A day of wobbles yesterday. Once again, the things to be grateful for are highlighted against the plight of others. My kids have their Dad, I have my best friend and husband, who I cuddle at night, and wake up next to each morning. The security and comfort of this is stark when you realise that a friend now doesn't have that, that her kids no longer have their Daddy. The thoughts of what that family are going through have been a bit overwhelming at times.
Today I have chosen to live life in honour of our friend. He was endlessly positive, never really letting on about his illness with the only outward signs being his weightloss and increasing gauntness.
Today is bright and sunny. Today we're going to play with the kids, celebrate happiness, cuddle lots and appreciate all the good things.
The boys have been shopping, and the curry has been bought for tonight. They're now spending quality time playing on the Wii. I'm about to play pet shops with E. She's set up the shop, and is busy doing signs for each type of animal.
So, if you are reading this, breathe deeply, look around you and spend time with family, loved ones, friends. Send a message to someone you haven't heard from for a while, chase up that old school friend, spread a little love. Smile a little smile for the good things - a cup of tea or coffee, beautiful spring flowers, sunshine through rain, a little bit of birdsong, a long lie in reading papers, laughter with friends.
There are so many good things, we just have to see and appreciate them.
Have a good day peeps
xx
Saturday 25 January 2014
Thursday 23 January 2014
A sad day.
We lost a good friend today. One of those friends that we haven't actually seen for months - in fact I can't recall when we last saw him. Nevertheless, he was a good friend - one of those that you pick up where you left off. We've known him about the same time we've known each other. We all got married within a few years of each other, had kids within a few years of each other, even lived within five minutes walk from each other for years.
As our lives diverged, we saw each other less and less, but with others we determined that we would meet up at least once a year, and thus our lives have been for the last few years. We celebrated each others triumphs, breezed over all but the worst of our disasters, and laughed over fabulous memories that were brought out at each meeting, dusted off and enjoyed once again - such as one from the very early days, pre kids. Playing trivial pursuits - girls vs boys - we (the girls) were winning hands down. One of the men 'went to the toilet' and was caught by his then girlfriend, now wife. Her voice floated down to us 'this isn't phone a friend!' as he was desperately calling a mate for the answer. The other bloke - the one now missing - had already picked up a guitar and was strumming it lazily in the corner - when pushed to answer a question he looked up, smirked and replied 'Don't ask me, I'm Australian!'
Not necessarily a funny story if you weren't there, but hilarious to those involved.
Such friendships - where you pick up where you'd left off months before with no acrimoney and lots of love - are things to be treasured. Relationships full of love and laughter, memories grown fonder with time and shared experiences of jobs, marriage, kids and life.
Now we are one down. Suddenly, but not totally unexpected. He'd been fighting cancer for most of the time we'd known him. In fact, in the very early days - a year or so after meeting - was when we first visited him in hospital and, seeing the sign above his head, was when we first realised that he had another name other than 'Skippy' (he was Australian and had chosen the nickname himself!)
He was a great character - sparky, feisty, funny and strong. Had an opinion on most things and tough if you didn't agree. Cared passionately about his family and friends, was determined that they would live life to the full.
So, Skippy, we shall miss you, and honour you, and you will never be forgotten. I'm everso glad that we knew you, had the joy of you in our lives and know that you live on in the legacy of your beautiful children.
Bless you
xx
As our lives diverged, we saw each other less and less, but with others we determined that we would meet up at least once a year, and thus our lives have been for the last few years. We celebrated each others triumphs, breezed over all but the worst of our disasters, and laughed over fabulous memories that were brought out at each meeting, dusted off and enjoyed once again - such as one from the very early days, pre kids. Playing trivial pursuits - girls vs boys - we (the girls) were winning hands down. One of the men 'went to the toilet' and was caught by his then girlfriend, now wife. Her voice floated down to us 'this isn't phone a friend!' as he was desperately calling a mate for the answer. The other bloke - the one now missing - had already picked up a guitar and was strumming it lazily in the corner - when pushed to answer a question he looked up, smirked and replied 'Don't ask me, I'm Australian!'
Not necessarily a funny story if you weren't there, but hilarious to those involved.
Such friendships - where you pick up where you'd left off months before with no acrimoney and lots of love - are things to be treasured. Relationships full of love and laughter, memories grown fonder with time and shared experiences of jobs, marriage, kids and life.
Now we are one down. Suddenly, but not totally unexpected. He'd been fighting cancer for most of the time we'd known him. In fact, in the very early days - a year or so after meeting - was when we first visited him in hospital and, seeing the sign above his head, was when we first realised that he had another name other than 'Skippy' (he was Australian and had chosen the nickname himself!)
He was a great character - sparky, feisty, funny and strong. Had an opinion on most things and tough if you didn't agree. Cared passionately about his family and friends, was determined that they would live life to the full.
So, Skippy, we shall miss you, and honour you, and you will never be forgotten. I'm everso glad that we knew you, had the joy of you in our lives and know that you live on in the legacy of your beautiful children.
Bless you
xx
Sausage Rolls and Extreme Reading
No sooner do I settle into the routine of daily blogging, than I fall off the wagon so to speak!
Yesterday I was gripped with excitement over a new creative project I wanted to try, having bought some new crochet patterns for beautiful things. I had to go out and get the wool and a new crochet needle to have a go, so duly headed out straight after dropping the kids off at school.
Once parked up, I headed to the shops and passed a homeless chap in the stairwell of the multi-story carpark. I didn't want to give him cash, so made a mental not to grab him some food and drink on my way back from shopping.
Errands completed, I went into a bakery on the way back to my car, and picked up a large tea, and a couple of hot sausage rolls. When I got to where the man was, I knelt down and handed over the tea, with some sugar sachets - which he was very grateful for, and the sausage rolls - which he refused! Apparently he doesn't eat them because you can't be sure which part of the animal the meat came from 'Eyeballs and arseholes' was his delightful phrase.
I left them with him though, saying that he could give them to someone else, while at least keeping his hands warm on a chilly morning.
Is it wrong of me to feel a little affronted that my kind deed was rebuffed? Part of me thinks I'm wrong to feel that a homeless person shouldn't have the right to chose what they prefer, which fights with the other part of me that wonders how, when you don't know where your next meal is coming from, you can be so picky when receiving free food.
Anyway, pondering these deep questions, I got home, looked at the housework that needed doing and promptly decided to ignore it and settled down to some hooking! 6 hours later, it seems that I've wandered off pattern, or gone wrong somehow, so 6 hours of work will need unpicking and another go shall be made over the next few days.
So, where was the gratefulness for yesterday? I'm not homeless and begging, or in a situation where I need to feel that sitting in carpark stairwells is my best option for improving my life. I have a warm house, loving husband and fantastic kids. And, I'm able to devote a huge chunk of my time to a hobby which might earn me a few pennies here and there!
Also, hubby had a good day at work, the kids had a good day at school and life felt good enough to crack open a delicious bottle of red to share (with hubby, not the kids!), but that bottle of red was one of the reasons for not writing anything yesterday.
And, last thing. I've been a voracious reader ever since I can recall. If the book is good, I can't put it down but can read most books within a day. So, the rest of my life would be put on hold while I travelled other lands, and had amazing adventures in the pages of my latest book. After the kids, I found that I couldn't devote the time I needed to the books, and so for the last 8 years or so have read far less than I liked, although I'm getting back into the swing of things now.
My son, who's 8, hated reading until he had just turned 7. Now, he reads as voraciously as I used to - but that can lead to a few interesting moments. Such as my hubby finding the boy wonder lying on the floor of the bathroom at 3:30 am this morning, engrossed in his latest book!! LOVE that his reading appetite is so huge, exasperated as he's so exhausted this morning he's going to struggle to focus, and he has after-school sports this afternoon which is going to wipe him out.
Must go and catch up on the housework before doing some soul-destroying unpicking of 6 hours of work . . .
Yesterday I was gripped with excitement over a new creative project I wanted to try, having bought some new crochet patterns for beautiful things. I had to go out and get the wool and a new crochet needle to have a go, so duly headed out straight after dropping the kids off at school.
Once parked up, I headed to the shops and passed a homeless chap in the stairwell of the multi-story carpark. I didn't want to give him cash, so made a mental not to grab him some food and drink on my way back from shopping.
Errands completed, I went into a bakery on the way back to my car, and picked up a large tea, and a couple of hot sausage rolls. When I got to where the man was, I knelt down and handed over the tea, with some sugar sachets - which he was very grateful for, and the sausage rolls - which he refused! Apparently he doesn't eat them because you can't be sure which part of the animal the meat came from 'Eyeballs and arseholes' was his delightful phrase.
I left them with him though, saying that he could give them to someone else, while at least keeping his hands warm on a chilly morning.
Is it wrong of me to feel a little affronted that my kind deed was rebuffed? Part of me thinks I'm wrong to feel that a homeless person shouldn't have the right to chose what they prefer, which fights with the other part of me that wonders how, when you don't know where your next meal is coming from, you can be so picky when receiving free food.
Anyway, pondering these deep questions, I got home, looked at the housework that needed doing and promptly decided to ignore it and settled down to some hooking! 6 hours later, it seems that I've wandered off pattern, or gone wrong somehow, so 6 hours of work will need unpicking and another go shall be made over the next few days.
So, where was the gratefulness for yesterday? I'm not homeless and begging, or in a situation where I need to feel that sitting in carpark stairwells is my best option for improving my life. I have a warm house, loving husband and fantastic kids. And, I'm able to devote a huge chunk of my time to a hobby which might earn me a few pennies here and there!
Also, hubby had a good day at work, the kids had a good day at school and life felt good enough to crack open a delicious bottle of red to share (with hubby, not the kids!), but that bottle of red was one of the reasons for not writing anything yesterday.
And, last thing. I've been a voracious reader ever since I can recall. If the book is good, I can't put it down but can read most books within a day. So, the rest of my life would be put on hold while I travelled other lands, and had amazing adventures in the pages of my latest book. After the kids, I found that I couldn't devote the time I needed to the books, and so for the last 8 years or so have read far less than I liked, although I'm getting back into the swing of things now.
My son, who's 8, hated reading until he had just turned 7. Now, he reads as voraciously as I used to - but that can lead to a few interesting moments. Such as my hubby finding the boy wonder lying on the floor of the bathroom at 3:30 am this morning, engrossed in his latest book!! LOVE that his reading appetite is so huge, exasperated as he's so exhausted this morning he's going to struggle to focus, and he has after-school sports this afternoon which is going to wipe him out.
Must go and catch up on the housework before doing some soul-destroying unpicking of 6 hours of work . . .
Tuesday 21 January 2014
Simple things
Sometimes it's the simple things. This morning, the kids decided that they wanted to spend some time reading before school. At their school, one of the reading schemes has online ebooks that the kids can read and get rewards for, so E read one of her bug club books, and S read one of his Christmas presents - Dragon Orb, Firestorm.
This afternoon I finally finished making a bookmark for someone - I'd meant to send it to them before Christmas, but never quite got round to finishing it. They've seen a pic of it on my other blog - http://prettylittleneedfulthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/a-special-little-mouse.html and I think it's made them happy. That's made me happy.
And finally, it's a bit nippy out there, so the delights of a fire cannot be stressed enough! Hubby is home early tonight so it's snuggles on the sofa and watching The Following, followed by a hefty dose of comedy to cheer us up!
Monday 20 January 2014
Highs and lows
There are so many things to be grateful for, and sometimes things are especially highlighted when your life is held in stark relief to others.
We met up with friends that we've known for about 15 years, something we try to do at least once or twice a year. Normally it's 3 couples with children, and another older couple. The men from the couples, and the older lady all used to work together (I was there too!) at a industry publishing house in London, and formed strong friendships that have lasted ever since.
Yesterday though, we were down a family. One of our number has been battling cancer, and is now recovering from his 3rd round of treatment, which has left him battered and completely exhausted and withdrawn. The rest of us have had trouble contacting them - it's not in his nature to share, and doesn't want people to feel sorry for him. We could only speculate as to how bad things were (we think they are pretty bad), and raised a glass to toast them in their absence.
So, looking at the GD family, I'm so glad we're happy, healthy, have each other and lots of really good friends. We're very lucky.
And, yesterday we celebrated our friendships with our other good friends, over a fantastic roast, with good wine and lots of laughs. Highs and lows . . .
And then, this morning was stunningly beautiful. As I sat in the car whilst it defrosted, watching oncoming car lights sparkling on the frosted windwcreen, I was delighted with the beauty. Driving around later, with the misty sun, and the slighty hazyness through the frost covered trees, I just felt so very happy. After the stark reminder from yesterday, simple beauty is enough to make me smile today. Just wish I'd been able to take some photos, but alas, school runs and forgotten bags, leading to another school run had me all of a dither!
There will be more frosty mornings though and I'll attempt to capture their beauty one day.
We met up with friends that we've known for about 15 years, something we try to do at least once or twice a year. Normally it's 3 couples with children, and another older couple. The men from the couples, and the older lady all used to work together (I was there too!) at a industry publishing house in London, and formed strong friendships that have lasted ever since.
Yesterday though, we were down a family. One of our number has been battling cancer, and is now recovering from his 3rd round of treatment, which has left him battered and completely exhausted and withdrawn. The rest of us have had trouble contacting them - it's not in his nature to share, and doesn't want people to feel sorry for him. We could only speculate as to how bad things were (we think they are pretty bad), and raised a glass to toast them in their absence.
So, looking at the GD family, I'm so glad we're happy, healthy, have each other and lots of really good friends. We're very lucky.
And, yesterday we celebrated our friendships with our other good friends, over a fantastic roast, with good wine and lots of laughs. Highs and lows . . .
And then, this morning was stunningly beautiful. As I sat in the car whilst it defrosted, watching oncoming car lights sparkling on the frosted windwcreen, I was delighted with the beauty. Driving around later, with the misty sun, and the slighty hazyness through the frost covered trees, I just felt so very happy. After the stark reminder from yesterday, simple beauty is enough to make me smile today. Just wish I'd been able to take some photos, but alas, school runs and forgotten bags, leading to another school run had me all of a dither!
There will be more frosty mornings though and I'll attempt to capture their beauty one day.
Sunday 19 January 2014
Cats and Sunday mornings
It's another lazy morning here in the GD household. I should perhaps add that as well as the human component, we have 2 cats who are now over 13 years old which apparently puts them in their mid 70's in human years. It doesn't stop them play silly-buggers with each other though - they're brothers and the sibling rivalry between them can sometimes erupt in pretty violent surprise attacks. I caught one jumping on his brother's head the other day.
As with all cats, they have their own mind about everything. Throughout the years I've bought them endless cat toys, beds and treats, but none have been regarded with any favour - until now! How sad is it that I'm totally excited by the fact that this new cat bed has found favour with my furry companions. So much so that I've had to take photographic evidence that they're using it!
This is Tigger, commenting on how he doesn't like his photo taken
The reason it's up on the table is that's where they often sit, as they watch the sparrows at the bird feeders outside. Now they can do so in comfort. I might have to get another one, as they've both been in there, and I don't want my crotchety old cats finding yet another reason to fight - it's like having extra children at times.
And, whilst typing this status up, they both wanted to see what I was up too . . . .
Willow got bored and went back to bird watching, but Tigger finally decided not to sit on the keyboard and just look moody, just out of shot.
They make me smile every day!
Oh, and it was coffee and croissants again this morning - very scrummy and another thing to smile about!
Saturday 18 January 2014
A tradition begins . . . .
I love it when the kids take it upon themselves to positively change aspects of our lives.
Sam has expressed a wish to learn how to cook curries. He's already a dab hand at a spag bol, mainly under the tutorship of his dad, but with the special tweaks that I give the sauce that helped me win over his Dad's stomach, and therefore helped with winning his heart!
But Sam, at the grand old age of 8.5, is keen to learn how to cook a curry from scratch - a skill that will stand him in good stead later on in life.
We tried last Friday/Saturday. His favourite recipe is Lamb Rogan Josh, and he wanted this to be the first recipe that he tried. I duly gathered all the ingredients, with the intention to follow the recipe and marinade the lamb overnight, but we forgot. Cue a far earlier Saturday morning than planned as I desperately grated ginger, mashed garlic and glooped yoghurt around, and shoved in the diced lamb in the hope that 8 hours would compensate for nearly 24.
It actually came together really well on Saturday night. Apart from the face that Sam got bored, and as yoghurt is a texture he's avoided since he was a baby, he actively avoids having anything to do with it. It was all smelling really tasty. And continued to do so through the patch when I managed to rub chilli into my eye. That bit was kind of distracting.
So distracting in fact, that I didn't turn the heat down enough on the pan, and burned the dish. Cue an emergency takeaway, and grumpy family (the fact that I'd blinded myself was apparently besides the point!)
Anyway, this is a really long winded way to get to my point. Whilst the girls went to gymnastics (Boo did the gymnastics, I drank coffee and gossiped) the boys went to the driving range, and then did the shopping for the weekend. They came home with a boxed curry ready meal for tonight. To be fair, it tasted reasonable, if not a bit too spicy for me. I got through half a big pot of plain yoghurt!
Whilst sharing the dinner, Sam piped up and said he loved having curries on a Saturday night, so could we make it a family tradition?
With endorsement from everyone, including his little sister, a tradition has been born. From now on it's curries on a Saturday, and proper roasts, with Yorkshire puddings no matter the meat, for Sundays.
It's a tradition I'm happy to embrace!
Sam has expressed a wish to learn how to cook curries. He's already a dab hand at a spag bol, mainly under the tutorship of his dad, but with the special tweaks that I give the sauce that helped me win over his Dad's stomach, and therefore helped with winning his heart!
But Sam, at the grand old age of 8.5, is keen to learn how to cook a curry from scratch - a skill that will stand him in good stead later on in life.
We tried last Friday/Saturday. His favourite recipe is Lamb Rogan Josh, and he wanted this to be the first recipe that he tried. I duly gathered all the ingredients, with the intention to follow the recipe and marinade the lamb overnight, but we forgot. Cue a far earlier Saturday morning than planned as I desperately grated ginger, mashed garlic and glooped yoghurt around, and shoved in the diced lamb in the hope that 8 hours would compensate for nearly 24.
It actually came together really well on Saturday night. Apart from the face that Sam got bored, and as yoghurt is a texture he's avoided since he was a baby, he actively avoids having anything to do with it. It was all smelling really tasty. And continued to do so through the patch when I managed to rub chilli into my eye. That bit was kind of distracting.
So distracting in fact, that I didn't turn the heat down enough on the pan, and burned the dish. Cue an emergency takeaway, and grumpy family (the fact that I'd blinded myself was apparently besides the point!)
Anyway, this is a really long winded way to get to my point. Whilst the girls went to gymnastics (Boo did the gymnastics, I drank coffee and gossiped) the boys went to the driving range, and then did the shopping for the weekend. They came home with a boxed curry ready meal for tonight. To be fair, it tasted reasonable, if not a bit too spicy for me. I got through half a big pot of plain yoghurt!
Whilst sharing the dinner, Sam piped up and said he loved having curries on a Saturday night, so could we make it a family tradition?
With endorsement from everyone, including his little sister, a tradition has been born. From now on it's curries on a Saturday, and proper roasts, with Yorkshire puddings no matter the meat, for Sundays.
It's a tradition I'm happy to embrace!
Relaxed Saturdays
Sometimes it's the really simple things in life that I'm grateful for.
My daughter does gymnastics on a Saturday morning, and before Christmas her class started at 9:00. However, she's gone up a class, and now starts at 10:00, meaning a much more relaxed morning for all of us.
So, for me today, it's the simple pleasure of a lazy morning, with a good coffee and a just-out-of-the-oven croissant. Beautiful combination to start my day!
Happy Saturday everyone!
Friday 17 January 2014
New year, new start - and a year on we're going to try again!
The funny thing is, I finally organised myself and made up 3 jars, with beautiful labels, for my Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, and soon to be Sister-in-law for little extra Christmas presents. Didn't do one for myself though, did I?
Anyway, a year on from my last post, I guess it's time to actually type something.
I'll keep it small - today I met up with my lovely quilting ladies, who came over to my house. I'm the baby of the group, but they're all lovely, friendly and welcoming. We were guided by one of the group who's an experienced quilter, and she's leading us, with baby-steps, to a new skill of 'Trapunto' quilting. We gossiped and talked for most of the session, but we got the general idea. I've got an idea for what I want to do, which is going to be based on a Charles Rennie Mackintosh rose. If I actually get my backside into gear, and do the crafting, I'll post some photos.
I'm also happy to have seen the sun today, which appeared in between the heavy showers.
There are many other things, but am starting small!
xx
The funny thing is, I finally organised myself and made up 3 jars, with beautiful labels, for my Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, and soon to be Sister-in-law for little extra Christmas presents. Didn't do one for myself though, did I?
Anyway, a year on from my last post, I guess it's time to actually type something.
I'll keep it small - today I met up with my lovely quilting ladies, who came over to my house. I'm the baby of the group, but they're all lovely, friendly and welcoming. We were guided by one of the group who's an experienced quilter, and she's leading us, with baby-steps, to a new skill of 'Trapunto' quilting. We gossiped and talked for most of the session, but we got the general idea. I've got an idea for what I want to do, which is going to be based on a Charles Rennie Mackintosh rose. If I actually get my backside into gear, and do the crafting, I'll post some photos.
I'm also happy to have seen the sun today, which appeared in between the heavy showers.
There are many other things, but am starting small!
xx
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