Recent Doings.

Its been a long time since I was in a sensible enough routine to spend time on my blogging and reading of blogs. I'm hoping to overcome my recent problems and keep in touch with this place somehow, because its just the sort of place I like to be. So, 'hello' again, sweet readers! I'll drop by soon.

I've had horrible things to deal with in the Single Mummy Zone, and it came to a peak on Thursday, when the ex and a mediating officer rang me out of the blue, on my Birthday, to quibble childcare decisions, and just-as-worryingly, monetary issues (which were put to bed over two years ago). Its a real source of anguish actually, and I was upset that he chose to deliver the news of his most recent plot on that particular day. I'm being tied up in knots. My very real fear is that he wants me to end up with nothing. People that know my situation in greater detail will understand that I haven't overstated that, unfortunately.
Needless to say, with the emotion of the occasion, and my pathelogical dislike of most of my adulthood birthdays, (although I had intended to try and enjoy this one!) it was not a good thing. The day ended worse than it had began, and I was appreciative to all those that tried to improve things, but I decided to write it off! Better luck next year maybe.

I'm reminded of a little Monty Python clip here, something about bright sides of life... I'm trying, Eric!

''Lifes a piece of ***t, when you look at it!...''

So I probably should end on a high. I did have a nice weekend, and had a little birthday party on the Saturday, and a picnic on the Sunday. I was thoroughly spoilt, and had a good time ringing in my thirtieth, or twenty-tenth as the children call it, despite the nearness of tears on many occasions. It wasn't easy, but I was glad that I didn't cancel and take to my bed. I do have a lovely family, and a pretty fab boyfriend, and a couple of very true friends. It really helps.


xxx

And also, a special kinda girl wrote some lovely words earlier, please do pop by her blog if you haven't already- I promise it'll cheer you up! I hadn't seen the content of her post before I wrote this one, but I hope I haven't spread any gloom to her corner of Blogland! She sounds all sparkly and light and as though she has been relieved of a great weight. Good for her. Theres a positive thing.

Just a Holiday note...

Hello! Its been such a long time, but I've been away, and at home with family since we last spoke, pretty much constantly. You could say, I've been busy being Home and Away. I want nothing better than a long sit down and a cuppa, and a large helping or some homemade blackberry cake, so that I can catch up on all that has been going on while I have been absent, presumed missing, from my little blog.
I'm looking forward to escaping for a while, from the housework and into some lovely posts, and finding some time to sit down and write a bit about my adventures too. It feels like much more than three weeks or so since I was here last.
I promised to fill you in on the festival, which I must do, and then of course there was the week abroad, and the return home to gather the beautiful small people up into my arms and squeeze tightly. I've been doing lots of that. Our camping trip this week has been postponed due to the rain, so I'll be thinking up more local things to do, (squeezing the last out of our holiday... as we seem to only have a tiny amount left), but whether it could top the day trips we took last week with my parents, and the makey-fun we got up to, I have yet to discover. I'll let you know.
We're back to London next week for a Duck Tour, then I guess we all go back to school... but lets not think about that yet. If I don't make it back, its because flying homemade kites took presidence!

Catch you soon.


xxx

And now for something Completely Different...

I've caught this little bug, the one that has been milling about recently. Symptoms include:

itchy fingers

the need to create

pestering more crafty family members, for advice, support, spare equipment, and lessons

hunting around charity shops for useful fabrics and books

emitting squeally sounds when you feel an especially expensive yarn (or wool as I'm used to calling it- sorry!)

There are some quite serious cases of it in Blogland, so I kinda hold you people accountable. And theres that little matter of my 30s list- this new sickness is just the right kinda thing to tick off, numbers 5 and 9.

I've aways enjoyed making things: cards, cross stitches, and I love drawing and painting, so perhaps the signs were there. I've mentioned before that I grew up in a house of crafty-ness. I felt a little inept when it came to making costumes for Pickle Missy's World Book Day recently, so something had to be done. (The sewing machine is being dusted off, and there is a fabulous project ready to start, thank you once again, Lucy). It used to be unfashionable to make things, and you'd attract comments about lack of money if you sported lovingly created hand-made jumpers as a child (from other children of course). I wouldn't dare mention to my school friends that I got one of these!

 I can still remember what I made for the big project: an adult sleeveless stripy jumper in a kinda aqua marine and navy, with buttons on one shoulder. Beautiful!!!! It was the '80s, people, therefore, this is an acceptable design and colour combo.

A new era has come. I have one of these noodles, (that is what Pickle Missy calls them, and that is therefore what they will be known as!) and I'm ready to go.

You see? I read blogs from proper crafters- I understand that we are supposed to find the prettiest fabrics to photograph things on :)

In fact, truth be told, I've started. Mum tried to teach me, but proclaimed me un-teachable, so she found me a couple of books and some remnants and told me to set out into the big crochet world unaided, for that is truly the way forward (and her mother had decided that she couldn't be taught either, so that is the route that she also took) ...or something to that effect. I can now proudly make round things, and long things, and wormy things.

So anyway, how does this sound so far?....



xxx

30 thingys to do before I'm 30.

I have two or three posts hanging around the 'drafts' department, and I am trying to space them out. This is an improvement on last week, when I had 6 or 7. My blog posts come to me- like Pooh Bear's hums, and they are in charge of me at times. I have lots to blog right now, but need to be in charge of the blog posts, and say 'no-wait your turn!!!' occasionally. I had something else planned for today, but thought that this one had more urgency, as I need to get a wriggle on, so I have let it out to be read.  Lucy also blogged her list yesterday, and the timing seemed right. 

I obviously ought to celebrate my thirtieth somehow- this is being worked-upon. I might actually get some friends and family to traverse afar to my corner of the world for some kind of party (visit me? A potentially Most Unusual Situation). Somehow it needs to be fabulous- my favourite people, lots of photos, lots of memories and great moments, decent music and entertainment, and yummy food and drink. I might just go over the top. I really might.

But anyway...You know whats also important? I neeeeeeed to celebrate my 'leaving of the twenties' somehow. I explained my feelings back in this post. Its essential, to my mind, as a process of putting the last decade behind me. I totally understand 'divorce parties' now! Don't knock it till you've had one! (A divorce that is). I won't be indulging, but I can quite understand the need for some people. I think the 'shaking yourself free from the past' aspect is part of my reasoning for this. Also, re divorce parties: any excuse for cake.

So here is the plan: I'm going to do 30 things that I haven't done before, or that I think will make a good impact on my life. Its  a way of remembering this year, and also a way of trying new things and maybe getting out of my comfort zone. I had a good look at this website for general inspiration, and also thought hard to myself about what I wanted to do (yes, yes it did hurt). I'll aim to cross things off here, and take photos where possible. You'll notice I kept things in threes. See what I did there?...

So:

1) Go to a Festival
2) Write a song
3) Send 3 secrets to PostSecret.com (I literally cannot wait!)
4) Find a personally inspiring quote and work it into a piece of art/ decor.
5) Complete 3 projects from here
6) Host a Dinner Party (cooking a three-course-meal).
7) Do a sporty challenge, and be generally active.
8) Do some kind of performance.
9) Learn 3 new skills.
10) Change my surname back to my maiden name.
11) See a sunrise
12) Learn to put my face in water.
13) Buy only second hand clothes, and adapt them into something 'Me' where neccesary.
14) Volunteer, charitably.
15) Leave a book somewhere, with a note inside it, for somebody else to pick up.
16) Sell some unwanted things of mine, to make money for new things.
17) Read my shelf of un-read or part-read books (excluding Complete Works!)
18) Fly a Kite (Ha! Didn't realise till today that this was also one of Lucy's).
19) Write a letter to my children, with advice and memories that I don't want to forget.
20) Join a club or an organisation.
21) Collect 50p pieces.
22) Make a story book for the children.
23) Have a cocktail party.
24) Learn more about star constellations, and go star gazing.
25) Watch 3 new films.
26) Catch up with the news every day for 3 weeks.
27) Get a new family picture taken.
28) Do a 'baked and homemade only' week, 3 times
29) De-tox, and take out all of the naughty foods for 3 weeks
30) Declare myself happy

Its a little worrying, flicking through the links, and seeing how many people didn't complete theirs, by a mile. But I guess thats the good thing of having a short list, rather than one of 101 things which I think might make me feel panicky. I really hope I've kept them realistic. Its so interesting (not in a patronising way, you know...) reading lists made by teens, and having a glimpse into their minds and their priorites. I guess if I did this list at 19, mine too would have consisted of 'get the bus on time' and 'remember to clean my room' and 'say thank you to mum for the meals once a day'!




xxx


PS, thank you for all of your suggestions regarding this, and to Lucy who understood what I was looking to achieve, and pointed me in the right direction!

I have much to tell you (well no, I need to tell you ONE thing) Part the Second.

I can't really believe it, but I am very grateful to Lucy, at Tête en l'Air, for my second little award in a week. (You can read about the first one here, if you fancy). Look! I am putting it over there on the left, yep, just there, with the other, on the virtual mantelpiece so that people will see it and realise how thankful I am. You lot are fab! As with the Kreativ Award, much celebratory bouncing and big smiles took place when I found out. Happy Me.

You may be wondering why I received it. So am I. It is passed on to recognise smaller blogs with less than 300 followers. I have about 5% of 300, and I am grateful for every single one. And any readers that do not 'follow' or comment- we love you too. [Insert sloppy acceptance speech HERE].

The rules say that I should pass this on to 5 other small (under 300 followers) blogs. Hmmm. Most of the smaller blogs that I love have received this. And I really don't want to be the one who passes this on to people who perhaps then feel that they are pressured to post a response, (and who then have to choose five blogs), if this isn't something that appeals too strongly to them! Some people just aren't fans of the process. So for this reason I have chosen two for now- ones that I know will feel as I did.

Louise at Ramblings of a Roachling...

...who writes beautifully and captures the scenery so well in her posts about the lovely walks in her local area. As with the best blogs (in my humble opinion), there are little snippets of daily life thrown in here and there, and she has been so welcoming to me in Blogland. So there we are. Isn't it lovely that you get to 'meet' these nice people via your own writings, and discover mutual interests and similarities and senses of humour etc? Its a lovely blog to dip into, and lose yourself in.

And...

Cello Lady at Misadventures of an Experimental Cook...

...which may be a completely new blog, (even newer than mine) with just the one stalker, (moi...), but every post has made me giggle. She is too much like myself, and I'm quite sure she'd appreciate the award, like in a bouncy way, which is quite an acceptable way (perhaps the best way) of responding to it.

xxx

I have much to tell you!

And this is what I say to my sister, when we have our phone chats- to prepare her to clear her evening! So I hope you have a free 5 minutes... The layout of my blog only allows for a narrow amount of writing space, and I'm having no luck updating the look- I'm sure this is why the posts look so long! ;)

I need to tell you , at some point, about our visit to the circus, and my evening at the O2, and I need to dash around a bit and try to complete my photos for the Photo Scavenger Hunt, while we have a couple of days left in the month. I will try and get those things done soon.

But today, I need to tell you that I have been nominated for the Kreativ Blogger Award... not once, (thank you Vicky) but twice (thank you Pink Cat)!

Ooh. how exciting! I truly bounced when I found out. And I shall be wearing it proudly on my blog. I say 'nominated', but it translates as something that I can announce, and pass on to ten other bloggers. I'm not sure how I managed to get one of these, as my blog is only a baby one, (I'm not even weaned, although I'm getting hungry for more substantial stuff) and I still have lots to improve. I also don't have that many followers, but I'm going for quality rather than quantity... and amongst a couple of girlies who I've known for a long time, (who surely read this sympathetically), are some other bloggy people that I have never met, but who also seem to kindly put up with my rambings. Thank you to everyone!



These are the rules:

1) Link 10 blogs

2) Tell these bloggers about the award

3) Write 10 facts about yourself

Hmmm, ten blogs. I have so many blogs that I follow with interest, that this is quite hard. I've tried to nominate smaller blogs, and ones that haven't had this before. I reccommend you have a little read of these if you haven't already- I genuinely enjoy them. Of course, the rather lovely Pink Cat would be included, but she's ahead of me and has written her post! So I'm going to go for

Rachel at Baking Brownies For Mozart

Sio at Cake Creations

Toni, aka Irish Lass at Gardens, Chickens and Folk Music

Diane at Heart Shaped

Top Chelsea Girl at How Soon Is Now?

Maddie at (Diary of a) 30 Something Skellum 

Pooky at Pooks Place

 Louise at Ramblings of a Roachling

Taz at Ratbag

Simply Vintage at Vintage Hearth

Right then, 10 facts about myself. Apologies if I am repeating things here- it probably can't be helped when some of the readers know me very well! I've tried to be consise, but it doesn't come naturally ;) Here we go:

1) I do not have any cousins. Not a single one. Sad face. Most unfair- considering that my mum has a couple and my dad has puh-lenty. I have spent my life collecting other people's cousins as a result- the ones that they don't want.

2) When I had my ears pierced, the lady said I would only be able to wear 9 carat gold because they were sensitive. This led to me being a Gold Jewellary Wearer by accident. I actually prefer silver, and now that I no longer have blonde hair and don't need to wear rings on the fourth finger of my right hand, I have decided that silver suits me, and I have rebelled.

3) I'm not one of the majority that says 'I loved Uni- best time of my life!' It was more than a bit poo, I was lonely, and I haven't really used the qualification. It wasn't a totally pointless experience, but one that I quickly realised wasn't for me. It was a long three years! I'll be supportive of whatever my children decide to do, jobwise, but won't push them towards University on the notion of better jobs, and higher standards of training.

4) I was appauled by The Office sketch at this year's Comic Relief Event. I was getting more and more uncomfortable, waiting for a punchline, or a twist that would make what they were saying all ok. It didn't come.

5) I love my afternoon naps- they are essential. Actually naps at any time of day, for any length, are a grand idea. I much prefer this kind of sleep to the night-time version. And theres nothing better than sleeping in a sunny puddle.

6) I haven't travelled abroad much, and I really want to. I took a holiday to Greece with a friend and her family when I was 16- my only two aeroplane-trips, and have been on two 'working tours' by coach (but we didn't have time to stop to see much). I'd love to go to Italy, and America, and Canada. In fact, everywhere.

7) One day, I hope to be the sort of smug person with the perfect home, who remembers the bins and recycling without a midnight dash in PJs, or an 'Oh No!' feeling on the way back from the school run. My front garden will truly be awesome, and the front of my house will be newly painted, and the bins will be clean and neat and tidy, with pretty flowery transfers on them.

8) I hate my photo being taken, and I always look awkward because I have to smile without showing my teeth. I don't have enough photos of me with my loved ones. One is probably the result of the other.

9) When I am a Grown-Up, I shall have boots of many colours, and I will look fabulous. I do love my boots, and my flip-flops. In fact I wear knee-high boots for half the year, and flip-flops for the other half.

10) I love cats. I badly want a cat, and have had them in both homes previous to this one. When the time is right, I will aquire one. I have a long list of impressive names to choose from. Just need the cat.

xxx

Silliness

I gave myself a little sit down and a think today, in the midst of it all, and have realised what is important.

Enough with the rubbish side of single parenting. Its not a perfect situation but I wouldn't want to change it. In relation to yesterday's ponderings, I'm going to go with my instinct and see where we end up.

I came across a bloggy challenge recently, and it coincided with a parenting thought, and I've been getting all thinky about things. I've been determined to embrace the fun in the Single Mummy Zone where possible, (I'm usually fairly good at this but have lost my way a tiny bit in recent weeks) and today we found our silly sides again.

Little Guy was full of beans when we collected him from nursery, and he was determined to hide from us on the journey home, without being fully aware that we could make him out quite clearly, even when he tried to make himself small by bending down and trying to blend in. You'll see what I mean!

He headed off...

Where had he got to? A passing cat, Pickle Missy and I 

were a little way behind, and weren't sure...

Could that be him? He is rather camoflaged. It was! He ran off 

when he heard us approach to try another place.

 Gotcha!

xxx

Today, I like these things...

Homestart - these people are truly fab. When I have more time, I'll certainly give volunteering a try- I owe them so much. On a personal level, when all other avenues have offered me nothing, they are always there, and they always come up trumps. Not to mention the Christmas parties, teddybear picnics, drop-ins and groups, advice, courses, including this one (which, so the rumour goes I found out, is accompanied by a pampering sesh and a tray of cream cakes on the last day). They also passed me on a Tesco voucher for my Christmas food- shopping last year, from another charitable company who wanted to donate them to local families. A 'Faith restored in Human Nature' moment. Truly overwhelming!

Oh, and I'm listening to this lady muchly. Isn't she just beautiful? And I love love love this track:

Theres something about the blues!...

And look what I discovered recently. I think I'd like the yellow one better, but this one is still gorgeous! I was a big fan of the mini ones when I was a bit younger, but unfortunately Mother Nature decided to lower my tollerance to sweet things after I had two children. Crazy but true. (I used to have the ability to pack away doughnuts and chocolates by the dozen, but now I hit my limit for sugar far too quickly. The pregnancies were all about the savoury: porridge, tinned spaghetti, and pringles please!) It would probably be a bit sickly, and oddly enough, I don't even like sponge cake, but purely for nostalgia, and because it is so aesthetically pleasing, how about celebrating with a teeny tiny slice of one of these?

Image is courtesy of: http://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/lifestyle-8/brides-

weddings-503/267804-wedding-cake.html

I was looking for a piccy, and came across a couple of new blogs that I liked, and I had to 'follow' them. Its so funny when things happen by accident! I mis-dialled a work contact the other day, and ended up talking to a carpet-cleaner by mistake. I thought this was a sign- we now have a clean carpet.


xxx

Thingys to Make And Do

I have in my head, bubbling around, a little list of projects that I would really like to undertake at some point soon. Note the lack of schedule- schedules are not my favourite things- I get short of breath at the thought of deadlines, and will be doomed to failure if I take that route. I also have problems finding spare time. But I like to be distracted from day-to-day issues, and I have wishes to do things- to create and make, and adapt ideas and patterns and produce sparkly things! I need to weild scissors and glue, and make my sewing machine whirr, and find a style all of my own. I want my children to be brought up in a making environment too, and I'm missing the homemade Beautiful Things that were in my lovely home, on bookcases, around my twirly whirly staircase, on the front door, on the piano.... in every room at Christmas, from somewhere near the start of Advent, to Twelfth Night. The house looked so much more personal, and it was such a pleasure to be in. I'm loving the party prep that I have been absorbed in the last couple of weeks, and am sad at the thought of 'no more projects' once its all over. You bloggy people are not helping, with your Beautiful Things that are home-made! So I have decided that I need these kinds of handcrafted thingys to live Here, somewhen:

1) Loose covers/ throws which are Beautiful, (in a hotch-potch of patterned and pretty fabrics) to cover my sofa and chair, which are currently not Beautiful. I'd like to do something similar for the children's beanbags, if I continue to draw a blank looking for new loungy-seating for them. This massive project is just soooo clear in my mind's eye- I can see it! But I have literally no material! However, I do love a Charity-Shop trawl, and we have a wealth of them here, so its time to start collecting.

2) Artwork in my bedroom. I think I may be able to produce something of my own. It won't be spectacular, but it will be pretty, and flowery, (I love happy flowers) and all the things that I want my home to be- important stuff!!! I loved the dandelion pictures I saw in Louise's makeover. (I can't tell you what a release it has been, being able to adorn my little pad with my own things- feminine things, now that its We Three. The buzz I got from re-arranging the front entrance and putting my 'dolly' pegs on display in a pretty heart wire basket when I first became a singleton was a just a little bit fab!)

3) A modest Doll's House. Not a professional looking one, but something in the vein of the Blue Peter 'Barbie/ My Little Pony-Makes' that they used to do when I was growing up. You know the ones? Rooms made from cardboard, with wrapping-up paper walls, and clever things inside to makeshift into cool furniture.

4) A doll and a soft toy. More sewing projects. I like the idea of my children being involved with them personally. I've been thinking it over a while, wondering if it was more a project to undertake with Grandma's supervision in the Summer, then Lucy blogged about hers, and it got me excited. Back-burner with this one perhaps so that Pickle Missy is really ready to try sewing machines so she can 'create' with us.

5) Cards. More of them. I do enjoy making them, but don't seem to find the time very often, but this again is something that the children enjoy. I should have a few more creations put by, for card-related-emergencies, in the card box. I grabbed myself a good few ideas for Easter ones in my friend's Craft Shop recently.

6) Jewellery. I'm no designer, and I don't know anything about this really, but I just love accessories, and am thinking of doing my own research and collecting things that I could use over time. I could start with making badges, and things on pins and hairbands. I want to find a style here too.

7) A Bag. A nice patchworky bag, with perhaps some sewing detail, and buttons, and Beautiful Things on it. One with a huge strap, so that I can wear it across my body- I'm quite often a creature of habit, and that is really the only style of bag I can comprehend nowadays! Maybe I should start with more of a 'shopping carrier', and work upwards. Bags, much like the rest of it, are just a big complicated thought right now- I haven't made them since school. But I think I might just have to give it a go.




xxx