and a 6 miles long run, to a long run of 20miles, a few half marathons and lots of shorter runs. The schedule is alreadyon the fridge and being coloured in, purple for runs and yellow for crosstraining. Molly and I ran the pipeline in Titirangi on Monday (including a newpath I had never seen before) and then we tackled the dam hill. That is a runheading out from our house towards Titirangi. After one kilometre you reach thelower Nihotopu Dam and the Huia road stretches uphill for a kilometre. Thefirst 400 metres is hell but once you reach the footpath at that point itlevels out for a while then you push to the top. I have managed to run it inone go about three time, just before the Christchurch marathon in 2010, so wasquite pleased when we only stopped twice on the ascent. A good foundation tobuild on. It also means that I can get hill work in and run lots of circuitsfrom home rather than having to drive and find a route. The hill isn’t thatscary anymore, just hard work. I DO know that that hill really helped my legstrength when I did Chch and I am hoping it will do the same this time.

I cross trained today, using the Wii Active 2 programmewhich is remarkably good for a console fitness programme; lots of squats,lunges and interactive games to keep things interesting and only 20 minutes ata time (though I did 2 workouts today).

Just got to keep up the pattern. I love having an aim andsomething to strive for. I am already thinking about raising some money forcharity, which has to be the Alzheimers society both here and in the UK. I justneed to be sure I can cope with the physical side of things so I m going towait a few weeks before I commit myself and actually enter the event! So far sogood, taking it slowly, I have no niggles and just slight muscletiredness-walking round the malls does that to a girl!

Creatively I have returned to my small Provence quilt. Thesleeve is ready to hang it but I have to finish the quilting. I was going to dothe quilting by machine but did a little decorative stitching by hand and foundit therapeutic so I will carry on by hand and see how far I get. Still don’thave a dowel for the larger quilt yet, though I have a little one for my smallproject! Typical!

I am so enjoying these posts, even though they are fairlysuperficial. Hope those of you reading don’t mind. I am just getting back intothe swing and my head seems quite stable so hopefully this habit will persist.

Hugs

A new beginning and some finishes.

2011-12-31T22:36:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day always strikes me as being a little odd. I mean it is the start of a brand new year, a clean slate and generally we wake up tired, lethargic, hung over etc etc. Hardly the right attitude with which to face the new year!

The weather again decided not to come to the party so the wind surfing business was on hiatus-Katy spent the day making cakes for my Caitlin's birthday and cluttering up my kitchen! Robin spent the day avoiding helping Katy and playing on the Xbox with Reuben and anton slouched in front of the tv (until I got him to help make tea!)

I did stuff! I cleared out two huge drawers of random pens, pieces of paper, objet d'art and other miscellaneous ephemera. I seem to be in a decluttering mood-only usually one thing a day, but today was special hence two drawers!

I finished IQ84 by Haruki Murakami at lunchtime. I have spent ages reading this, maybe a chapter a night, but loved every second of it. He is such a great story teller and I really cared about the main protagonists from very early on. I shall miss Tengo and Aomame. They have been a part of my day for some time now.

Another big achievement of the day...drum roll please... I finally finished my first ever quilt. Ok so I only had to sew a sleeve on the back so I could hang it up but I finally got round to doing it and it is currently, albeit temporarily, up on the wall. I told hubby I was going to get a piece of dowel to hang it from and he disappeared, returning with a length of 'mostly straight' bamboo from the garden. Worth a try just to see if my sleeve was strong enough!

Frankly it needs a dowel. The bamboo has a major kink in it and the quilt doesn't hang straight! However when I said this to hubby, he replied, 'It wouldn't look right if it was straight. It would highlight the fact that the sewing isn't straight. It looks rustic this way!" I am going out tomorrow to buy a long piece of dowel and a shovel!!!!!!!!

I am proud of my quilt. It has embroidered bits which I loved doing and it was a steep learning curve. I can now see all my mistakes and what I would do differently but hey, everyone has to start some where!

I have spent the day wearing my new trainers, getting used to them and checking the fit. I really need to get some running socks. My chunky ones from Countdown just won't cut it! I am now looking for a marathon training schedule-can't find last year's and didn't stick to it anyway!

I am going to need to watch what I eat too. I started with good intentions today (don't we all ?) and probably did ok-cereal,coffee, banana and honey on toast for lunch, decent portion of curry, dhal and rice for tea but I so need to move the marshmallows out of the house, especially when I am pissed off with hubby (see above for details!). I really hope the motivation of running a marathon will keep me mindful of the need for decent fuel!

So now, could cross stitch, could stitch another sleeve on another quilt-which is far from finished but again might be a motivating factor... let's see...

Hugs
x

Bring it on!

2011-12-31T00:07:00.000-08:00

2011 has, in many respects, been an odd year. Over dinner we had to think of three things that we were thankful for, happy about, proud of or had enjoyed in the last twelve months.

I have a lot to be thankful for. At the beginning of the year I was seeing a psychologist who really helped me to think about my behaviours and be mindful of my mood swings. When Anton noted (at dinner today) that he was proud of how much I had taken ownership of my feelings this year and how much stronger I seemed to him, I knew I had made progress. It is almost as though I can watch the negative thoughts coming in now, often memories of stupid things I have done in the past come back to haunt me, and basically I can tell them to 'SOD OFF' usually in a very loud voice!! That's a big advance for me. I still have a long way to go but I am still learning.

I am so proud of my kids. Not just my own kids who are the most awesomest, creative, caring, beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent... well you get the gist...but also the lovely GKP class I had the honour of spending time with. This year I made a point of going to all their prize givings and celebrations and they were joyful occasions. I may find my job hard but it has so many benefits! Oh and of course my two lovely children are the best of the bunch!!!!!

You can just see Reuben's head so both my kids are on here!

Physically it has been a rough year. I tore my calf muscle in February and it took so long to recover. To be honest it was my own fault. I hadn't prepared enough for a race and hadn't taken into account the fact that I am getting older and it takes longer to recover these days. As a result I am finishing the year far less fit than I would like to be and considerably heavier. But all this will change.

This could be a hugely long post but perhaps now isn't the time. Just for now a few things to point the way into the New Year.

1. The adorable Hayley Lowe has suggested running the Wellington Marathon in June. She suggested this today just as I was looking for new trainers. So guess what I am doing tomorrow. I am beginning a new four month training plan. I WILL RUN ANOTHER MARATHON THIS YEAR! There I have said it!!!

2. I am going to carry on learning Italian. I have enjoyed it and I want to improve. It is not something I find easy which is why it is such a challenge but I will meet it head on.

3. MY MOM IS COMING TO VISIT FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!

4. I will sew. I will embroider and I will try to create some individual pieces (thinking about dogs, cats, mental health and alzheimers as topics). I need a sketch book to get all the ideas down.

a possible model?

5. I will blog as regularly as the internet will allow (at least once a week) if only to record the running progress!

6. I will take each day as it comes!

As the internet is playing ball I have been surfing a while and found some lovely things that have inspired me!

Bought this already from studiomme

Came across this today and felt inspired. Check out the etsy shop for details of SometimesIswirl

Hugs xxxx

It's raining!

2011-12-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

It's raining and humid. Everything feels damp! Even the pets are suffering. The cats don't know what to do with themselves and the dog is lethargic (nothing new there then).

Where is the NZ summer? Oh yes that was Boxing Day I believe.

Oh well we spent 4 man hours cleaning and tidying today (one hour, four people, one cleanish house) and I managed to clear out all the drawers in the Welsh dresser-found a few things that have been missing for YEARS!!!!

Then we went off for an exciting shop. I had bought the boy a Kinect for his xbox 360 (a rather late in the day adoption and only coz of an amazing sale deal). The console is attached to an old British TV complete with UK plug and as you have to stand a distance away for the sensor to read you, the screen is a little hard to read. So I saved $100 on the kinect and hubby spent $1000 on a new tv. The argument was that it had to be LED and it had to be HD etc etc etc. I stopped listening after he passed by the $400 sets. Ho hum!

AS there wasn't room in the car for four of us and a tv, I had to take my car too so C and I went shopping together and left the boys to it! My darling daughter bought the cutest dress ever. There will be a photo to share soon. I just have to catch her.

Inspite of the weather, my head is doing OK. I have a cross stitch to work on (an other Rennie Mackintosh pillow-photo to follow- which is keeping me centred, especially when the gorgeous windsurfing Katy takes a swig of Red Bull and proceeds to swing off the ceiling!

Calmness abounds! Mostly because I don't have to cook tomorrow = )

Hugs!

Oh blog how I have missed you!

2011-12-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

Living in the third world (ok rural-ish New Zealand) means that our internet is less than perfect. Indeed it is s*%t! I am so thankful for my phone which allows me to check and post on FB regularly but there is nothing quite like the stream of consciousness of a blog post to put the world to rights and keep my head on the lines!

So here I sit, post Christmas, on the deck, with 'The Waking Dead' on DVD (I am so glad Egg finally found himself a good job!), nail varnish at the ready, an hour of gardening done, and what looks like a full set of internet bars!

Christmas is always a difficult time of year for me. Being bipolar means it is easy to be overwhelmed by everything, the need to have everything perfect, for everyone to be happy. This year has been no exception! And having two extra mouths to feed has made it even more difficult! We have two lovely awesome windsurfing instructors staying with us. That I have been able to cope with the lack of privacy and space is testament to how awesome they are. It has also proven to me that I would have LOVED more kids. A table set for 6 has been wonderful! With Katy being a vegetarian I have had to think more but it also means we have been eating less meat as a family (yes even sausage boy).

My christmas day was great. Talked to my mom via Skype for the first time, so she saw the kids for the first time in four years!!!! Breakfast was great-pancakes for them and eggs benedict for me. A few too many bucks fizzes perhaps but hey!!!!

I spent most of the day alone in the kitchen as the kids watched dvds and played computer games, the other kids went out on the jetski and then spent the rest of the day trying to mend the jetski. I cooked, I chilled! Duck with orange sauce, perfect veg, sticky toffee pudding. Strangely I felt at peace. Just as well, since my other half was strangely absent and in a very odd place. Proud of myself for not rising to the bait.

The kids had a good day. Caitlin spent the whole day in her new 'It's so FLUFFY" dressing gown with a look of pure joy on her face! There were new phones to play with, a little chocolate to eat and family to enjoy!

I seem to be spending a lot of time, reevaluating. Where am I at? Where do I want to be? I have breathed. I have been centred and calm. So I hope the internet will play ball and let me remind myself of where I am going.

Merry Christmas y'all

Hugs

A smoothie tale!

2011-10-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

Reuben and Finn's efforts last weekend made the papers-well the local free paper, but it is always exciting to see your name in print!

Don't you just love boys with long hair!!!!

Some days I hate the internet!

2011-10-02T00:10:00.000-07:00

Though only the days when it doesn't work, or won't allow me to upload anything. I have had weeks worth of sewing to upload and I just haven't been able to!

Have absconded with hubby's iphone to use as a hotspot (don't tell him as I have no idea how many megabites I am using.

It has been another one of those weeks! ALL GO!! Reuben and I have been super busy (did I really write that?). We went to Matipo Primary on Tuesday to see 'Giants in Outer Space' their school production based on the music of They Might Be Giants! No Istanbul in sight but I can't stop singing 'I am a Paleantologist!'

Wednesday was my sharing night at GKP. I am sooooooo proud of my kids for being totally awesome, and indeed putting up with me being SOOOOOOO stressed and grouchy all day on Wednesday.

Thursday brought lots of housework, cupcake making and sheer exhaustion. I was supposed to be helping at BBI's weeding afternoon but when Reuben's male teacher noticed how tired I look and how that is just not normal, I suspected that it was time to go home and collapse-especially as I had Italian in the evening. I was sooo tired after my lesson that I didn't even bother watching Dr Who, let alone Torchwood!

Reuben's class have been planning service projects. Not totally convinced by the planning part (long story, if you want to know, email me) but his group decided to make and sell smoothies outside Lopdell House on Saturday. I had a feeling smoothies were going to be a slow seller so I made 60 cupcakes on Thursday and iced them on Friday-in a very amateur fashion so it looked like the kids made them.

Two of their group didn't turn up on the day (and therefore didn't provide any ingredients like fruit and ice) but Finn's mom and Anton did a grand job of making it work (Thanks Tim Gunn). The boys sold a few smoothies on a very cold day and almost all of the cakes and raised $103.20. Good amount but a huge amount of parental effort. Still I guess that's why we have kids-to help them out! Mind you I was off in Ponsonby taking Caitlin to her grade 3 music theory exam so I only had to supervise a tiny amount of the time!

Love these lights in the Cloud!

Ant and I made the most of a child free Saturday afternoon to head off to Queen's Wharf and to watch three rugby matches on the big screens at the Cloud! The atmosphere was electric, especially during the Tonga France match. Such a shame that Tonga didn't qualify inspite of beating the French! ANd don't talk to me about the England Scotland match. I had my Celtic head on and was sooo disappointed!! And what the hell was going on with Johnny Wilkinson?

Really looking forward to the holidays and not having to get up. I feel incredibly sleep deprived (possibly from staying up and then falling asleep while trying to watch the rugby) and just exhausted. And of course my head won't let me rest even if I have a moment. I really want to spring clean the house and my head is putting me under the pressure to get it done, so when it doesn't happen the pressure gets worse.

I haven't even sewn this week. That said I have a few projects to share...

I finally finished the button and needle card embroideries I found at the Auckland Craft fair many moons ago. They need a good press and I am not sure they are terribly straight but still I am proud of them. Just finishing off a vintage postcard design from the same family

Boy do they need a good press!

Also last Sunday I made a bag, this time for Caitlin, a simple messenger bag with a couple of pockets-no zip yet, working up to that one. I wish I had interfaced the flap (pattern didn't call for it) coz it's a bit floppy but she likes it so that is good!

And a bag I made a while ago made its way to the States. I hope Lisa doesn't mind me posting her photo!

I have been doing a spot of fabric origami too but I don't think the internet will behave long enough for me to post more photos. Tomorrow maybe.

Something to look forward to!

Did I do too much yesterday?

2011-09-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

That was a common phrase that Mom used about Dad "He did too much yesterday' to explain the 'bear with a sore head/bipolar swing thing' that happened in our house when I was a kid...me too! Often a day of manic achievement and effort is followed by a day on the sofa!

Yesterday was a day. Woke at usual time BUT it was Saturday yesterday!!!! Got up at 6.45am as I couldn't get back to sleep-TOO MUCH TO DO! Decided to take the dog for a walk but to take my book with me as I haven't given myself permission to just sit and read lately. So Molly got to run to her heart's content and I got to read lots of Norwegian Wood by the glorious Murakami!

Back home to breakfast, then decided to make lasagne for dinner. The kids allegedly don't like lasagne but as I was doing things for me I thought 'what the hell!' Had a few issues, like not having exactly the right sized dish and experimenting with two different dishes led to sauce all over my jeans BUT in the end GLORIOUS LASAGNE! Should have taken a photo as everyone (including kids) agreed it was a perfect lasagne, could even be restaurant quality!

So while it was cooking I bathed the mud caked dog, got the boy up (we ignore the girl till midday on Saturday), began the long process of supporting the boy through a report he had to write on Computer Games ( which is real trial I can tell you), put about four loads of washing on, boiled up some bones for the dog (yes she is happy too) and then decided to cut out an make an Amy Butler designed bag...told you I did a lot yesterday!

I had been to spotlight with Debs on Friday and bought a couple of pieces of upholstery fabric to make bags with, since my old Amy Butler one is falling apart. Anyway decided to make the Cosmo bag but as I had only a few small pieces of material, made the (ultimately brilliant) decision to leave off all the pockets. Even so there were SOOOOOOOO many pattern pieces, all of which needed interfacing and BOY do I HATE cutting out! No wonder I don't sew clothes and stuff much now!

I chose the more conservative print for the outside and then remembered a really funky fabric I bought for the Feeling Stitchy embellishment project but which I never got round to doing. Funky is the word, especially the geckos! But it had blue and green in, just like the conservative side so somehow it worked.

Finally finished the thing (minus the button since I still have to source that) at half time in the Irish v South Africa rugby match. I know this as the last bit of top stitching was done just as the whistle blew for the start of the second half!

The conservative side

The funky side.

Caitlin really likes the geckos but I have told her she can't have it!!!

It's huge, possibly a bit big for everday use but I like the style and the corners I am particularly proud of!

So all that would make for a busy day, if I had not also taken the boy to Onehunga as I needed one skein of embroidery thread to finish the button cards, that I can only get at Patchwork Passion. Gave me an excuse to take him to Bam Bam Gooey for a chocolate shot and up to the English shop to get Jaffa cakes and Jammy Dodgers!

So yesterday "I did too much". Feeling very snotty today but have already walked the dog (who was in a bad mood so I didn't get to read my book this time), done two loads of washing, read the paper (doesn't take long to read the NZ Herald on Sunday) and have plans to tidy and hoover the rumpus room which is covered in those little bits of fabric that you clip off when you are turning curved seams. Can't do that till the girl and her dad are up (midday then). Going to finish the embroidery too today. Dinner is done (left over lasagne yum) and just got to get the boy to softball practice and get a food shop done! Not much then!

Oh yeah and I wrote a blog post!

Obviously that quiet moment I have first thing in the morning in paradise has helped with the organisation : )

2011-09-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Not in the best of places again! Bloody hell, getting a bit sick of this!
Been working a lot at the vocation in the last three weeks (10 days out of 12), both relieving and at my one day a week job-though that turned into three days on the trot when my lead teacher was struck by the lurgy. Must remember that working and my head don't always agree and I need to remember to look after me and my well being before feeling guilted into covering for friends!

Been lacking confidence in everything-goes with the territory I guess. Haven't had much time to sew but have finished and posted a few things off. Feeling that my work is inferior to the lovely friends in craftland I have made. Gotta remember my 'artwork' is valid and doesn't need outside affirmation (though would be nice). See what I mean- the head is well and truly messed up.

This little chap has gone off to spend his life in the US, in a classroom full of owls (?). He was my first go at a kiwi and a crafty friend Becky had just sent out a plea for owly things for her new classroom and I thought "I gotta be different!"

She is the lovely Becky who sent me this...

and who blogs here

I have also received this piece of gorgeousness in the post from Lisa Revoir Kramp. We were obviously separated at birth as I sent her Inigo in the Movie Swap too. This one however has been mentioned in dispatches (Craftster and Mr X Stitch). Biosecurity in NZ didn't like it though-took the rice out of the pillow and left it to tip out into my car. So Inigo is now nicely framed!

I have also sent Lisa a tote to replace the one that was stolen, when she was working on Inigo. Only a quick jobby but it has a couple of Firefly quotes on it in Chinese (sort of). One says 'goh se' which means crap and the olonger one is what Shepherd Book thought of the men who tortured Mal and Wash ( and what I think applies to the thieves of LIsa's embroidery) I can't possibly type what it says here-you may need to look it up!

I have also been working on a PQ swap. Giddy Girlie is getting my food theme thingy. The boy has been fundraising by selling Cadburys chocolate so I became a little obsessed, especially with the purple. I also got to try Shisha stitch to attach the discs. By the fourth one I was getting there!

I have also been slowly working on my needle and button card embroideries. Here is the second which is now completed and the third is a work in progress. Really enjoying the subtle variegated threads.

or at least it would here if the photo would load,God I hate living in the third bloody world

ooh there it is finally a whole day later!

My head...

2011-08-21T16:43:00.001-07:00

is off the lines.

Please send chocolate or hugs!

That is all.

xxx

Hello! My name is....

2011-08-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Inigo Montoya. You killed my father! Prepare to die!

So I finally found my bright pink camera, hiding in the bottom of my Amy Butler designed tote bag thing ( always said it was a dodgy design, I mean on handle and a huge bowl of a body!!!).

Anyway, this is the little piece I made for the glorious Lisa Revoir Kramp for a Movie Drive In swap. Whilst not one of her top three films, who could resist a little bit of the Princess bride! I am particularly pleased that he has a wry
look on his face! Not quite the same as the original but close!

And then for something completely different- my mate Debs has got some lambs for her lifestyle block. They are so cute and I am sure they will be very tasty! Not sure about the fact she has named them after people she knows. I mean, is it Freudian that she is preparing to kill her dad??? At least, being a vegetarian she won't be eating him!

Postcard Swap

2011-08-08T01:33:00.000-07:00

Still can't find my camera which has the cutest photos of lambs on it. Oh well I pinched Caitlin's and managed to find the cable for it. So here is the completed postcard that will be winging its way back to the Lake District tomorrow. Not Kendal, which is a shame, but to Whitehaven.

I am really pleased with the satin stitch on the leaves. I used to hate satin stitch but now I find it so relaxing!

Needed to be after the day I have had. Realised we couldn't book a trip to Melbourne as my passport had expired. Found the form online, filled it in, checked the guidelines, got the photos taken (yuck). Then went to the post shop to get it checked and sent off to the British High Commission! Bloody unhelpful woman in the post shop. Didn't know a thing, told me I had done it wrong when I hadn't, told me it was up to the customer to get it right, they were only there to process it, and then forgot to put the receipt in the envelope to prove i had paid.

Had Caitlin at home with another of her throat, headache, tension/exhaustion things too, though she was no trouble.

And finally... Reuben got his mid year report to day. It was stunning! I am a proud mom! I knew it would be good but it was EXCELLENT!!!! Now for the parent teacher meeting tomorrow, where Mr McLarin can explain one comment on the report about intelligence being hereditary and that individuals tend to regress to the norm. I figure he means Reuben is gifted, that he is genetically advantaged but he needs to keep up the work effort to fulfill his amazing potential-Well I am a teacher of the gifted so that's what I believe!!! We shall see!

A few swaps

2011-08-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

I have sort of given up on craft fairs. The last one i did I made about $15 and was sitting next to the old biddy from hell, with a huge table and two racks of hand knits which jutted out in front of my table and was a major cause of the lack of sales. Don't get me started-yes I asked her politely to move... and did I say BIDDY FROM HELL!

I have been to a few fairs lately and it seems to me that it is just more of the same. Lots of plushies made from more or less the same patterns ( well we all follow similar blogs), beanies and scarves, patchwork things, resin jewellry etc etc. It is really lovely when you come across something unique but they are few and far between. I bought some gorgeous 12 ply turquoise hand dyed wool from happygoknitty to make a scarf with at the Devonport Craft Market yesterday but didn't really see anything else I liked ( apart from Sandra Waine's cat print which I am saving up for!)

I decided I was going to get back to my passion and just sew for me. My sewing machine is now serviced and running like new, I have a few patterns of things to make (kiwis and postcards to embroider) but then I was waylaid by some swapsies!

FIrstly the Movie Drive in swap on the oh so wonderful embroidery group on Facebook- a group like no other and peopled by the most amazing talent ( can't believe they let me in). Can't say much about the sap as I don't think it's arrived yet!

Then the DoWhatYouLoveForLIfe postcard swap. The theme for this one is "Bloom. My card is going back home to Whitehaven in Cumbria so I chose to do something very kiwi. Again a photo will follow. They have a flickr group too with some amazingly creative cards.

AND NOW... Phat Quarter is at it again-fifth friday in the month and the theme is FOOD!!!!!!!! How could I resist!? I have the enviable job of sending to giddygirlie (who sent me an awesome Wonder Woman in the heroes swap) and I'll be getting from Giddy 99. Hm, interesting pattern there...I am giddy with excitement!

Really need to find my camera and take some photos of the stuff I've been doing. I have really been enjoying my stitching-takes my mind of the Man being ill again! Now where were those pohutukawas? (photo later or check out my facebook)

Only my son...

2011-06-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

would ask me to make him a costume for his school book day of

The Cthulhu

Let's face it! No one else at school had heard of it. But then again his costume was unique, unlike the hundreds of Harry Potters and Little Red Riding Hoods. At least we made an effort and I confess I did enjoy making it.

The basic pattern is a McCalls Costume one (M6106) which was supposed to be for a lion, a cat, a bear or a kangaroo. I don't think they imagined I would be adding 13 tentacles and evil looking wings.

He got the idea when his sister read the 'Call of the Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft for an English assignment. Why she chose that one heaven only knows (or maybe the cthulhu knows) a it was, according to her, like reading a foreign language. Anyway after she had read it, I did a little trawl for images on the internet and Etsy and found the cutest crochet versions... and the seed was sown (or indeed sewn).

So scroll down if you dare for a view of the hideous monster...

You have been warned.......

Shame you can't see the veins in the wings. They are my favourite part!

Shame he didn't win a prize. I mean would you dare not give the Dark Lord something for his efforts!!!!!

Yes, I should be working!

2011-06-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

A. Age: 42

B. Bed Size: Queen

C. Chore that you hate: Mopping the floors

D. Dogs: Mental Cocker Spaniel called Molly

E. Essential start to your day: Used to be caffeine, now bran flakes!

F. Favorite Color: Yellow

G. Gold or Silver: Silver

H. Height: 5' 5"

I. Instruments you play: Clarinet, bit of flute, bit of guitar

J. Job Title: Mom/teacher

K. Kids: Caitlin 13 going on 43, Reuben 11

L. Live: Parau, Waitakere, Auckland, New Zealand

M. Mothers name: Jean

N. Nicknames: Jojo

O. Overnight hospital stays: Giving birth to the kids

P. Pet Peeve: Socks lying around the house (hubby and daughter dearest)

Q. Quote from a movie: "$5! Maybe I'll go to the movies...by myself" (not my fave film but a quote I like)

R. Right or Left Handed: Right

S. Siblings: Diana, Angela and Jacce (half sisters)

T. Time you wake up: 6.45am

U. Underwear: comfortable

V. Vegetable you hate: celery

W. What makes you run late: The children and Facebook!

X. X rays you've had: Only dental ones!

Y. Yummy food that you make: Cakes, roast, jambalaya

Z. Zoo animal:I love feeding the giraffe at Auckland zoo!

A little update

2011-05-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

It has been one of those months... a month for finishing stuff, getting back into the crafty groove. Actually did a craft fair this month though it was far from successful financially! Might have had something to do with the fact I was stuck up a corner with v. little access to my table. Ho hum!

Finally managed to finish the Lowry (after 5 years and a plane journey to the other side of the world!) Didn't like doing it much, like it more now it is framed. Can you spot the little addition?

Just n case you missed it. A fellow sewist suggested I add a little item. So I unpicked a few stitches, added it in (in official tardis colours!) and only then noticed the chap in the fez standing next to it...karma?

Also got round to doing something with my urban thread bird design that I stitched up months ago. This one I have listed on my felt site but might just have to stay at home with me!

I also made another little friend. One of C's friends had seen Sebatsion (check out an earlier post) and begged me to make her one. Had to oblige didn't I? He was so cute i had to list him on felt too ( and sold one in a few hours!)

Then I also got involved in another Phat Quarter swap on Flickr. I love these and have received some amazing things in return. The theme this time was 'books' and I asked my swappee (?) what she liked. Strangely enough I had heard of lots of her faves but had never read them. Got Slaughterhouse 5 from the library and the volume I chose as my inspiration. I love the font on the cover and the cartoons, Oddly I remembered inthe course of reading and sewing that I had met the author in 1991 when I was studying at W&L. Didn't know what all the fuss was about then!!!

And finally (for now) a little tribute to our fave tv prog. Thursday nights are now the night we stop everything!

An eclectic little mixture!!! Says a lot about my brain at the moment!

EMOtional Anna and SeBAsTion

2011-04-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

I met this lovely girl at the Craftexpo in Auckland. I had fallen in love with an Audrey Hepburn quilt but refused to pay $80 for the pattern. Then I saw Anna. It was love at first sight and I knew straight away I had to create her- knowing full well Caitlin would grab her as soon as she was finished!

Sure enough, she took me three days to finish ( and is a bit lumpy in places) but now resides in Caitlin's bedroom! I LOVE her boots ( though next time I shall look out for stripy material rather than making the stripes by hand!)

Everyone loves SeBAsTion! Reuben wants him and one of C's friends wants a big version!

In other news, here is Reuben with his softball team. He won Most Improved player of the season, complete with trophy and an MP3player. He is a very happy bunny!

Interesting...

2011-02-27T01:53:00.000-08:00

Changes are afoot in our household. Hubby has not been a well bunny, possibly from a cyclical illness brought on by Lyme's disease, possibly stress related, possibly he is working too hard. Whatever the reason, this illness has caused tension in our house... and on the beach.

One problem has been not sleeping! Molly my gorgeous cocker spaniel has been relegated to outdoors at night, in an attempt to make the house smell better. She still however sleeps in her crate as letting her roam leads to loud barking at all hours! Unfortunately she still wants to protect the house from marauding possums ( or next door's cat) from inside her crate so whines and barks loudly in the middle of the night. This in turn leads to 'SHUT UP MOLLY!' being yelled in MY ear! Not conducive to a good night's sleep or indeed civil conversation in the morning. I can sleep through the whinning and the barking but sadly not the yelling!

Finally a solution has been found. Hubby and I are back on speaking terms and enjoying each other's company and the dog is quiet at night. It is called "The Spare Room!' I have for many years listened to Woman's Hour on Radio 4. Now we are in NZ I listen to the podcast of the programme often while I am running. Jenni Murray is an inspiration and I just love listening to her voice. A few years ago she admitted that she and her husband had separate rooms. Everyone slept well, she could read as late as she wanted and it suited them well.

Whilst running the other day I heard a discussion on animals sleeping on the bed. Jenni proudly proclaimed that her pets slept with her, in her room. Advocates in favour of 'sharing a bed with Fido' proclaimed comfort, companionship and being part of the family. Nay sayers mentioned hygiene! I just know that Molly sleeps well with me (if Ant is away or I am in the doghouse so to speak...) and I rarely hear a murmur!

So for three nights I have been in the spare room, dog at my feet ( or knees). We have all slept well. Hubby and I are on good terms and everyone seems happy. I haven't broached this as a permanent arrangement as I think that may be a step too far, but so far so good.

Another positive is that our internet connection is superb in this room so I can post from bed!

As I haven't written in a while, I must make mention of the Christchurch earthquake. This time last year I was training to run in the marathon held there on June 6th 2010. I had the honour to run around the streets of that beautiful city, to jog through Hagley Park (twice) and to enjoy the support of so many Cantabrians (especially the police people on traffic control).

I have been glued to the television and the radio in the days since the earthquake last Tuesday. Every image and story is humbling, shocking and deeply affects the whole family. My kids are sensitive souls and find the news reports harrowing. It is yet another event which forces/persuades us to look at our lives again, to appreciate every second. The stories of heroism we are hearing are inspirational, the way in which communities are pulling together is amazing and my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones. I cannot imagine what everyone must be going through. I just remember having breakfast at the cathedral, taking a tram around those streets and the cheering crowds on that drizzly day. It will never be the same.

I hate gardening!

2011-01-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

I ought to explain myself. Mum and dad always had the most beautiful garden. Lush vegetable patches, beautiful roses, quaint greenhouse, immaculate lawn. I, on the other hand have overgrown trees, a lawn that looks like the San Andreas fault and generally not much else. I would blame living in New Zealand but my UK gardens were the same!

I have no excuse. My idea of a garden is a place where I can sit and read, or sit and sew, in a leafy arbour surrounded by forget me nots and roses! Hm! This dream invariably involves a gardener! And no not a hunky shirtless one! Just a little man who tends to the weeds!

My friend Debs comes and hacks away at my trees occasionally- usually when I have done some sewing for her. She was the inspiration behind my camellia felt flowers after she hacked that bush to pieces. Made me some money in the end, those flowers so can't complain.

Anyway, we have been spending a lot of time on Mission Bay beach with hubby's latest passion.

Sounds idyllic, days spent lounging on a beach, renting the odd kayak, sipping frappachinos from the local coffee shop... hm, not so much. It is too sandy and windy to sew, there are just enough customers to stop you getting into a book and the sun is scorching! Mission Bay is on Tamaki Drive which is a lovely flat 10k, where I LIKE TO RUN! Alas I can't run there as I have to be on the beach, looking after the bookings, not even getting that much exercise! Grrrrr! Anyway I should feel virtuous that I am supporting hubby in his venture- probably help if I liked watersports wouldn't it!?

Anyway, we have had a day off the beach so the kids and I tidied the house and then, in a bipolar moment, I decided to spend a couple of hours in the garden. I have to limit it or I get overwhelmed by how much needs to be done. I think that is why I dislike gardening. There is no end point. You could just carry on! My little brain can't cope without a limit!

The kids weeded, Debs popped over and took down a dead tree and we created a huge pile of those brown stick like leafy things that don't decompose. Excellent! So next day went off to Mitre ten and got some big garden bags so I can take the waste to the refuse centre on my next day off the beach (Monday)

Here's a photo of a beautiful rose while I pause for breath!

Anyway, last night we got home from the beach at 6 ( hubby had help so we buggered off). I wasn't hungry, kids fed themselves and I headed to the garden to start transferring waste. Three hours later... I had numerous sandfly bites, two large bags of waste and a corner of my garden which is much clearer. I found a tonne of dead wood which I sawed with delight, I found ferns I didn't know we had, at least three trees which needed judicious pruning but which I decided not to wait for Debs for, and a nikau palm heading for space.

SO THREE HOURS OF EXERCISE!!! Boy did I feel virtuous. I still have the huge pile of waste which we created the other day but the bags I have filled make me feel like I have achieved something! There is space for a deckchair, there are places for pots which might soon have my favourite flowers in them, and a nook for reading! Debs will probably say I have done it all wrong, but hey, plants grow!

I love making flowers and I love taking photos of flowers. Stands to reason I should have flowers around me. Trouble is , like I said it is all too easy to be overwhelmed by a garden. That is probably why this little corner of my garden is the focus of my attention. I am hoping it is achievable! We shall see...

Oh and you never know what you might find, lurking amongst the branches...

a nerdy ninja

Artsy Fartsy Shopaholic: AFS 5 Year Giveaway #2!

2011-01-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

Artsy Fartsy Shopaholic: AFS 5 Year Giveaway #2!

Head over to this website for a chance to win a beautiful print or a crochetted necklace- or rather don't, coz I want to win them!!! I am in love with 'reading wuthering heights' by Janet Hill. If I don't win may have to buy it!

The other day I headed off to Armour Bay to walk my baby. I heard this noise like electrical interference so I went off to investigate. The noise was coming from a tiny hole in the roots of an uprooted tree. From the flitting coming from behind me I decided it was a kingfisher nest and left, before I could be dive bombed!!

The kids and I returned later that day. The hole no longer existed. Instead there was a cavern containing at least three, nearly fully grown birds. There were also two on the ground. Obviously a training flight! We grabbed Molly and put her back on the lead, and Reuben took some photos before we made our escape. Mum and Dad Kingfisher were watching from a nearby branch. Don't fancy a peck from one of them. Molly found one of the chicks before we did and her nose felt the full force of the chick!

Went back today and the nest was empty, though mom and dad were still squarking!

My baby!

2011-01-10T03:36:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a discussion over dinner about eating dog. Some friends had just returned from Vietnam and regaled us with tales of dogs on spits, and how they taste gamey and strong. I could see my husband envisaging a similar fate for my Molly! Dog on a Spit!

How could he think such a thing? My baby is beautiful!

and shaggy

and helpful

and loving

and such a good guard dog

and fast

with great ears for running!!!

Book cover

2011-01-10T02:26:00.000-08:00

My friend Debs has a thing for VWs. Anything bug or combi related she has to have it, including the soon to be restored combi in her garage. I saw this fabric ages ago in Spotlight for about $3 a metre so had to have it. I was going to make her a few things for Xmas but so far only this one has happened, as I ended up working on the beach and doing a few other (slightly more lucrative) sewing projects.

I have plans for other gifts for Debs... but so far this is it!

A reusable book cover for a hardback exercise book for all her plans for the coming year.

Not bad for a first go with no plan!

A bit of hand embroidery completes the scene!

Long overdue

2011-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

Since hubby bought the Mission Bay Watersports Centre there has been little time for anything, least of all a blog in a house where the internet is intermittent at best.

To begin the New Year, and to show willing, here is a video of Reuben at Prana learning circus tricks. Oh the habits of mind he used ( taking responsible risks, persistence and creating imagining and innovating!) Proud mom time!

Maybe soon I will get to post some photos of the crafty things I have been up to...

I am such a proud mom!

2010-11-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

This is my boy Reuben. Two years ago his sister won this competition and he was heard to moan... "I'll never be able to do what Caitlin did!" Back then he never sung a note not even in the car! Now we can't stop him!

Well done Reuben. Top four result we think. Not bad for a skinny English kid with gorgeous hair... wait... he could be the next Doctor Who!

Crafting for health purposes

2010-11-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

I went to see a psychologist last week.
My doctor referred me as I have been really low for a while... yes I know I am bipolar but this low was different. It has lasted and lasted. The crux is a new job, my dad dying AND worrying about Anton's health and his new business venture had led to a state of depression!

Anyway went to see this CBT lady. Felt great to open up for a change, to get it all out, cry a bit, have her not make judgements or tell me all her problems. The attempt at meditation was a bit pants- hate all that stuff and then she suggested that I 'should' run ( coz I haven't been), sew ( for the same reason) and socialise ( ie not just text my mates).

Funnily enough, this weekend I 'ran' in the Laingholm school fun run 10k. I say ran but I was with Reuben, my 11 year old who had decided to 'run'. Well we did it in 1 hour 24 which I am so proud of. He did so well and is still suffering with sore legs two days later, bless him. It was frustrating having to wait for him, but running up those hills ( and waiting at the top) made me realise how much I missed my running so... as soon as my legs recover I am out the door!

Then a friend asked me to hem some costumes for a performance her band are doing, and whilst not embroidery I have remembered the feeling of satisfaction with a job well done- even down to boning the waistbands so they stand out. can't wait to see the costumes completely finished.

So just the socialising to sort out, but as I said 'my mates have more problems than me, they don't need mine as well'... watch this space!

My friend Sarah is ...

Macombee and the absolute truth

Quirky, huh?

2010-11-13T23:15:00.000-08:00

Just seen the Felt blog. It is advertising 'quirky gifts' for Christmas and....

look who is on there

I love the Super Mario bracelet at the top (hint hint) and there are loads of other awesome things.. including 'Rat thing 3'

My quilt

2010-11-07T23:48:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at a quilt.

The embroideries are finished and the border done.

Now I just need to find a big enough piece of fabric to back it with and I can get on with the quilting bit!

Family weekends

2010-10-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

My husband is oblivious to the fact that schools have holidays! I remind him but he is still surprised when the children don't leave the house at 8am on the first Monday! Makes it annoying that he is therefore unprepared for shared parenting duties, or the idea of 'taking a break away from home!"
This holiday it hasn't been an issue as both Caitlin and I have been suffering with some kind of flu bug! This has led to many hours lying on a sofa, under a duvet, watching the first series of Fringe- thanks JB Hifi for having that for a very cheap price. It has kept us sane- just!
There has been a lot of baking going on,as a result of this confinement. Sadly I forgot to take a photo of last week's efforts. Reuben made choc chip slice and I made hokey pokey cookies and date scones. This weekend I made a different hokey pokey cookies recipe and some cup cakes, while Anton made a banana loaf and a banana smoothie/milkshake thing!

We have had one family day out. We took a trip up the Skytower in Auckland ( because Ant found a 'bargain', buffet lunch in the observatory and entry to the tower thrown in. The lunch was amazing although my legs didn't appreciate the height! Silly really when I have been happy to throw myself out of an airplane- albeit strapped to an instructor! I figure it is so high up in a plane that the earth doesn't look real... but from the Sky tower cars still look like cars and people like people... too close for comfort and to deal quickly with emergencies that arise from falling from that height!

Today has been somewhat frustrating. I had wanted to go to the Devonport market en famille, but two of the famille decided to rise at 11.30, by which time I couldn't face the drive over the bridge-especially as I had already made chicken, lemon and tarragon soup ( from the Covent Garden Soup book) and an attempt at a loaf of bread using very old flour and even older yeast... never mind the soup tasted fantastic with white sliced!!!!

Now we have a house full of girls singing at the tops of their voices, Michael Jackson and Elvis are spinning in their graves and I am losing at Scrabble-probably because I am blogging and face booking at the same time!!!

Ho hum!

Tomorrow we brace!!! Or rather Caitlin does!

Hugs!

How true!

2010-09-29T12:34:00.001-07:00

Thanks Marion for sending this to me! Made my day!

Three year anniversary!

2010-09-16T00:31:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe it is exactly three years since we arrived in NZ with far too much ephemera in our suitcases, clutching cuddly toys, greeted by pouring rain!

It rained again today- a storm the size of Australia apparently! That must explain the tiredness and lethargy I am experiencing. Kinda hard to focus on all the good things that have happened when you look out at the beautiful view, shrouded in cloud, and when you get soaked dashing from the car to the mall ( because your daughter has swiped your brolly from the car)!

It has been an amazing three years. Highlights for me must include:-

Laingholm school (for so many reasons)

Every achievement of my children

Molly the dog (my faithful companion)

The Christchurch Marathon

Crafternoon tea/Royal Oak market/Titirangi market and all the wonderful new crafty friends I have

Good friends- they know who they are

The view from our deck

Laingholm Idol ( the first time-fingers crossed for the second Ashcroft finalist)

The performing Arts in Auckland-concerts, theatre, singing workshops,

Piha on every single visit

Reuben's hair!

Cape Reinga

Having afternoon tea with the Major and Deputy Mayor of Waitakere

I have a feeling this list may get longer as I think more ( and as my mood improves)...

My wonderful dad

2010-08-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

I shall miss you so much!

Lovely lovely giveaway!

2010-08-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

http://deerface.blogspot.com/2010/07/brooch-giveaway.html

Please don't enter this giveaway. I so need to win it today! Isn't she gorgeous??

My dog can talk!!!!

2010-07-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Just a classic website- Blabberize.com - TRY IT OUT!

YAY!!!!

2010-06-20T23:17:00.000-07:00

OK it is Monday so I can divulge... On Saturday I went for an interview with the Gifted Kids programme. This is a one day school for gifted kids, based in an intermediate school. Basically it is all about developing thinking skills, nuturing passions and providing the kind of stimuli that Mainstream school hasn't the time or the ability to provide. It is all about reaching potential. Oh my god it is exciting!

I was convinced I had waffled badly. I was sure I had lost any chance of the job when Ant's satnav decided that the building didn't exist and I had to text for directions... and disclosing I have bipolar disorder... well I was in MY car so it was hard to miss the advert!

I was at Laingholm today, relieving for the day ( with kids who had got up at 2am to watch the All Whites- what were their parents thinking?) so was having morning tea when the deputy head waved a piece of paper in my face - telephone message saying to call to provide a reference! Tee hee! She said she would call at lunchtime!

The same lunchtime, I get a call, at school from the Head of the unit. I GOT THE JOB!!!!!

Someone is brave enough to employ me! Oh my god how scary is that! Of course I said yes immediately and now can start questioning a) my ability b)my sanity c) their sanity for employing AND THEN I can start enjoying the whole idea!!!!

Check it out...click the link!
Gifted kids Unit

The Joy of Crafternoon tea!

2010-06-19T01:12:00.000-07:00

No photos today, unless I steal them from another blog, and frankly I think the last two posts have more than enough images to last me a life time. Just as well I can laugh at myself!

Had an awesome day at Crafternoon tea, for all sorts of reasons. My gorgeous, lovely, amazing daughter Caitlin set up the table, arranged my 'stuff', manned the stall all day and only needed drink, lunch, cupcake and a few Glee downloads from itunes as payment! We missed last month owing to major overseas trips so it was good to be back in the swing. We sold a few bits and pieces, including possibly the last pink ninja, and chatted to lots of lovely people- hi everyone! I managed to not buy TOO much, but Sarah's second hand books and craft mags were just too tempting. I have to make that cat and those angels and those cuddling dogs... Caitlin says I now HAVE to make something from them. Problem is I still have my quilt to finish!

The reason she was manning the stall was coz I had a interview right in the middle of the fair. Not saying anything till Monday. As mum WILL say 'What will be will be!', "It is their loss if they don't want you" and other such pearls!

I LOVE MY MOM!

Ever felt the need for better engineering!

2010-06-14T14:54:00.001-07:00

Look what I did!

2010-06-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

On June 6th 2010, I ran in my second ever marathon. 42.2km around the streets and parks of Christchurch, New Zealand. I covered the distance in 5 hours, 2 minutes and 33 seconds... and yes I am contemplating doing it again next year to see if I can get under the five hour mark! Lovely course, great policepeople stopping traffic, just for me, and a goodly amount of money raised for my charities.

Sod's law!

2010-06-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

I fly to Christchurch on Saturday morning-assuming Pacific Blue don't cancel the flight again ( they have done twice already), ready to register and then run in the Christchurch Marathon on June 6th!

I have had a bit of a stressful week and now have a humongous cold, sore throat and lethargy. Good excuse to stay in bed and rest but not so good when you plan on running 26 miles in less than five days!

I figure I have spent too much time in a hospital recently visiting my best mate and have picked up a bug! I am appalled by the health system here, not to mention the benefits system. She had an accident three years ago which left her in pain,but which was misdiagnosed by doctors! She has been in increasing pain for these three years ending up collapsing at home. After four weeks the docs have said 'your pain is being managed, the herniated disc will be reabsorbed soon- Go home!' If after three years it hasn't been absorbed why should it be in the next four weeks? In the mean time she is in pain, wants to get back to work AND is having to argue with ACC, who are refusing to pay for treatment or to cover her sickness pay! When you are your lowest ebb, you have to fight for everything! It is so unfair!

So I am off to bed to try and recover, and cannot visit my mate as I so do not want to give her whatever I have picked up!

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marathon madness

2010-05-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have had a busy month and no time to venture on to the blog- or at least venture away from Facebook long enough to post.

I went back to the UK for the first time in nearly three years, to visit my mom and dad. He is 90 with Alzheimers and she is caring for him, at home, though now with the help of carers who come in four times a day. It was a relief to see mom looking so well, and to see dad so peaceful, dozing in his chair. It was very difficult to leave them, knowing I will probably not see him again, but I was reassured that my dad was in there somewhere, when he smiled at me, and that I could say 'goodbye' this time!

I met up with a few friends too, went to see 'Polar Bears' by Mark Haddon at the Donmar Warehouse ( which was excellent- to my bipolar brain anyway), stayed up for the UK elections and ran around the streets of Oxford and Kendal in preparation for my marathon. It felt good to be running up old familiar hills with such ease. The dam hill near us is good for something then!!!! I even ran into Oxford at 6am on May morning, for old times sake. Managed to miss the singing but sat drinking coffee on Merton Street watching the crowds, thinking how nothing had changed since the mid 1980's when I was a student there.

Gate to Christchurch meadow on May morning

Had a lovely day at the Royal Oak market, when I got back. Shared a table with Revive, beautiful handmade cards, made from vintage wall paper, and sat next to, and chatted with Alan Coates ( kiwialan). He is such a mine of information and lovely anecdotes. The time flew by. For me, the fair was a good one- after all I never expect to make much money, and I was able to treat myself to a new t shirt from cctees and a typewriter key pendant from Alan, so all is good.

My next adventure ( and the reason why I have had less time to do anything really) is the Christchurch Marathon. It is on June 6th, less than a fortnight away. I am hoping to raise money for two very important charities- The Alzheimers' Society in the UK ( for obvious reasons) and the West Auckland Hospice in NZ ( who looked after my lovely friend Sian who lost her battle with cancer at the beginning of this year).

If you happen upon this blog, or are a regular visitor, please consider making a donation to either of these good causes by clicking on the links

Alzheimers Society

West Auckland Hospice

and think of me at 9am (NZ time) on the morning of June 6th. Actually 12pm would be a better time to be thinking of me. That's when I shall really need the support!!!!

Hugs!

A month later!

2010-04-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

Is it really a month since I last posted? Must be, since I am off to Crafternoon tea today and I had to miss the last one coz of my Guild class!

Have to say there has been little crafting done in the last month! A couple of curtains made for a mate, come to think of it, a couple of skirts made for the same mate, and a couple of ninjas got sold on felt.

As we are coming into Autumn, I am fairly certain I have had a mood shift. It has been very difficult to just get out of bed, let alone get anything done. Living with bipolar means that I often don't know who is going to wake up in the morning. This Easter holiday has been a real trial but we have survived. I have been running OK ( only a few weeks left before the marathon), I am back on some meds ( though not all) and the family has been very understanding. I have been very aware of negative thoughts coming in, especially memories of crap things I have done in the past, but instead of reacting to them and getting upset and angry, I have just watched them come in ( so to speak) and asked my self whether they are still relevant to me as a person. Time and again, they just disappeared. Interesting really. Maybe I can get back to Prana time!

There have been some good times too, these holidays. Caitlin and I went to see the Mystics play the Magic which, whilst frustrating for a Mystics fan, was a great event. We also went to see Kelly Clarkson play at the Vector arena. Again- interesting! I usually prefer 'musicians' to singers. In fact her support act Eric Hutchinson was incredible and completely the sort of thing I listen to. Kelly was good and her voice was superb but I would have loved to have had her accompany herself on something rather than rely on her band all the time. I know I'm a snob and she is an American Idol. DId I say Great Voice?

So off to Crafternoon tea in a few hours, better find some sewing to take as my partner in crime is in bed with a streaming cold and I figure it will be a quiet fair for me ( as usual). Still a good craic though!
Hugs!

A crafty day

2010-03-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

I was disappointed today because I had to miss Crafternoon tea.

I had agreed ages ago to run a little morning class at the Auckland Embroiderer's Guild, showing the members how to make some of my felt flowers badges.

It made for a stressful week. Firstly it was suggested I put together a few kits with felt, buttons, brooch pins etc, but I had never done anything like that, and had no idea how many to make. There could be 5 people coming or 20!

So I spent many hours making and photographing rainbow flowers, pansies and camellias, and trying to explain in simple terms what I just 'do'!

I was getting a bit worried too, that the ladies might not like the idea of the flowers, might think they were too simple- these are after all very experienced stitchers. That made for a few stress filled nights, especially as the family really didn't get why I was worried. The bipole in me coming out with a vengence perhaps!

As usual, the session actually went rather well. The ladies liked the designs, could follow the instructions, had brilliant ideas for adapting the designs and we all had a chatty morning. On top of that I sold 10 out of the 12 kits I had put together and received a voucher for "Ribbon Rose" as a thank you!

This was followed by the actual guild meeting and a talk from a very talented cinematographer, who used his fabulous digital camera equipment to show us just how good our stitching is, in extreme close up. Who knew that embroidery thread looks like coarse rope!?

I got home, much late than expected, having had to buy Ant's cookie ingredients ( his wallet, left in my car) to more excitement. I had an email from the lovely Lucy at Felt.co.nz saying I had sold a ninja. "Cool!" I thought. But then when I went to visit my felt page, I happened upon the front page of the website and found this!

In case you are wondering why the excitement- my little yellow camellia is in the bottom left hand corner!

So lots of crafty goodness today. Still feeling a bit wound up. Why should seven talented women be more worrying that a class of 30 10 year olds? Give me the pre teens everytime!
On the plus side, I have made a bit of pocket money- so hubby can't complain too much about having to take Roo to T-ball this morning, I have the instructions and patterns ready to put more kits together- which is easier and more interesting than actually making the flowers now, which means I can concentrate on new designs, and I AM ON THE FRONT PAGE OF FELT!!!!

Comic books and Rat things

2010-03-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

Hopefully the joy that is the internet in West of West Auckland will be sufficient to allow my photos to load!

First up, the Phat Quarter swap. PQ is the awesomest flickr group and contains work by the likes of Mr Xstitch, Beefranck, Penny Nickels, Arlee Barr etc etc etc Oh my god the list is amazing and endless!

After the trials of the last NSFW swap when I didn't receive anything, I hoped this one would be more successful. The theme was cartoons/comics. The person I was swapping with (Hi Shelley) is a huge comic book connoisseur- having worked in a comic book store- and gave me loads of suggestions, not to mention reinvigorating my love of the genre.

I ended up, however, working on one of my all time fave characters, just for the sheer joy of it.

I give you

HELLBOY!

I completely forgot to photograph him before he went in the envelope, hence the creases. And yes, I do know that the quote comes from the film but it fitted so well, especially when I tried a few times to get his eyes shaded yellow, and then gave up!

In return I received a piece of awesomeness from giddygirlie

Just check out the stitches on Snoopy!

I am so glad this swap worked out, after the disappointment of the last one. It's been a bonus rediscovering comic books and being introduced to new ones like "Sandman"- how did I miss that part of the Gaiman oeuvre.

AND

Also let me introduce another Superhero- well in our house anyway...

RAT THING

Officially this is Rat thing 2. Rat thing one, based on a star gazing mouse doorstop, rested on a craft fair table for about 10 minutes till someone fell in love with him. SO I had to make Rat thing 2. He lasted about an hour on the next craft fair table till a rat fancier fell in love with him. Maybe that is their superpower...

Rat thing 3 is on the sewing table, as we speak, just waiting for some more stuffing before making its way to its new home. These rat things are breeding like, well, rats! I do love rats and miss Yoda and Grievous- our lovely old pets who stayed in the UK when we moved. Seems other people like them too.

Trouble is, I have no more opshop velvet and Fleece from C's old jacket to make anymore of this colourway. Maybe I could use some suede and corduroy...

Meet Henry

2010-03-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

This is Henry.

He is a Space Monkey Pig.

He grew in the wild imagination of a mate of my daughter's called Ruby.

She wanted a pig for a pet. Then she wanted a monkey. Then "Space Chimps" came out.

Then she decided she wanted...

"A space monkey/pig sanctuary...in space" .

Those exact words were spoken in the back of my car, one morning on the way to school.

He took an afternoon to make ( after about two months of serious thinking) and was the most fun I have had in months.

Ruby loves him. It was her birthday last week and he was her present

I suppose it ought to be mentioned that Ruby is twelve!

Two months off... then why do I feel so tired?

2010-02-19T23:12:00.000-08:00

Just back from the lovely Crafternoon tea. Sold enough to cover the table and to buy a few treats for the Korean students who have been staying with us for the last three weeks, so can't be bad. Had a chatty time catching up with gorgeous people and there were lots of new crafters and products about so that was good too.

Been tearing around like an 'even more' mad thing of late. Worked seven out of ten days in Room 13 at Laingholm, and now remember why I don't want to be a full time teacher. I love dropping in, teaching a bit, having fun and going home. None of that planning, assessing, marking and too many meetings business! Had very little crafting time over the last month so had to rely on old flowers and the results of two nights of sewing in front of Torchwood and House. Luckily rainbow flowers only take a few hours to grow!!!!!

I have been in training too so that has taken up a little time. I am running the Christchurch marathon on June the 6th and still have a lot of miles to get into my legs. It means a lot of early mornings and early nights and this humidity is helping neither of those.

I do have an incentive though. I am trying to raise money for the West Auckland Hospice in memory of my mate Sian who sadly passed away on Jan 6th this year. If you would like to sponsor me please have a look at the West Auckland Hospice website and click on the donate button. If you leave a comment saying

"sponsoring Jo Ascroft in Christchurch Marathon in memory of Sian Webster-Coppard"

then you will get a lovely thank you from them as well as heaps of gratitude from me.

Here's the link West Auckland Hospice and here is some info they sent me to inspire you!

Hospice West Auckland cares for people over the age of 18 years who have a life limiting illness and those who are dying in our community. We care for the whole family, providing nursing care, counseling and social work services, an Art Therapist experienced in working with children whose parents, grandparents or person close to them are in our care, and staff who provide massage, acupuncture and reiki. We also provide grief and bereavement support for children through to adults who have lost a loved one.

The people we care for are all stars that shine in the lives of their families, friends and our staff members in many special ways. Our volunteers and supporters are also stars – shining their light on Hospice through the work they do to help keep our services free of charge for the people of West Auckland.

You can become one of our shining stars for Hospice West Auckland, by sponsoring Jo in the Christchurch Marathon in memory of Sian. While we receive a portion of funding from the Waitemata District Health Board the remainder needs to be fundraised – and every donation small or large is much appreciated by our patients, their care givers and families.

Off to make some more 'rat things' for tomorrow's Royal Oak market, might even get to sleep tonight!!!!

Out of the shadows

2009-12-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

Laingholm school has said good bye to Paul Heff in an emotional week. 16 years as a head teacher is a LONNNGGGGG time.

He is so inspirational. His parting words to Reuben were "You had better be top boy next year!"

We were a stunned family at Prize giving the night before. Roo had been nominated but we had no idea what for. He collected his distinctions in the Australasian exams in Maths and Writing, and was awarded 2nd place in the Basic facts championship! That was it we thought, after awards like 'role model' came and went! The last award of the evening had been discussed at length. Who would be 'All round student of the year'? It always goes to a year six! It usually goes to a sportsman who happens to work hard... Well Rowan came third. We had worked out he was in the running.

But then the shock. Paul read out "Reuben"... Ah Reuben Mita we thought. Yes that's good coz he's such a good writer!
BUT NO! "Reuben... ASHCROFT!" said Paul. Some mistake surely! Roo is only a year 5! Oh my god! My boy!
And sure enough, Ruben Mita did get the actual award- but my little Reuben is officially the second best boy in the ENTIRE SCHOOL!!!

Finally he has stepped out of the shadow of his overachieving sister! His school report suggests he still has a way to go, opening up in class more and eveloping into the leader we all know he can be, but...

We are so proud of him. He is so proud of himself!

What a way to end the year!

And now he is off to be an extra in a feature film, starring a famous cartoon bear!

He will be famous one day, my boy

You never know I might get round to posting about my sewing sometime!!

But not today!

Hugs!

More tea, vicar?

2009-12-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for another Crafternoon tea. This one sounds like it is going to be amazing. It is at Mount Eden Normal school ( great name for a school by the way) and there are soooooooo many amazing crafty people going to be there. I have asked Caitlin to make a load of her charity flowers but we shall have to see if she manages the deadline. 11 year old girls have so many other things to be doing.

I have finally got round to listing the other pansies on felt , hence the attempt at slightly more interesting photos. I really haven't got to grips with the whole advertising thing yet. But that said, the red pansy and the red camellia have both made an appearance on the felt Christmas suggestions list so I am a happy bunny.

I did a little fair at the Auckland Embroiderer's Guild a couple of weekends ago. It was very very quiet but there was a steady flow of people and lots of positive comments... oh and two ninjas found new homes so I am quite pleased about that.

A few people commented on my branding and the little cards I put the flowers on.

Not bad for a beginner.

I also took part in the NZ Christmas ornament swap. I have received some lovely decorations but not all of them so I am waiting to photograph them all together. But here are the ones I made and sent out

I kept the family one for us, on advisement from hubby.

See you for tea.

Hugs

Caitlin is not just a little crafter

2009-11-27T01:39:00.001-08:00

12 months ago my darling daughter Caitlin competed for the title of Laingholm School Idol 2008.

This year she returned as reigning champion. This is the latest performance.

I am such a proud mom!

Crafternoon tea ROCKS!

2009-11-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

Finally the day of the craft fair arrived. Anton is still not well but with patience was persuaded to take Roo to his t ball game and audition. Caitlin decided at 8.30, just as I was leaving that she wanted to come too, which led to just a little more stress than I would have liked, but hey, life is too short not to spend time with my gorgeous daughter.

It seemed like a quiet affair this time, lots of people through the door but not much money being spent. In fact Caitlin did better than I did. I am sure her tale of going to Korea and earning some of the money herself helps to sell her brooches!

I sold a few flower brooches, swapped a ninja and a camellia for a book making kit from Rachel and a fabulous wallet for holding all those coffee shop loyalty cards you get, from Sewfunky, and made some really rash commitment to run another marathon. Well, it would be an excuse to visit Christchurch, a reason to actually do some training and a way to make lovely new friends- hi Hayley!

Rachel with her ninja and in her fabulous 'designer' dress

In fact, the fact that I didn't make much money ( though I did come home with some cash still in the float which is a bonus) was secondary. This craft fair has such a good feel to it, there are some truly awesome people ( yes we mean you, Luisa ) working incredibly hard to make it work, some spectacular talent and inspirational crafting. And by inspirational of course I don't mean we are going to pinch the ideas, though I do like the idea of the Pohutukawa Xmas decoration from littlebird designs.

My little stash. Sh, don't tell Caitlin the felt bird kit and the purse are for her!

Can't wait for the Christmas Crafternoon Tea!

Hugs

Preparations going awry

2009-11-17T03:17:00.000-08:00

Crafternoon tea is this weekend, Saturday to be exact! I have had lots of time to prepare and make and craft and sew and yet I find a crisis looming.

I am currently waiting for my husband to get back from hospital. He was taken by ambulance this evening suffering from chest pains and they are discharging him tonight having found NOTHING! I am diagnosing panic attack but still it is as scary as hell!

I had all sorts of plans for felt flowers ( of which I am now officially sick) but ended up selling quite a few on felt so have far fewer than I thought. I have made loads of ninjas but have no idea if they will sell. They are such fun though so I don't mind if they end up being Xmas pressies for relatives instead. I had plans for some more hugs. A drunken hug has been made and a scottish one is half done but again I have little energy for them.

I spent part of today making a couple of tote bags, just simple rectangles with sewn down corners and extra long handles so they can go over your shoulder- oh an inner pocket. Again I like making these (today) and I was talking to some other crafters about how these bags need long handles. They are hanging off my birthday present. My dressform has yet to be christened. I thought of Dolores but she was my History professor's mannequin so I can't pinch that name.

Just as well I only have a small table this weekend. It will be covered with a box of ninjas, a few flowers and my girl power pillow.

I said today that I wished I could have a simple product that I loved, was quick and which sold- doesn't everybody? With my brain I think I should be grateful I can make anything right now.

Here's an unexpected lift...

My boy can jump, but he still didn't make the school team!

Our whole family needs hugs today.

Two projects, no photos

2009-11-08T01:27:00.000-08:00

I have made two badges in the last three months which I have no record of. Recently I have taken to photographing everything I make, usually for felt or etsy or a blog or facebook, or just to have as a record of my achievement.

A couple of months ago I made a badge for a friend's 40th birthday. It was a subtle affair- pink, purple, silver ribbon, 'life begins at 40' in felt and stitching. Huge, it was, and she loved it! My camera wasn't charged so I never took that photo.

The same friend received a very different badge this weekend. It was a blue heart, with the words "lovely Lady" cross stitched in turquoise. Around it were tiny silver cross stitches. As I handed her the package I said "This one is slightly more subtle than the last one". She smiled, an even broader smile than when she received the first one. Again I had no charge in my camera, and no one was in the mood for taking pictures on this occasion

I can't cook too well, I am a busy mum with her own kids to transport and a very tight schedule of after school activities. My cleaning is not up to anyone's standards... This was my one little token for a very dear friend. My way of telling her how lovely she is, even though her body is telling her different.

Love you Sian!

xxx

Stitch a long

2009-11-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the first night of a stitch- along organised on Connie Garmon Barwick's cross stitch website. Theoretically every Tuesday night from 6.30 till 12.30 a group of stitchers will stitch together, posting before and after pictures of their night's sewing.

As I am in NZ, my hours happen before everyone else's- apart from another kiwi in Dunedin. I did contemplate working out the time difference and sewing at the same time as the American participants, but frankly this week my heart isn't in to that much detail!

Here are my before photos. Strictly speaking the flower I have made was cut out again so this was a 'before the before' photo but all the resources are there. I am also working on the large embroidery for the second panel of my quilt.

The finished pansy is below!

A bit of work was completed on the quilt

with a little help!

Comfort in craft

2009-11-02T01:37:00.000-08:00

A dear friend has just found out that she has terminal cancer. I struggle to write the words as we are still coming to terms with the news, delivered just last night. She has just turned 40, has two kids slightly younger than mine ( 9 and 10), has trained to be a nurse and is so so so kind. She has battled cancer before but has nothing left. She has a few weeks to say goodbye and we intend to celebrate her life, if we can some how find the strength!

For the last week I have been working on a pillow/cushion centre. The sewing was finished amidst tears this morning. I felt it needed finishing. Its an Urban Threads design, created for Breast Cancer awareness. I thought it was cool and thought of a number of teenagers I know who would like it, just because it was cool. It has new meaning now.

It will be tinted with crayon, at some point this week.

At Devonport Craft market I bought my best mate a christmas present but life is too short and too precious to wait. She is fighting ill health too, and had her own cancer scare this year. We have cried, hugged and rejoiced to day

It is a Black Swan design. Sorry there are no links today. I needed to post for my own peace of mind. If you need, google the designers or wait a while and later posts will link to them. That is just not important today- sorry! My mate teaches my friend's daughter and had to break the news to her class. She is an amazing person and I am so lucky to call her my friend

everybody needs hugs today

ETSY at last!

2009-10-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

It's a frustrating experience trying to load photos onto etsy. I am sure there is a way to copy the whole of a listing and just change the one photo of four that needs changing... but I have yet to find it. Maybe I am just being lazy but if I have three photos which promote all of my flowers, say, then why should I not just change the one that needs changing!?

All of this is moot now as FINALLY an afternoon arrived when I could list about 15 new flowers, including photos and not once did I get an error message.

Click here for the wonder of etsy!

I am officially bored of my rainbow flowers but as my lovely mother in law is parading around Oxford with them on her hat, her jacket, her skirt and anywhere else she can find to put them, getting comments galore and requests for my shop address, I figured I ought to load them up. I am not planning to make any more until the shop in Pt Chev has sold some more or the ones on etsy sell out.

One of the reasons for trying to upload them today was the unexpected sale of a camellia on etsy. I had posted the red one ages ago and out of the blue I got a paypal notice. Just as well as I had accidently deleted the etsy email. A day later there is another sale, this time on felt. Another red camellia and a red pansy. I was feeling a little underwhelmed by the whole online experience and then three sales turn up at once. It is only a little bit of money but the paypal account is mounting up slowly and will help with C's trip to Korea!

Planning to go to the Devonport market tomorrow, though much depends on the weather and the agreement of a 10 year old boy. I am bribing him with tales of lunch, buying me a birthday pressie ( for next weekend) and possibly This is It at the cinema. I aspire to Devonport.

Hopefully there will be loads of things for me to choose a birthday pressie from. And some different sellers. I love the craft scene in Auckland but I do worry that often it is the same people time and again. Maybe it is because I am a newbie and just starting out, and I don't want to offend anyone, but I would like to see some new names around the place. ( and not just mine...)

I have been working on other stuff too. My first ever quilt is coming along. The first of nine sections in complete and the second is waiting for the large embroidery. It is real switch off sewing but putting it together is fun.

Not sure what to make of these guys. hey could be ninjas, they could be robots. They could be robot ninjas. Anyway, they made for a fun afternoon. Next time their eyes need to be lower down their bodies!

Need for sleep is overwhelming. Had to get up early to take DD to her music theory exam in Ponsonby. At least I know where Ponsonby is now, and just how close it is to the Harbour Bridge. May even go that way en route to Devonport.

Hugs

So some idiots think it is better to be HIV than to live with a mental condition!?

2009-10-26T11:39:00.001-07:00

A rollercoaster week

2009-10-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes for this week. A school trip to the Waitomo glow worm caves, getting up at 5 and returning at 9 sort of put paid to most of them, as did a school sports day and Hubby deciding to spend most of the rest of the week at home.

Oh a little meltdown in the middle didn't help either. But the good thing about my condition is when you have energy you have lots of it and I am learning to channel it. The adrenalin released by the meltdown ( slightly manic episode) means I now have a tidier house, the ironing is done and there are two new hugs in this world!
I have decided that hugs need to be, as far as possible, made from lovingly recycled materials. Thankfully my kids grow out of clothes at an extraordinary rate, and they wear funky colours. These are made from an old jersey t shirt of Caitlin's and some scraps of felt left over from the flowers.

The next plan is to make some more ninjas and to decide on a colour for a drunken hug!

I had the cufflet thing too. It's only a prototype but I have worn it all week. It's made from the same t shirt material as the hugs- and says 'hugs' with green gingham lining and MY FIRST SELF COVERED BUTTON. How on earth Leila loves handmade make all her buttons so even? Practice practice practice. I want to find a way to make the cuffs reversible without the button digging into your wrist. I love making them, especially when I don't take three attempts to put the elastic in the sandwich in the right place!

I am listing a tonne of rainbow flowers on etsy too, for the international market ( my mother in law and her friends!). I really need to work on my photos for the listings. I am getting better but they are still a bit boring.

ETSY SHOP HERE

I still like this colourway the best

Not sure if you can get a black camellia but I think it is funky ( is that my word for today?)

Hopefully a sleepy weekend for the kids will allow me to make a few things, or at least work on the quilt project I am doing. A photo of that will follow later.

Here's to the end of a rollercoaster week...

HUGS!

oops, forgot to put tags on, and to mention I have applied for another ( small) table at Crafternoon tea- fingers crossed

Ah the happy exhaustion.

2009-10-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Caitlin and Reuben are curled up on the sofa watching the Da Vinci code ( before a family screening of Angels and Demons). C is exhausted as we have JUST RETURNED FROM OUR FIRST EVER CRAFT FAIR AS STALL HOLDERS!

This is a photo from the end of the fair as Caitlin deleted the one I took of her at the beginning. We had a blast.

This was the first 'Crafternoon Tea', a new craft fair in Kingsland. Turned out we had been there before to see Cathy Cassidy the writer at the Intermediate school. She was ace too!

Right from the start everything and everyone were lovely. We were at the end of the room with our backs to the door, which meant I turned round a lot to see what was going on.

There was so much loveliness, I could have spent a fortune.

This was the view from our table.

I just had to buy one of the pillow/cushions. It has a black felt NZ on a cream and green blanket and is so soft and gorgy! I watched all the ones I liked being bought and just had to get this one before it disappeared.

I even did some Xmas shopping and bought Ernie a t shirt from ellie may designs! I think I'll send it early so he can get lots of wear out of it.

Caitlin sold a few flowers to help her Korea fund, I sold four pansies, a couple of rainbow flowers and a camellia. In addition I had a couple of adoptions. I feel like I have given up my children. The Green Man has gone to a very good home and the Unexpected ninja is going off to be an unexpected gift!

I now have lots of ideas for new hugs... a bear hug, a drunken hug, a super hero hug and maybe a kiwi hug!

They will need to make friends with this lovely chap

I am totally exhausted. I think I need a hug! Or I need to go make one.

Crafternoon tea ROCKS!!!!

Hugzzzzzzzz!

I've got a business card and everything

2009-10-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Caitlin and I are off to Crafternoon tea, a brand new craft fair in Kingsland- not far from Eden Park, if my map reading skills are OK- not usually!!!!!

Been busy getting ready, organising a float ( well a shared one as Ant is selling cookies on Sunday so if I don't use it he will), finishing flowers, thinking of good branding and remembering to buy hair ties.

I spent some of today making a little sign for our table, little labels for the flowers and the hugs and SOME BUSINESS CARDS! Oh how I hate Microsoft Word. It took forever as it is so not intuitive. My Macbook was straining under the pressure of running such a useless application.

With that moan over, the next one is "I can't load a picture of said coolness" Poo! But it's late I want to go to bed and I'll load really really cool photos tomorrow! We are table 20, as far away from the door as is possible, but that just means the walk to the coffee place next door will be good exercise.

HUGS!

I have got the best model

2009-10-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am one lucky lady. I have an amazing husband, fabulous and talented kids, supportive friends ( both old and new) and look at this for a 'glamourous mum in law'

Caitlin and I are off to Crafternoon tea, on Saturday and these photos are going to be part of our display. It is our first ever craft fair ( I didn't get a table at Kraftbomb) and it is the first ever Crafternoon tea. Should be very exciting!

alt="Join us for a spot of Crafternoon Tea"/>

I am working today ( I'm a relief teacher at my son's school) but I would really rather be making flowers. I made 10 camellias last night including a black experimental one. So today will be cartoon flowers and new pansies ( oh and nagging Caitlin to make some of hers!

Busy, busy,busy!

Hugs!

Today the kids went back to school

2009-10-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

Ah bliss. A day of crafting, well sort of! Having swapped offices with my hubby, I found that his room is tidy- as I felt responsible for the move and set him up ready for work- and I can't find the floor or the table. He gets internet access and I get space.

Ho hum

Decided to make a hug and alter a skirt. The skirt is unpicked and the hug is made... together with a 'small hug'. I have listed the big hug on Felt though I really think he needs to be felt to be bought. I am still waiting to hear from Kraftbomb, the craft fair in Grey Lynn, though I am not hopeful. I think I am a little too eclectic. If only I could decide upon the ONE THING ( my husband's phrase). I do like making the camellias but I want to work on something else.

I have a bit of a gripe today. A photo of mine, from a Phat Quarter swap, on Flickr was chosen for a gallery. For those who don't know, anyone can create a gallery of other people's photos, a bit like a museum curator. Normally we choose to publicise wonderful work. My gallery for example is called Inspirational stitches which does what is says on the tin.

The gallery my work was 'chosen' for, was a commentary on how the 'explore feature' works on Flickr. Basically, according to the 'curator', my work wasn't interesting enough. This is the second time my work has been deemed unworthy by a stranger.

I checked on Flickr and they say that you are more likely to have a photo chosen for Explore if you contribute to the community, by leaving comments, including tags, joining groups etc.

Personally whenever I go on Explore I find 1000's of photoshopped sunsets and 'interesting' portraits. They do not interest me but I would not dream of questioning their worthiness. Twice now someone has chosen to criticise my inclusion. Bit miffed about this really.

There is an application online which allows you to see which of your photos have been 'explored' Apparently nine of mine have made it! All of them are of craftiness. Are they any less or indeed more worthy than a sunset or a photo of a gorgeous child.

This one is apparently the most popular. Oddly enough no one has complained about it.

Someone took offence at this one though!

Maybe I should try photographing sunsets!

HUGS!

A completed ninja

2009-10-09T01:52:00.000-07:00

Reuben finally has his completed ninja.

Originally he had wanted a floppy dog, like our cocker spaniel Molly, after I had made a fleecy cat for Caitlin. Then he decided a ninja was more him but it had to have throwing stars, attached by velcro.

I ought to point out that Reuben is one of my design gurus. ever since he was a toddler he could pick out exactly the right outfits for me. Now he is able to think up the most amazing embroidery designs and he is a whizz with colour!

The throwing stars were finished this afternoon, in between washing hubby's mobile phone, which allowed him to go and buy a new iphone ( can't complain I get his itouch! ) and making madeira cake and choc chip cup cakes!

The boy is happy but has a mate round so is trying to be cool.

Been a good day craft wise. Sold two more camellias. Off to make some more.

Hugs

A busy day on the computer

2009-10-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

I wonder when I shall start actually sewing again. Probably when the kids go back to school next week. It has been lovely having them at home and spending time with them. However, now that I want to put more energy into the craft side of my life, I find I am having to stay up till midnight in order to get anything made.

Today I have sewn NOTHING!

However, I have managed to list items onto both felt and etsy. This makes me feel virtuous. Four of Caitlin's flowers have gone on... and will no doubt be claimed by one grandparent or other before the evening is out

I have also either listed or edited the camellias on both sites, including photo of Debs taken at the talent quest when she happened to be wearing hers.

The pansy is getting its first airing. Ant says it looks better in the photo than it does in real life. I love my first go at a pansy. It is a work in progress!

I have also loaded up the first of the hugs. By rights I should put an original "Happiness is an unexpected hug' online first, but I like the ninja so much I felt he needed to be listed.

He looks a bit lumpy in the photo but he is dead soft. I made him out of my son's old sweatshirt, well the sleeves anyway. So he is a one of a kind!

The inspiration for him came from Reuben wanting a ninja. Well I made him one ( at midnight, after going to see Mamma Mia so you could say he was unexpected... Ah happiness is an unexpected ninja!

Just remembered he still needs a throwing star. Ah well, that's tonight's job! Maybe I will sew today after all!

Lots of hugs!

Uploading photos

2009-10-06T01:06:00.000-07:00

Today has been frustrating. My internet signal can be affected by anything- a leaf, a gust of wind, looking at it the wrong way. Today I am trying to upload photos to Flickr and Facebook and etsy and Felt and NONE OF THEM ARE LOADING!.

look pretty flowers by Jo and Caitlin

I have just written an application for a table at Kraftbomb, the amazing craft fair in Grey Lynn and put links to this site and the others but now find I can't upload new photos so only half my stuff is on there. FRUSTRATING!

So then I give up and decide to email the lovely organisers some photos. Manage to do that only to get a delivery failure notice as I put the WRONG EMAIL ADDRESS. Typical! Anyway all sorted now... hopefully... unless something else happens

The next type of hug, with his name in Japanese ( hopefully)

I think I shall go and do some sewing, watch some tv and think about all the good things that have happened in the last three days. I have a book where I write things I am grateful for or happy about. Have been so busy and preoccupied lately that I haven't filled it in.

Today I think I need to chill and think about the good things in life... and the fact that there are three photos on this post!

BIG HUGS!

I'M SO EXCITED!!! AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT!

2009-10-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I finally created an account on FELT, a New Zealand crafting website. It's a bit like etsy but frankly seems easier and a bit more like the craft fairs it is supposed to mirror.

It takes about 24 hours for admin to approve the items you list, so I waited and waited. Monday morning came and still they had not been approved. What had I done wrong? Were my items sub standard?

Returned from a trip to the mall today ( with darling daughter taking part in a talent quest) to find not one but TWO sales.

The embroidery case made from an old sampler I made years ago and one of my red camellia hair ties are winging their way - separately to Christchurch.

I think I may be channeling my efforts into FELT instead of etsy apart from as a place to sell Caitlin's flowers for Korea - more on that on a later date.

Haven't had much time to craft lately- school holidays in NZ- but really pleased with what I have managed to make, and with the fact that people like what I am making

Have a big hug from me!

Happy Birthday Y Be

2009-10-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Friday saw the first birthday of a very exclusive little business in Point Chevalier in Auckland.

Y Be is the brainchild of a fabulous, energetic and talented designer called Jenny Walker. She creates the most amazing custom designed, oriental inspired gorgeousness ( note to self:- find a new noun!)

This is the lovely home of the lovely Jenny, right next door to the Point Chev Cafe!

The lady herself modeling her famous Obi panel

My little flowers on display and on hats!

The September batch of flowers.

It is really exciting seeing your creations ( even little ones like this) on sale in a real shop. OK so I have only sold five so far but the night is young

Just a few more of her design. Aren't they fab?

Jenny and Y Be are on the web and you can find them on Facebook

A new beginning

2009-09-19T19:54:00.001-07:00

I have crafted on and off for years. I learned embroidery at primary school, dress making and knitting from my mum, cross stitch in the USA and had a go at just about everything else... apart from crochet which I JUST CAN"T DO!

Craft has been really important to me in terms of keeping me sane and centred, useful when you are bipolar!

It is also a way of expressing myself!

I have also raised a bit of money ( when I say a bit I mean a very very very small amount which would just about buy a CD in NZ) from making the odd brooch.

Thought it was about time I record all of this.

I Flickr, I tweet, therefore I am, I Facebook ( are these all verbs?). Now to combine all these into one. A bit like what John Key is hoping to do to Auckland with the totally unnecessary SuperCity. Oops does that mean this is unnecessary? Oh well!

The title for the blog comes from the work of a wet afternoon and a search for a positive quote about love, hugs, cuddles and positiveness..