Who else agrees that January was long, really blooming long?
I’m pretty glad to see the back of it even though lots of special memories were made, from our eldest Sons 21, where his dream came true, to a special day out with my Mum, Auntie Jan and our youngest Son Calum. I’ll tell you more in the next few days, but trust me when I say it was the most magical day, spent with three of the most important people in my life.

⛺️

Mark and I, had another tranquil night at, Oak Apple Safari Lodge, our favourite get away. It was the first time we had stayed there with good weather. The sky was alight with stars, as the frost shimmered in their glow.
And all though it was desperately cold outside, it only made it more special, as we snuggled under the duvet in the comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in.
I truly love our nights away at Oak Apple, not only for the delightful surroundings but my hubby and I actually have a little time just for us. No pets claiming all over me, no mind numbing television, or screams of excitement when our boys win a game on cod.
Just us two, forgetting our worries and stresses, completely content in each others company.
I truly believe every couple should get away once in a while and find that feeling, a feeling that gets so easily lost in the rat race of life.

🥺

January has also had its awful moments where, no matter what you say or do, your become lost in total helplessness. Where the walls close in around you and no amount of tears can wash away the pain. Not only your pain but the pain of the ones you love.
Having suffered with anxiety and depression most of my life, to see your own flesh and blood suffer so very deeply, has to be the hardest thing of earth.
To not be able to hug and kiss it better as once was possible, is beyond heartbreaking. To have your words of support and understanding twisted in your baby’s mind is soul destroying, while all you want to do, is take their pain away, to fix their world and show them they are loved and that with time they will get through the darkness. That life even with all its troubles, all it’s heartbreak and sorrow can be beautiful. It can fill our entire being with light, light so bright, it warms the coldest of nights and floods gloomy grey sky’s with breathtaking beauty.
With a little faith, love and support, even the largest mountains or terrifying monsters can be conquered. You just need to fight back, to believe in yourself, to know that you are capable of anything you set your mind to.
The mind is extremely powerful. It plays endless cruel tricks, pulling you deeper and deeper into a suffocating darkness, a darkness you feel you can never escape from.
Your mind can always use that power to fight back.
It can conquer the demons.
Cracks will appear letting shimmers of beautiful light creep through, letting you know that you will survive, that you can rise and win the war.

📷

On a happy note, my hubby finally got out with his camera. It feels like forever since he has taken any photographs.
I’m over the moon that he’s got back out there because his talent is far to great to not be used.
His images are too beautiful to not be seen or hung on a wall.
Mark however is a perfectionist. Not many of his photographers see the light of day. It’s such an awful shame because what he sees as not good enough, is more than flipping good enough.

🧐

Family History.
Research still sadly hasn’t happened but last week I received a message from a long lost relative and boy wasn’t I excited. Seriously if I could dance on tables, I would have.
Thanks to this blog, contact has been made with so many lovely long lost relatives and I’m more than grateful for that, especially the message from my Nans first cousin, Brett Willats. (my first cousin, twice removed)

🧶

Crochet.
I’ve spent the whole of January working on a birthday pressie for my Sister In-law, Sarah.
It has consumes every spare moment but boy wasn’t it worth it. It’s so pretty, if I do say so myself.
I finished it just in time to wash, block and gift it to her on Friday. 🎁
And here’s a sneaky peek.
Can you guess the designer and pattern?

With only a few days of January left, I decided to finally join my Fiesta Afghan.
I’ve been putting it off because I was nervous about the joining.
Although I’m pretty comfortable joining squares, I haven’t really joined different shapes together. Fear got the better of me for far to long so I had to bite the bullet and give it ago.
And although it was very time consuming, I managed to do a pretty good job.
Once again I started well with weaving ends in as I went along, but as always I’m still left with loads and loads on ends to weave. 😩 I will learn one day and save myself a lot of time and frustration.
I’ve already spent a day weaving and still there are more to do.
Once done I will start on the border and one of the most beautiful blankets I’ve ever made will be finished.
I’m super pleased with it, I truly love it.

🚍

Renovation Phillippe.
What can I say, it’s just not happening at the moment. Marks had some much deserved restful Sunday’s but he hopes to get back into this weekend.

I think that about sums up our long month of January, so until next time, stay safe, stay smiley and stay true.
Too-da-loo.

🦋🦋🦋