Happliest of Newest Yearingtons

Ring out the old, bring in the new… blah blah blah.

I would love to sit and mope about the horrible and ploppy things about this year but REALLY!!! What is the point? You don’t care, I’ve gone past caring and if I add up the wonderful opportunities, events, happenings and travels of this year - it far outweighs the misery. Truly. So a big hooray for those “happiness through tears” situations that makes my life so beautiful.
It has been a very, very good year, though, if I absorb it all and sift out the weak points. My hair went from shoulder length to bob to very short, weight went from nice to wobbly to weird, scrapping went from ok to great to non existent, photography went from P&S to acceptable to addictive snapping (in excess of 15,000 photo’s) and my life went from drudge to mediocre to crapdom then stability. I travelled from England to California, to Florence, to Holland (twice), to Paris, to Spain and about to travel again to Barcelona and Eire. Ive taught in Birmingham, Bristol, Gloucester, Devon and Scotland and about to hit Wales in February too. Ellie’s confidence grew but physically she is looking a little hunched and curved. But that will be fixed with this new physio she is about to embark on. Mark goes to more Liverpool FC games and introduced myself amongst others to geo caching and for that alone I am dazzled.
But, you know, we shouldn’t really sit and analyse this year (as other years) too much as it will inevitably blend into the others we have survived. There are lessons to learn but non too significant that it should change us. We can make a resolution but like dreams, they are something we float on and try to feel good about the fact we took the time to try and make changes – that in itself is good. I like to think some things I have done have changed me but really I am still me. And the beauty of blogging helps me realise that.
If it wasn’t for blogging so much, I would forget the mundane things I did on a monotonous, daily basis. I blog enough to stand public attention but between the lines, remember the other little bits of that day too. You really only see the better side of my day and nothing gets past the “submit” button that you would want to be sent to sleep by (do you really want to know the total of my grocery shopping bill or how much council tax we pay?!!).
And so what if I blog about having a pooey day? Lifes about poo too! I love looking back to any day I choose and recalling the smallest detail without even opening a single scrapbook. I love that I can upload and share my pictures and my slide album and enjoy the comments and emails that follow it. You empathise, you disagree, you share – it’s a democracy I sometimes hate living with but its there. I cry and laugh and stare and hurt and moan and jump for joy……. every day. I love the randomness a day brings be it being morma, wife-like, crafting, photographing, surfing forums, learning new ideas – even doing nothing. So this is why scrapbookers love to blog – its an online album without lifting the herma!
This is our treat for seeing the new year in. Ok, ok, ok - its hardly Krug or Bolly but its our celebration to toast to a new year… whatever it may bring. I made a spag bol (don’t die fo shock, it was shop bought sauce but a rather splendid sainsburys special sauce with pesto and of course a fabulous shop bought cheesecake) We don’t generally “do” shop bought stuff but we wanted to take it easy tonight.

So – 2007?
I don’t want to plan that it will be successful or overly eventful. I have listed a few goals for Ellies sake and am confident that they will be ticked off as they occur. My goal though? Mmmmmmmm, not a tough question. My main treat is Barcelona in February. Its been a dream destination of mine for years. Id very much like an Epson R1800 printer so Im saving for that and Id like to teach a bit of creative photography a bit more often as well as teach at scrapping events. But as long as Belle is happy, Mark is home more often and my camera is working – then Im happy.
Have a wonderful New Year – I will be seeing it in tucked under the duvet whilst watching fireworks on the TV from London. And then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Playing in the Studio

Well I dont actually have a full blown, photographers dream studio. It turns out that the new den that Mark built me is enough for just myself and craft supplies, projects, albums and knick knacks. So meet my mini studio!! Until we reclaim the dining area of our lounge back - this will do for practice. Whats beautiful about my new den is it is free from inteferring light so it makes perfect practicing until I figure what to do with the mountain of craft stuff I have. Not only do I scrap but I also make cards, sew, paint and use another PC for my Pazzles machine. So I have acquired an awful lot of stuff since 2001 and I can't bare to part with any of it - not even a scrap of card (all my scraps make cards and toppers - for those emergeny fixes). Here are snapshots of the room. Its is pig sty right now and I AM RIGIDLY REGIMENTED about tidyness as a rule. However, this room is still under construction with shelves to be put up and pictures to hang... so forgive me.

I set up the black background for the first time plus my camera and practiced on moaning mini Ellie. Honest, she has a mum who loves taking nice photies and she hates being the subject. Then I practiced on moaning mini Mark and he was just as bad. So if you are up for modelling PLEASE come and play! This was Mark's effort although I have to say that even though its slightly over exposed - he didn't half do a good job. Then I took pics of my new wellies for my geo caching days. I am in love with these monster wellies and saves my trainers and Cat boots from being ruined to death. We are off geo caching in the morning near Abram - I believe there are 9 to find so we will wrap up and go and discover.
I had a lovely email from a lady near me on christmas day who thanked us for bringing geo caching to the world of scrappers. She bought a GPS for her kids and went on their first adventure on Chrsitmas eve. Subsequently they went out again on christmas day. And I believe a certain lil lady in Holland is going to give it a bash. It truly is good, clean family fun and gets you all out in the fresh air. the bonus for the kids is the hunting for clues and the hidden treasure from within. WE LOVE IT.
We went sales shopping today in the Trafford Centre. I only bought a few things including 75% off jewellery pieces for everyday wear, "Big" and "Uncle Buck" on DVD plus some wrapping paper (you know - the nice funky stuff I often use on layouts!!!). I also took a brave step into the Apple shop and calculated my dream purchases to around £2,300 and walked out with only having to spend a penny in the nearly public conveniences!!! Belle bought herself a game for her DS called Hamsters and is hooked. She had an awful lot of saved pocket money to spend and she feels so grown up when she goes to the counter and pays for stuff herself. I admire her new found confidence, especially when she practically jumps for joy over a hassle free transaction with a purchase she is delighted about. And although she had £125 to spend, she didnt part with much. Ive always love that Ellie buys just what she needs as opposed to blowing it on rubbish. Mark bought a shaver after his old one of 4 years died this very morning. He also bought the new Pirates of the Caribean (now I know thats spelled wrong but I can't be bothered to google it neither). We are about to settle down with the last of the Xmas chocs and watch it. And I was so good today eating yogurt, a healthy subway lunch and jacket spud for tea. Aaaah well, new year is but another 28 hours away yet.

Diet will start then.

And resume back to crumbing up the xmas left overs til february, by which time it will be almost valentine and mothers day with chocolates, then easter with chocolates that will last until August. Then I have to buy in the christmas stuff again. Gee.... one day, hey?

For Sale

Oh my poor Fuji. She came, she saw (lots) and now has to go. This was my flagship camera, a true workshorse that makes a lovely clunk when taking a picture. It took 70% of the pictures on my website and so set my hobby to the max. Its being sold (body only) with many extras such as the camera grip, 1gb memory card, fast recharge unit and 12 batteries, lowe pro professional camera bag carrier with room for spare lenses. The body is in perfect order, dust free, strap, and in the original box. The full spec can be found on here and believe me, if I didnt need my Nikon D200 so much, I wouldn't be selling it. I want to buy another D200 as a spare so selling my fuji will help put money towards it. The S2 pro ranks amongst the abilities of a Canon 20D and a D100 for superb results. The fuji S2 Pro has a nikon lens mount which means you can use quality lenses on this wonderful camera. If you are seriously interested - go and make a bid here

And if you haven't yet - go and see this. I LOVED IT. In fact I think I loved it more than Ellie. Completely have an affinity to Mumble. He is my new black in cartoon heroes.

Those feet, those dancing feet ....... tra la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Goony Christmas

I can't tell you the fun some of my family had with photobooth (mac's in built photo thingy). Even though I've been hacking my guts up with a cough so hacky, I've almost resorted to being "at one" with my intestines...... I did manage to take a break from being grey and yucksome in short, sharp bursts.





Now we are back home, snuggly snug in our cosy home and watching Pretty Woman before Greys Anatomy. I do actually have some nice photo's to share but Im spending time doing something I don't really do and thats chilling out. And coughing. A lot.

BLECH!

s'now fun spending christmas in bed with bronchial flu and a back pain only one can describe as crippling.

Had so much fun though watching belle opening presents, stuffing as much food as we could muster into our "saved" christmas bellies and playing games that any dice could survive the bashing against my mums famous "tempered glass" top.

I have pictures to share but Im just about to enjoy my first christmas drink after getting over the flu from hell. So I'll chink my glass against my computer screen and a small toast to all of you.

Just think - its 363 days to next christmas. Oh what fun.

The Cake..... ahem?

Don't laugh - it's meant to be arty. I was like a kid making this up. Such fun. There were 40 buns to be precise. You may call them cupcakes but actually we call them buns. And there were 40 and now there are zilch. In our tummies along with the rest of the heart attack inducing badness we will gorge on over the next week. Minus sprouts, of course. Blech! Gaddarn orrible things, they are.
Here is the party boy looking incredibly 40. This was taken upon our return from the chinese which I have to say was a good night out. They fussed overe the kids, pampered to our every whim and served great food. It was a wonderful way to spend time with loved one and marks the start of a feast of family spirit. Well, some family spirit shall we say ;)
Gotta go and get ready to roll truly into christmas. Poor Mark is nursing a hangover in bed - so that means I must go and vacuum the stairs. Mwahahahahahahaha.
Have a super squishy christmas and if I dont manage to blog between now and whenever make you you ring out the old (a must for me every year) and bring in the new. As a scrapper that means ditching Skate Shoppe and welcoming Blush. snigger.

I really do hope EVERYONE and that includes - well..... everyone, a very merry christmas.

PS: Its not the law to eat sprouts you know - I wont tell if you dont eat them.

So I was taking a break

from everything rushed and busy until the organisation of the masters b'day. But oh no. Morma and Pappa come a day early, brother cancels, sisters schedule is unknown (eta - she cancelled), no new clothes, food organised, cake stack rearranged, Ellie sorted, my facial session is touch and go whether I can make it or not. Mum forgot her skirt so we have to go shooping to get a new one. Morma and I took a trip to IKEA to get some glasses and napkins and ended up going to ToysRus on the way plus Asda. We did have fun as we rattled along to the Beatles. I played her a medley and she guessed each song within the first few beats. Its hardly suprising as the Beatles started a lot of their songs with the title of their record. Im in such awe of my morma - she went to see them when she was younger .... now that is impressive.
As promised here are photos of our nature walk/geo cache from Thursday. I love this reflection of Glen, Mark and Belle from the canal. I wish the water had of been a little calmer so it wouldethave looked crisp but thats nature for you huh?

The rest of the pics show the gang, marks 50th caches - guess what was in there as a cache treasure? It was a choice of crayons, a yoyo or a medal (uncanny!) and some naturey bits.

Then there was a leaf clinging on for dear life and yet other branches had buds on them. This gaddarn planet's seasons are well out of sync. Just wish it was permanently summer!

oh no - the big four-oh!

Its the masters 40th today. He doesn't look a day over 43. Mwahahahahahahha.

Its so late and no time to do a proper, in depth blog-a-roo today. Spent all afternoon geo caching with Belle and Glen. We walked for miles and took in nature with big breaths. Found 7 caches with treats hidden inside for the kids. Mark couldn't find 2 within the GPS vicinity until hawk eyed Kirsty took over. Hurrah for my fab vision.

Will update with pictures tomorrow and the ramblings of todays promising visit to the physio with Ellie. I say promising because I believe. But I've said that at least 30 times in the past and look where it has got us. Pray for us bloggers becuase Ellie has to learn to walk all over again. Its a long journey ahead of us - let's just wait and see.

Adios.

PS: I have received two unexpected christmas cards today and from whom I have not sent cards to. I feel rotten about that.... who knows any lovely, classy e-cards that I can buy rather than little freebies?

Anita and I bought everything in Wigan.......

..........so don't go shopping there. Its all gone - in either our bellies or bags.
Seriously, that woman can shop. I say that within 1.5 hours she had gotten everything and more plus a bit of a supermarket sweep at Marks and Sparks. A trail blaze of molten lava lay in her wake with women in the queue's having more hot flushes than normal (and believe me - ain't that the thing with Mark and Spark customers whose average age is 45). I LOVE Marks - they have the best food and knickers ever. So from the best shop in the UK to the best value shop in the UK ... the wonders that is Primark. OMG. Have you seen what I got for my money? I love instant gratification on a teeny budget. Little things like this make me happy.

And then these little wooden hearts that I buy from a shop in Wigan called The Bluehouse. It sells the most delish furniture and knick-knacks plus a massive range of East Of India Products. I must have been a magpie in a previous life to love such little trinkets.

I have three more things to buy plus party food for mark's 40th. We have both our immediate families attending plus a few tag-a-longer's. This means dips, chips and stuff to make hips as wide as the english channel. I cannot find a plain iced cake for him so Im thinking of doing a cupcake stack with lavender icing. Trouble is I can't find any fresh lavender sprigs so any suggestions for altenatives would be great. Do they have Lavender essence in shops at all? Wouldn't it be great that if they didn't have this in the shops that someone would make it - I love lavender icing.
Another invention idea I had with Anita this afternon is Sanitising spray. If nobody does it I want to go on the "The Dragons Den" to present the idea to them. Let it be said here first though bloggers unless of course this stuff exists. Ok - reason for sanitising spray? Well public toilets for starters. How many do you visit and find them completely in a state of sewerage? I love to visit loo's where there are seat covers or attached sprays to help keep you germ free when you spend that wee penny ... (tee hee!!!). But wouldnt it be great if you could have a handbag sized spray to keep about you to blast those pesky stinky germs into infection heaven when you next go and attempt to hover over that infested stink pit of a public bog? Girls on nights out, old grannies and those with a lavvy OCD would buy these for sure. So come and sign my petition and get some fat cat pharmaceutical company to make them NOW!
Im off to go and make a 40th B'day card for hubbly and the last of my family's crimbo cards. Are you all excited yet? I soooooooooo totally am (well, after the marathon that is "wrapping presents" is over)

Signed, sealed, delivered - Im yours

Bloody hell and bloodyness of all mighty.
Christmas for me started about 10 minutes ago when everything I have supposed to have done has been done and will be put to bed forever. The cards have been posted (see my special one here made for my extra special one made for Dyan), deadlines complete, photos edited and loose ends all tied up. I thrive on deadlines, I do. I may moan, whinge and panic but they get done and I reckon the adrenaline is enough to give me grey hair before Im 40. But Im done and for the first time in weeks I am watching a DVD with Marko. Ok, still surfing on the bad boy laptop but nevertheless Im having time out with him after the Liverpool match he was supposed to go and see was postponed due to fog. He found out about 100m from the grounds so it was a waste of 30 miles, trying to find a parking space and the gut wrenching news that the boys were not playing - booooooooooooo for fog.
Wanted to share a photo of a wonderful package I received today. No letter or note arrived with it but the post mark screamed "Hebe" and its the most gorgous gift I have ever ever had. It's a lunch box filled with pink tissue and clear baubles filled with ribbon, buttons and beads. I stared at it for ages and took a studio shot of it. Hebe and all my friends will delighted to hear that I have taken a short online course about studio photography. Its about flippin time - I do struggle with it somewhat.
Also - to my darling friend Robyn of Georgia (USA). Your package arrived today and I am blown away with your generosity. Robyn is such a sweet lady who mails me from time to time and whose daughter wanted to send ellie some goodies. In the parcel were these awfully delightful lime cookies, a lantern kit, a fairy, spiced tea, a Pottery Barn catalogue (how yum is that?) and more suprisingly and delighfully a special DVD of Lady and the Tramp for Ellie. I'll take a snap of that later but right now Im slowly getting innebriated on Bud and Lime. Thanks Robyn.
Ho Ho Ho - Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerry Chrismas.

Geo Caching again!

Its been a gorgeous day here in Wigan which means one thing. Get wrapped up, grab the GPS and go and find a cache! Co-ordinates were set, hats and scarves were donned, Ellie chose a small prize to exchange in the cache and off we went strolling. (To understand what Im talking about – go here). Ellie and I let Mark do all the hard work as we discussed various issues from global warming to crop rotations in the 14th century to the industrial revolution in Lanarkshire. Its true! We found a snazzy cache with a number of objects that Ellie could choose from. She chose the spyro game (most of the cache treasures seems to be unwanted Mcdonald toys but nevertheless – they are fun!!) Here we are on the start of our cache and photos of the exchange.

We had a brilliant afternoon finding the different clues around the 3 sisters park (a place I love dearly). Then it was home for hot tea and cake – yum. I love that feeling of cold cheeks that slowly warm to house temperature... all cosy and toasty.
I’ll leave you with photos from a story board Im making about Mark, Belle and I using a new technique I made up using camera settings and a bit of photoshop enhancement. Love Marks eyes in this set of pics and Ellie’s usual squint.

Didn't Mark do well with my picture - I can see his reflection in the catchlights of my eyes.

Engrossed

Ellie, Lauren and I spent some of yesterday sorting my studio out. Its still a dumping ground until everything has its own place - then I can show you some pictures.

Ellie got a little bored part way through and went surfing (sounds like a plan, belle!) and Lauren was so busy sifting through a box of goodies which I gave her. Its funny how stuff I bought a year ago is just not something I might use now. Which gave me an idea...... hold on! The kids who come around for tea with Ellie always ask to make cards or wee projects. I love this becuase it inspires Ellie to have a go. She makes the most wonderful cards and although not perfectly cut (she can't use scissors properly - yet!) she is beaming with her productions, as I!! Lauren and Glenn always go home with a hand made project of sorts and just about any kid who spies the craft den simply love what they might go home with!

Cue Technique Tuesday - a mini after school club we are holding in our home after christmas. You will have heard the name Technique Tuesday before - its a great site dedicated to crafting. As Tuesdays are pretty much a free day for Ellie and I plus the fact these kids will be taught new techniques... we are going for it and have nicked tha name into the bargain. When I see the delight in kids faces with simple techniques such as inking edges or using corner rounders, it makes my hobby that little bit more humble. Now all my spare bits and bobs plus various papers and embellies will be put to good use. Less the fact that none of them are touching my Basic Grey!!!! Oh no!

Happy Sunday xx

Dare's up

Wow - i haven't said that for ages and ages and ages.

I love this layout - my first one made in my new crafty den. Im actually very tipsy right now - mark and I cracked open a bottle of champagne that he won at a golf tournament recently. Its very delish and will prob scrap in a more innebriated state in future because I was so relaxed and happy.

Prolly more happy that I had a great day with this loon (taken at the carpark pay booth - a photo screen projects your image on the pay screen ... bizarre but worth a picture, dont you think?) A day spent in Liverpool just eating, shopping, laughing and trying to eat popping candy without the fear of our mouths exploding. We shopped in the very best shops that are the Albert Docks. Its a shame the whole shopping area is being sent to rack and ruin with the whole of Liverpool's centre being groomed for the Capital of Culture 2008. That place is amazing. I take all my freinds there when they come pay me a visit. Ive taken Anna, Sue, Joanne and now Anita - it really is a wonderful place with the added bonus of a little craft shopping. And even that shop has been reduced by 75% in size becuase of the changes being made to Liverpool. I feel sad about that.

Here is a picture of my reflection in this massive bauble we saw at the entrance of the docks. Also a rather swish shot of the columns that make the albert docks look so impressive.

I bought lots of yummo crimbo pressies for family including this from the Early Learning Centre - for me. I wasn't intending to buy anything but this will make you rush to buy one. I want to know just how many of you go and buy one on the result of this picture. Its a wooden (alterable!!) tray with 26 wooden letters painted in bright, funko colours to make many words that 5 vowels will allow - of course. This is my sentence and of course mark added his - what a sweetheart! (whats he after?). The best thing is that it cost £7. Whats that all about?

Anita and I dined finely on tea and scones mid afternoon but it got so dark today. It rained non stop but seriously, we had such a wonderful day just looking, playing, laughing, eating and enjoying each others company. She even found this hat for me which I bought instantly becuase its bonkers!

Im sad that today is over but happy that Im back to normal with scrapping and family life. Ive had one hell of a month ..... here is to crimbo and lots of love x

christmas finally comes to the 3 wisemans

I love signing our cards from the 3 Wisemans at christmas, it makes me feel all christmassy and weird about our jewish surname. We are neither jewish or weird but at this time of year - I love it.

The tree is up, the furniture re-arranged for next weeks 40th birthday celebrations, fridge is stocked and candy bowls filled with grabable heart attacks. I have a few comitments before I can hang up my herma and camera in time for taking a great big and quite possibly massive chill.

Tomorrow I go shopping with a mad, crazy woman in Liverpool to get the last of what we need plus stocking fillers. Of course the cameras are coming with us, purses stuffed with what little cash we have left and eyes for a truck stop cafe selling greasy egg sandwiches washed down with tea that tastes like it was swept off the floor of a munitions factory.

I'll leave you with a joke. Lord knows we need a giggle right now.
Q: Why did the chicken cross the road, roll in the dirt and cross the road again? A: Because it was a dirty double crosser.
Bwahahahahahahahahahha! I can't wait for the ultra crap cracker jokes this christmas, can you? **ETA** The blue tongued skink (or yucky lizard) is still alive. Ellie loves him whereas I think he is neither welcome or edible looking. Bluergh, Im not a happy henry about this lizard lark.

YURKS

Its 2.30am .. Im still up as Ive waited for Mark to get back for his 2 weeks christmas leave. He walks in armed with a large plastic box. Mmmmmmm, expensive present for me perhaps?
No.
Its a freakin lizard.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh.
It's 1 foot long,has a blue tongue, has to be kept in tropical heat conditions under a radiator because he coudlnt leave it back on base for 2 weeks on its own.
I hate it.
They are not sanitary.
I shall eat it if I have to.
Anyone in Wigan wanna"lizard sit?"
Can you bake them or should they be boiled?
Answers on a piece of black bazzill cardstock to the usual.

I made stuff

...today. Lots of stuff that I can't share right this instance but I made stuff. Real pretty and funky stuff. That makes me really happy. I have it lined up on the studio floor and Ellie walks in and her eyes light up. She goes to investigate and goes oooooooooooooooooooo. Then she says she wants a coffee. 2 seconds of praise is enough, I guess!!!
Ellie and I went to book the restaurant for Marko's 40th tonight. Initially we were heading for a chinese restaurant at £45 a head but then I thought "its only rice and noodles - our money can best be spent on a fairly decent chinese rather than a swanky one with the leftovers for christmas treats". So we chose one near our house and gave it a trial run. Ellie was so excited with just her and I sat in a restaurant with folk celebrating their christmas parties. She was in her school uniform and I had no make up on. It was such a treat. She downed chicken and noodles like it was going out of fashion. And blast that I didn't take the camera. Some memories are best stored in your head for personal pleasure. Tonight was one of those moments so storing it on my blog too (for me to read in a few years time) is happy enough for me.
We chatted about all sorts. From how big the moon is to why are there ornamental cats all over the joint. We pulled crackers, read our jokes, snuggled, ate and had such a wonderful time. I loved tonight more than the thrill of a successful shoot or fabulous layout completed. I truly did. I'm a happy momma tonight. My daughter is just a one off bag of yumminess.

fun fun fun with added fun and a sprinkle of fun

As well as the shenanigans of earlier we did get up to some more tomfoolery today.....shame on us! Here we are in the reflection of one of my poor sodding baubles that hasn't even made the tree yet. Im having a drama with the lights this year and our tree will go up on Thursday when Mark comes home for crimbo.
Aside from bypassing a healthy lunch of ricotta cheese and spinach parcels, we dived straight into a sticky toffee pudding and custard. And ain't it the way that when almost the whole bowl has gone that you begin to wish you hadn't started and feel 100% pukesville? I believe that some 5 hours later, poor anita was still reduced to a nauseous wreck where as I managed to down a gallon of water to wash away the impending heart attack. Anita would like to demonstrate how to eat said sticky toffee pud so she guests on my minute monlogues in 5 steps. Well actually its 4 but who is counting?

And look at this wonderful gift I received today. To that gorgous person, I will never forget how special you made me feel today when I received it. I just love teapots and fancy crockery like this. It will be much loved xx
I had such a fun fun day. Back to the grindstone tomorrow :( however, its days like these that quash those hum drum daily rotteness we sometimes have to deal with. I prey hard for another fun day to come again :) ....... that will be Friday, then!!!

PS: Was so naughty school girlish today that I even managed, in all my short hairness, to squeeze two pig tails out the back of my hair. To be honest, it wasn't worth me scraping my hair into such a teeny bobble ... even to the extent of making my eyes water for an hour. Alas, Marj came around tonight to give belle and I the chop so no more teeny bobbles for a few weeks.

Toodle oooo xx

The perils of Anita's cabin fever

Poor Anita has been a busy gal recently and housebound. So I came to her SOS and brought her to my house today. I was rather hoping of getting a little bit of "proper" work done. Ahem. NO!

This is what we did here. And now we are suffering from hernias from laughing so hard.
Come play.

It keeps on clicking

Love the digitral era we live in.
Totally.

Totally love these girls - like my wee adoptable sisters... so much fun!

This is Jay and Emmy. Some of you may recognise them from various events across the country as they tour with their darling mummy - the delight that is Dyan Reavely. You wouldn't think it but Emmy (the green eyed one) doesn't think she is good on camera. Ahem!! Excuse me? She is so stinkingly gorgous .... I can't take it. As for Jay's eyes and funko outfit? Well Im at a loss. We had so much fun and stupid giggles that I didn't want the day to end. I took so many photo's that it would be impossible to show you them all so here are the pick.

Im waiting on Sue to view her gallery before I show off her gorgous family too. So many people to take pictures of and so little time. But oh-so-much-fun. I love my job.
I have openings in january for anyone wishing to book a session xx

photoshoots ahoy

Cor blimey guvnor - it all happens to me in the space of a week. 240 photo edits, 4 shoots, moved scraprooms (and let me tell you - that ain't no fun whatsoever even when you discover that you have two collection packs of hang 10, one of which you didn't recall having. You would think I'd be delighted but nope. However I will be paying ebay a visit!), almost commit suicide over setting up wirelss router and christmas tree lights don't work - pah!
Here are some of my faves from yesterdays shoot with Hebe. Daylight was running out fast but my trusty lens caught a few cuties before dusk.

I did a shoot today but will show those tomorrow and I've another one at Dyans' in Harrogate in the morning. Click click click and sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

Im snowed under

with work right now that foruming, blogging and even eating is becoming non existent. I have a tonne of messages and emails to reply to and I will get round to them - honest!
Right now, Im sat here in my fabulous new studio that mark made me in the garage. He has converted it into a snug room with a feast of storage ideas that simply makes me want to scrap more and more.
Unfortch, I cannot surf in there as the wirelss router is doing our heads in and we aint no compooooter boffins.
I'll be back as soon as............er, whenever!
I'll leave youwith a picture of my mother...................... snigger

Minimum Service

I am moving and have not had access to the internet for 1 whole day - ooooooooooooooo.
I'll be back soon!

Nice.

mmmmmmmmmm - this photobooth is very silly. Silly but fun. Fun but addictive. I have been sat here waiting for the kettle to boil just messing about. You know, its not like I have a gazillion things to do but a 5 minute time out is hardly a crime. Well maybe to Beck and Hebe (who Im doing work for right now .... ssshhhhhhhh, don't tell). Dont' be cruel and say that they all suit me. I know they all suit me!!! Go and have some fun today and show me what you did.
Keep it legal, mind!

MacMadness

Anita bobbed round this evening to help me with some photo editing.

This is the woman who not only has a strong will but also a kind yet brave heart - especially after her sister was only laid to rest 2 days ago. this only goes to prove that although we may grieve ... life literally does and can go on.

What I love most about Anita is that she has no airs or graces. She is a woman of practicality, who won't stand on ceremony, scraps like a wizz, enjoys the immediate company that she keeps and is partial to the last of my cheddar! Most of all she relaxes me and makes me smile right from the very pit of my tummy... ahem, tummies :)
Anita and her hubs also set me up on my mac and loaded various extras plus iChat. Wooohooo - a video cam thingy that I can use to see all my buddies across the water with (providing i have full slap on and my hair is of reasonable state). Here we are demonstrating its full potential although we are actually sat next to each other. How we laughed doing this and not manage to rupture our spleens is beyond me. But here we are enjoying the nights boring festivities of photo editing, munching lemon meringue and listening to/watching Love Actually.
Love IS all around when there is a Mac or two in da house xx

PS: The stuff around anita's nose and mouth is from the pretty bad connection speed of the picture - she was not snorting the soap suds or indeed sniffling the crumbs of meringue from her plate!

Im not religious ......

but Im not adverse to believing in miracles. Today light shone on my upset in the form of glorious sunshine heralding the delivery of my bad boy Mac Book Pro (Ive named her Matilda). And even though I knew she was coming, I must say that the way in which she was delivered was completely the superceeding flourish to yesterdays sadness. I will always have a pocket of happiness stowed in my mind to think of Jo but the whole drama of which everything unfolded yesterday was unjust. I hate going on about it but it really affected me. To the tune of phoning hubby up quite late just for a good old cry. In a typical male way he just didn't understand. Of course he was caring but men really have no inner grip of the female psyche (Im buying him the book "men are from Mars....." this christmas). My main gripe for yesterday was not being in control of my body. I had no orientation, no recollection and no rational thinking ........ that frightened me. The valium style drug I had been given was bloody awful but still Im still breathing and the treatment is complete. How trendy valium became in the 70's is beyond me, it is not very nice at all.
All is well again and now I muscle down to outstanding jobs, emails and editing and look forward to christmas as all my weekends are now free. Mark is 40 in 2 weeks so there are events to plan, Ellie still has no idea what she wants although we have heard of a game for the playstation called "Buzz", I think thats on the cards. Talking of cards I havent made one yet but I have the design in my head which should help matters.
Im taking pictures again at the weekend and some of Dyans girls on Monday - that makes me happy. Infact if I had to prioritise the jobs I do (other than being a wife and mum) Id say taking photos is just the best thing I love to do to take my mind off things. What is even better is seeing the delight in my clients faces when they see the results.

Im off to go and run some secwet projects right this minute - please bang some creative juices down the net lines for me xx

Horrible, Horrible day :(

I couldn't attend the funeral of a dear, sweet scrapper today because I had a hospital appointment which I couldn't cancel. I wanted to and in hindsight wish I had of because it was just awful. 4 times they tried to feed a line into my hands (twice in the arm). It still hurts, both arms and hands are black and blue. Worst thing was that my MIL took me and of course I didn't want to cry in front of her but in the end I broke my heart. I was thinking that I'd rather be celebrating the life of Joanne (see picture). A woman who barely cried and who asked others to be brave for her and not cry too. I sat there wailing in my bed being such a blub and ordered myself to be strong. And in lots of ways I am but when they call for two aneasthatists to try and raise the veins in my arms and hands, strangling my bloody supply to my fingers until I couldnt feel them, attempting 3 times to feed the line for 35 minutes and then hurrah ... line fed.

With the treatment complete I was taken home alone and I slept. Ellie was picked up from school and dropped off and I slept. Ellie fended for herself and Im so proud of that girl. She roused me at 7pm to ask for a bath. She stroked my hair and whispered so darling into my ear. She ran the bath for us both and I made us a massive plate of pasta, chopped ham and cheese to munch in bed after the bath. We have just finished, Im typing up a wee blog and have edited some photos and its back to bed.

I guess that rather than mope (which I haven't, yet!) Id sit here and thank my lucky stars that I get to cuddle my child tonight. I know two kids who won't get that from their mother this evening and for that Im at a loss for words :(

Goodnight Joanne and god bless xx

Click and Scrap and Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrum

Click click click went the camera. Scrap scrap scrap went my hands. The constant "brum" from the revs on my car for 450 miles and my voice is like deridre barlow! Oh wow - another blog entry for me to look back on in future and recall with a smile on my face.
This weekend I went down to Bristol for a one day workshop with Mandy at Mod Scraps and taught alongside Hils and Giselle. The students (well, lets just say bristol UKS'ers!!)must have come away with some pretty good quality stuff - all complete except to add photos at home. I loved this venue held in a school hall with lots of light, nice company and yummy party food. I got to meet Beth - FINALLY - after all this time. She is just so lovely **waves**. I taught my trash book using Crate papers avenue range. I could not speak properly as I have a congested chest (steady) and Mandy had mothered me with Lemsip the night before whilst I stole one of the twins bedroom. Alice's room has this fabulous and I MEAN fabulous wall with designer paper here.

Ive asked alice for a little piece so I scrap with it. As a thank you to sweet alice I took these really funko pictures of her and her chiselled chinned boyf - look at how gorgous they are. It looks like an advert for CK or something equally as punk. Im so pleased with how they turned out but let me say that this young couple are not an act - he absolutely adores her.

Anyway, Mandy has more workshops coming up and you simply must attend them - they are so much fun. I didn't want to leave mandy's fabulous event, house and family at first but the beck and call of the devonshire coastline was calling me.
I set off for Little Cottage crafts in the heart of a stunning village setting in near Georgeham. I arrived with no voice to meet Tracie, her hub and two gorgous sons. Alison Docherty and Tigger were there and we met up with some more uk scrappers when we went out for a pub meal including Debbie Jewell. Chit chit chatting was fun, bit of a late night and very little sleep ready for todays classes in a brilliantly bright conservatory. I taught an exploding box using Joyful papers from Ki, a match book and 3 cards before a scrummy hot and cold buffet. I took 8 session photos with some of the students in the afternoon and also some of tracies boys (total skater dudes).

Tracies students came away with lots of projects - I was amazed. You have to go to her next big thing planned for May - watch out on her website for details.
And finally, have you seen how scrummy these two women are? This is Fiona Beckman and Tracie Hudson ... I know so many gorgous scrappers you know.

And Mandy Parr? I'll get you next time, love xx