Spring gives the world a makeover. And it’s the perfect time to do the same for yourself. Refresh your mind with gratitude, kindness, motivation, and love. Fill your heart and home with the love of family. Strive forward and rejoice in the light that surrounds you, open your soul and let that light, fill your entire … Continue reading Chapter 4 – April 2022
Life
Chapter 3 – March 2022
The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can. Neil Gaiman I’ve had to remind myself of this, constantly over the last few weeks. It’s been one of … Continue reading Chapter 3 – March 2022
The Life of, John Williams, 1816-1869.
“We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies.” Shirley Abbott. I never knew how a name written upon a family tree, could consume my every waking moment, … Continue reading The Life of, John Williams, 1816-1869.
Chapter 1 – January 2022
Winter has always been my favourite season. Though grey and dull, it’s own special light illuminates the world unlike any other season. From The purity of the shimmering frost, to the mesmerising flicker of the blue flame dancing in the fire grate, these magical elements somehow turns the dreariness of winter into the feeling of … Continue reading Chapter 1 – January 2022
The End of the Chapter – Round Up – December 2021
A New Year. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams … Continue reading The End of the Chapter – Round Up – December 2021
2022, the year that light and love wins.
Each New Year, we have before us a brand new book containing 365 pages. Blank pages to fill with our words, our own thoughts, our dreams, our hopes, our achievements even our mistakes, because if we are making mistakes, we are trying new things, learning, living, pushing ourselves, changing ourselves, changing your world. We are … Continue reading 2022, the year that light and love wins.
Round Up, Round Up – November 2021
Cold and beautiful December, I welcome you. With frosty mornings, bright, crisp days and the promise of powdery snow, it's easy to see how we can get lost in the magic of the season. 🎄From the twinkling lights, the scent of pine trees, the tingles of delight as carols relight the memories of Christmas past, the mouthwatering aroma … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – November 2021
Round Up, Round Up, September 2021
September though incredibly busy was kind, it’s days full of warmth and sunshine. It’s like it somehow knew we all needed an extra ray of sunshine to brighten our spirits as the chaos of the world spins out of control. It’s been an extremely hard few years for so many, full of desperation, fear, depression and … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up, September 2021
Round Up, Round Up – July 2021
Back in January 1999, we were gifted the overwhelming love and joy of our first baby boy, Connor. He was a shock to say the least, an absolute amazing shock, but a shock nonetheless. After being told at the age 15/16 that I would never carry a full term pregnancy, that’s if I was lucky … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – July 2021
Round Up, Round Up – June 2021
It’s seems like a day and an age since I last sat down to write. I must apologise to you. I’m not going to sit here and make up excuse after excuse, but I will say that life has been rather stressful. Life has taken a back seat while I try to get my head … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – June 2021
Round Up, Round Up – May 2021
The month of May is the pleasant time; its face is beautiful; the blackbird sings his full song, the living wood is his holding, the cuckoos are singing and ever singing; there is a welcome before the brightness of the summer.” Lady Gregory I’m not sure I can remember a May like it. The days … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – May 2021
Round Up, April 2021
It’s been a while I’m sorry. I’ve been in a funk. My brain has been going a million miles an hour consumed with pointless thoughts of self dealt, loneliness and anxiety. After nearly a year at home, with my family around me, they were suddenly gone. Silence echoed around these four walls we call home. … Continue reading Round Up, April 2021
Without words, everything is a blank slate!
Well, we have made it! What a year this has been! Living through the worst pandemic since nineteen eighteen! Its anyones guess as to what twenty twentyone will bring Thankfully for tonight though, we don’t have to sing!! We know a great deal of time and effort has been put into today, So you both … Continue reading Without words, everything is a blank slate!
Round Up, Round Up – February 2021
February, the month of my birth, the month I grow a year older. 😖 I’ve never really been one for celebrating, I don’t like the attention to be on me, I would rather be in the background in my safety bubble, where no one notices me. The last few years Hubby and I have celebrated by … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – February 2021
Round Up, January 2021
Winter is the time for comfort,for good food and warmth,for the touch of a friendly handand for a talk beside the fire,it is the time for home. Edith Sitwell quote, has never been more true, with people spending more time at home than ever before. As the walls close in around us and the January blues … Continue reading Round Up, January 2021
Round Up, Round Up, December 2020
Welcome 2021 and Happy New Year to you all. The start of a new year holds so many possibilities. Will it be the year that all our dreams come true, the year we take control of the global pandemic and take our freedom back. Will it be the year, you fall in love? Or pack … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up, December 2020
Round Up, Round Up – November 2020
Christmas gift suggestions -To your enemy, forgiveness.To an opponent, tolerance.To a friend, your heart.To a customer, service.To all, charity.To every child, a good example.To yourself, respect. (Oren Arnold) Frost covered mornings, roaring fires, shimmering trees and houses alight with twinkly light, it’s beginning to feel like Christmas. Is it just me, didn’t November seem long, it dragged and … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – November 2020
Round Up, Round Up _ September 2020
Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. (Carol Bishop Hipps) As I sit here gazing out my window at the changing leaves 🍁 my soul aches at how the world has changed throughout the year 2020. Who would have thought that we would spend most of the year locked … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up _ September 2020
Round Up, Round Up – July 2020
August, the month of sun kissed apples and falling stars. Ripening grain in the fields, the scent of tree-ripened fruits, and hot buttered corn on the cob straight from the fields. Vivid dahlias fling huge tousled blossoms beautifying gardens, while the mouthwatering smell of bbq’s and the delightful squeals of children playing as they make … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – July 2020
House To Home – Garden Makeover – Phase One
Let’s start at the very beginning, back in April 2014 we moved into our new house. We were excited especially as my hubby Mark was moving back to his roots and would be close to his family. It would be the first time living near them since buying our first home when we were spring … Continue reading House To Home – Garden Makeover – Phase One
Round Up, Round Up – June 2020
Where did that month go, seriously I can’t believe that we are in July already. So what did I achieve in June 2020? Not much if I’m honest. Life is a little hard work at the moment and I’m struggling to feel motivation in anything. I can’t quite work out how I feel let alone … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – June 2020
House to home, Box Room Makeover
I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since me and my boy tackled their bedrooms. Both were in a sorry state and desperately needed a little tlc, well actually a lot of tlc. Mark was heading to Germany for his yearly trip to Hockenheim drag strip, to crew for my brother in law Smithy. … Continue reading House to home, Box Room Makeover
House to Home – Boot-room aka utility-room.
When we moved into Number 15, our utility room/boot room, was beyond ugly. No matter how much I scubbed it, it never looked clean. It was a real sorry state of affairs and an all round embarrassment. It’s the first room family and friends see as the enter our home, so I really wanted this … Continue reading House to Home – Boot-room aka utility-room.
Round Up – April 2020
April, the month nothing changed but everything changed. The world is mainly still in lockdown. In truth Lockdown hasn’t really been much different for me, I’m at home 24/7, just venturing out one day a week to see my lovely Mum and Auntie Jan, how I miss them.😭 The only thing I can say I’m … Continue reading Round Up – April 2020
Round Up, March 2020
March 2020 has changed the world forever and that is just damn right scary. Everyone’s future is unsure right now. We are all thinking the same questions. Will I get sick? Will I survive but more importantly will my nearest and dearest survive? Will I still have a job to go back to? How am … Continue reading Round Up, March 2020
The worlds gone crazy!
I’ve heard or read so many comments like, “Well they are old or sick!” in the last few weeks, it’s kinda disturbing to be honest. What we forget is that those so called old people fought for our freedom, they lived through years of rationing, nights even days in air raid shelters. The rebuilt our … Continue reading The worlds gone crazy!
“Once in a while, love gives us a fairytale.”
Every girl dreams of the perfect wedding, the beautiful venue and a dress that makes them not only look jaw dropping beautiful but makes you feel it to. When I married my childhood sweetheart nearly 21 years ago, I had the same dreams. Little was I to know that our dream wedding wouldn’t not live … Continue reading “Once in a while, love gives us a fairytale.”
Round Up, Round Up – January 2020
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 … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – January 2020
Dreams really do come true.
Our Son Connor, turned 21 the weekend before last. We as a family wanted to give him something a little extra special, some thing that he could treasure for the rest of his life. But what could we get him, that wouldn't get lost over time? Connor has always shown great passion for animals, especially, … Continue reading Dreams really do come true.
Round Up, Round Up – December 2019
As we head into not only a new year but a new decade I hope that it will be everything we dream of. December is always such a strange month for me emotionally, it’s full of hope, Christmas spirit, sadness and longing. Last month I wrote about what Christmas means to me and why I … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – December 2019
We will be
Christmas day is nearly here, the tree shimmers in the background, nearly as bright as the excitement on our children's faces. As Snow falls outside my window, the world transforms into a magical place, where dreams just may come true. Even though Christmas joy fills our hearts, a sad tear trickles down my cheek for … Continue reading We will be
Round Up, Round Up – November 2019
"November comes And November goes, With the last red berries And the first white snows. With night coming early, And dawn coming late, And ice in the bucket And frost by the gate. The fires burn And the kettles sing, And earth sinks to rest Until next spring." - Elizabeth Coatsworth … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – November 2019
Carving Out Some Fun
Sometimes you have to step out of you comfort zone and try something new. After seeing pumpkin photos take over Instagram for the last month or so, I wanted to try and make my own. Of course my first thought was to crochet some, I had seen so many patterns posted over social media but … Continue reading Carving Out Some Fun
Glamping at Oak Apple Lodge.
They say, there is nothing better than sleeping in your own bed. I beg to differ! There is no bed better to sleep in than at, Oak Apple Lodge. We just spent a night away glamping for my hubby Marks birthday. As our camper Phillippe isn’t in any fit state to go on adventures. We … Continue reading Glamping at Oak Apple Lodge.
Round Up, Round Up – October 2019
I can’t believe we are in November already, that Christmas advertising is everywhere. October has been full on, and pretty exciting. We brought a camper van, whoop, whoop. His name is Phillippe .🚍 He’s a peugeot boxer classique and needs a little tlc. You can read all about him here. Restoration has started, all windows … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – October 2019
This Day, The 21st October
The 21st of October is a date that sticks in my mind more than most, it’s a day that always fills my heart with sadness, fills my eyes with tears but also brings happiness, gratitude and joy to my heart. Today’s date holds some of the most beautiful memories but also some of the saddest. … Continue reading This Day, The 21st October
House To Home
Four years ago we viewed our house, in a sleepy helmet on the border of Hampshire and Wiltshire, for the very first time and OMG it looked like a bomb had hit with full force. It was disgustingly dirty and needed lots and lots of work, to make it anything near the level we were … Continue reading House To Home
Round Up, Round Up – September 2019
Rain hangs about the place, like a friendly ghost. If it's not coming down in delicate droplets, then it's in buckets and if neither, it tends to lurk suspiciously in the atmosphere. It seems like it has rained forever, leaving no evidence of summer just wet soggy leaves and dog paw prints on every floor.🍁 … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – September 2019
Changes
As my baby boy Calum, headed out the door for his first day at college studying all the ologys, my heart couldn’t be more proud. While he takes the next stage of his life with passion and determination, it’s made me look at my life and focus and made me realise I’m failing badly. So … Continue reading Changes
Round Up, Round Up – August 2019
August, the summer of Sundays. Sunbeams dancing over our sun kissed skin, the glorious smell of bbq’s, care free days, lovely warm evenings. And with one turn of a page on our calendars, it’s over. As we all desperately try to hold onto summer, the evenings drunken, the morning dew twinkles as the late morning … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – August 2019
Round Up, Round Up – July 2019
This time last month I was sat in the glorious sunshine by the pool in beautiful Cyprus. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing our week spent there was and how magical it was to spend a week just chilling with my favourite people in the whole world. We ate way to much, … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – July 2019
Staring Back At Me.
When you look at yourself, what do you see? Do you love the person staring back at you in the mirror? Or do you loathe the reflection staring back at you? I know my reflection needs a good old slap for all my flaws, self loathing and frustrating ways. I’m far from perfect, I’m short, … Continue reading Staring Back At Me.
Round Up, Round Up – May 2019
May has been hard, it’s thrown every emotion possible at us. It’s GCSE’s and boy the pressure the children are under is horrendous. They have so many exams, too many, even our family doctor was saying how wrong it is and that the pressure the children are under is ridiculous, that there are too many … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – May 2019
Doreen June Willats – Part 2 – Growing
Welcome back to the life of my maternal Grandmother, Doreen June Willats. Today we visit the second part of the series, the school years but if you missed the first part, you can find it here. Let’s get straight to it, shall we. Do you remember any holidays or special outings from your younger years? … Continue reading Doreen June Willats – Part 2 – Growing
Round Up, Round Up – April 2019
Bittersweet April always brings the horrific memories of my Dad’s death to the forefront of our minds, we relive the horror and the heartbreak over and over again. Tears are shed and the what ifs only grow as the years without him spiral out of control. It seems only yesterday we were sat day in, … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – April 2019
Passion
Most of us dream that our passion will one day become our jobs, that we can spend our days doing what we love, be it carpentry, quilting, crochet, knitting, photography, fishing, gaming, racing, running, etc, etc. How wonderful that would be. I once had this overwhelming passion for photography, I saw photos everywhere and in … Continue reading Passion
Round Up, Round Up – February 2019
February has been very much like the weather, it’s teased with signs of spring, the blossoming of snowdrops and the smile of daffodil, while the reality of winter festers deep within our bones, it’s cruel, ice-cold winds continue to blow up around us. It’s been pure delight to feel the sun upon our faces as … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – February 2019
Round Up, Round Up – December 2018
Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself. (Norman W Brooks) Christmas is more than presents, good food and too much alcohol, it’s … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – December 2018
Round Up, Round Up – November 2018
November has been a month of change. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with, type two diabetes and after a long wait I managed to see my diabetic nurse. She basically told I need to change my lifestyle. Diabetes is one scary mofo, I knew it was dangerous through my beauty therapy training, but never really understood … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – November 2018
Round Up, Round Up – June 2018
It’s been a bittersweet month. The holiday blues took hold, the stresses of life came crashing back after a week of feeling free, freedom of the mind and freedom of the body. I was totally and utterly shocked at how well I felt on our little holiday in Spain, while the sun warmed my blood … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – June 2018
Love Entwined
The road leading to a goal, does not separate you, from the destination, it is essentially a part of it. I’m starting out upon a new venture, a road of the unknown, a road of possibilities, a road which with time, love and determination will hopefully allow us to carry out our dream, our goal. … Continue reading Love Entwined
Round Up, Round Up – May 2018
May, I blinked and it was gone. It really has flown by and I achieved absolutely nothing, in both the land of crochet and family research but in truth the break has been really nice especially as I have lost my crojo. Research wise, I guess all I’ve done is fill in some blanks while … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – May 2018
Round Up, Round Up – April 2018
April has been a funny old month, and in honesty it’s the hardest month of the year for me with the anniversary of my dads death. The horrors always return, nightmares flood my dreams and my heart lays heavier than normal. He is never far from my thoughts but April always seems so much worse. … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – April 2018
As we’ve grown.
I’m not as slim, my face isn’t line free, my tummy is unsightly, my muscle tone is definitely not what it use to be, I ache where I never knew it was possible, my energy levels have near on disintegrated and I stress, worry and think way more than I should and to top that … Continue reading As we’ve grown.
Though our bodies may not be as young
Though our bodies may not be as young as they used to be, there are some things that are far more important than gray hair or a flat stomach. Things seen, lessons learned, wisdom gained, friendships made or lost, the love of a growing family tree, evolving perspectives, these are but a few blessings of … Continue reading Though our bodies may not be as young
Intwined 