I love your blog!

Lovely Gabbi of Felinofelice gave me an award the other day. Thank you Gabbi! It is an award with questions-a strange mixture of questions which I will briefly answer now.
1. Why did you create the blog?
2. What kind of blogs do you follow?
3. Favourite make-up brand?
4. Favourite clothing brand?
5. Your indispensable make-up product.
6. Your favourite colour?
7. Your perfume?
8. Your favourite film?
9. What country would you like to visit and why?
10. Make the last question and answer to yourself.
1. I created the blog because I was inspired to do so by lovely blogs I had discovered. I wanted somewhere to share the things I make. When we first got the internet my sister installed stumbleupon, and through that I found lots of art blogs and through them discovered online courses and groups. The whole thing kind of grew altogether. So from being someone who thought they did not need the internet, and had only heard of blogs vaguely, and thought they must be for egocentric show offs, I turned into the cyber addict I am today! (Thanks for all the comments on that yesterday-I replied in the comment section-unusually for me I know! I did enjoy my internet holiday but wouldn't want to make a habit of it! I have nearly finished my scarf though so I did get something done!)
2. The first blogs I was interested in were all art blogs in some way, but now that is not the case. I like blogs which talk about people's lives in a way that is particular to them-the fun thing about knowing lots of different people-in blog land like in every day life. I like some which are wordy, and others which are just pictures. I am a sucker for a beautiful picture. I love the way that people's personalities come out through what they write and show.
3. I do not have a favourite make-up brand-I am not really a make-up person though I do wear a bit of eyeshadow and lipstick-currently lipstain-a marvellous invention which looks like red food colouring and just adds a bit of colour. My current eyeshadow is clinique.
4. I don't have a favourite clothing brand and am definitely not into labels. I buy clothes from charity shops quite often and occassionally alter these. I shop in Next a lot as their jeans fit me and they have quite interesting tops. Other than that it is sporadic shopping in TK Maxx and the odd visit to other shops-but none of them very expensive. Having said that I do worry quite a lot about clothes and like to try to wear things that look good-though I am never sure if I do or not!
5. My indispensable make-up product-well make-up for the hair-is hair dye-I am not ready to go grey yet. I want that kind of white grey hair eventually but at the moment have not got that!
6. Turquiose.
7. Allure Sensuelle by Chanel at the moment-delicious!
8. "Withnail and I". I have watched that film so many times I know it off by heart but I still love it!
9. That place where Gulliver goes-the place with the tiny people-it would fulfill all my miniature dreams! Is it Brobdingnag? Something like that!
10. Why does the shower curtain keep falling down?
I don't know, but I am working on it! (Every day! It is annoying me. Tonight I cleaned the walls with perfume (not Allure!) as I thought it would act like spirit and get rid of any grease. I shall know tomorrow as it waits until we are out)


I didn't know what the award was called so I went back and back from person to person to find out. I thought I might get back to the beginning so became a bit obsessed with following the trail as I was curious. However, because of a couple of non-back-linking award receivers I never did. The trail led me through lots of fashion blogs which was fun, then eventually back to lots of Spanish blogs. The award was originally called 'Me Encanta Tu Blog'-I love your blog, and had a little Sponge Bob logo to go with it, or 'Bob le Ponge' as they call him in France!

Right, the part of blog awards I don't like and the part I always and shall continue not to do, is the choosing just 10. So please, if you fancy answering a few questions, please accept this award! I love all of your blogs so I would happily choose any of you!



I just don't like to post without a picture, so here is Cassie's beautiful eye!

Thanks Anne!

A while ago-half a month to be precise-Anne of Frayed at the Edge gave me an award. (post here) I have been very slow to accept this award so sorry about that Anne-it went out of my head and just came back again! Hurray for the memory still working even if it is eratic. The award is for being a creative blogger (I have to correct the spelling-I am programmed to do so) so I was most happy that Anne thought of me. Anne of course is a very creative blogger so if you have not visited her then please do-she is also very friendly! I have to tell you seven interesting things about myself-hmm-I will have a think.

I am supposed to name seven other creative bloggers. I just started to do this and then I came up against the same old difficulties I have had before-choice making-not my strong point. So I am naming none! All of the blogs I love are full of creativity of various sorts, all different and so I am offering the award to you if you are reading and would like it! If you have looked at my blog before and never said hello then say hello now and pick up an award while you are about it! I would love to say hello back!

Seven things about me-(which may or may not be interesting)
1. I am a newly initiated Ebay seller
2. I have just been given 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies' by my friend, and guffawed my way through it earlier.
3. I am about to eat salmon, peas, beans and new potatoes for my tea.
4. I record all of the books I have read, and their first and last lines, (not books I read at school to the kids-I would be there all night writing in the book!) and have done for about ten years. I write these lists in A4 notebooks and do a year page-a picture of whatever takes my fancy, usually on about January 4th. This year's is a snowglobe. I write on one side of the page and stick memorabilia and photos on the other page.
5. I had very vivid and quite scary dreams last night due, I think, to a dodgy curry!
6. I used to ride horses-well ponies I suppose. I used to have the same one every week. We would ride around the country lanes which was very pleasant. My pony was called Fella and he was difficult to catch, difficult to tack up and hysterical at any vehicle bigger than a car. I liked him though!
7. I love the smell of wood polish-especially the beeswax kind! If I have polished things the whole flat then smells delicious!

Awards

I was catching up on Mary's blog today and was touched to see she had given me an award, which made me remember another award given to me ages ago by Sonia ( on my birthday in fact!) and which I failed to accept-oh no! So thank you to Sonia for the Deborah award and to Mary for the Making smiles on faces award. This is Deborah's lovely blog here. For the smile award I have to share five things about myself.
1. I thought I couldn't cook, then I could, then I couldn't again and resorted to going to McDonald's. (this happend last night-I had a complete cooking disaster (three things burnt-thick black smoke burnt) -which was most disappointing as last weekend I had nothing but cooking success.
2.When I went to McDonald's (which is pretty rare) I kept my pajama top on and wore an odd selection of other clothes-I was hungry and wanted the 'fast' aspect of fast food. It is a drive-in and it was dark. The girl who takes the orders was also the one who takes the money-I was impressed by her multi-tasking and her polite manner.
3. Every weekend recently, there has been a sunlight window in which to take photos. It is short lived and so, whatever I am doing, I stop, whip out the camera and photograph whatever I need to that week.
4. My Chinese star sign is the snake.
5. My zodiac sign is Libra and I have Virgo rising. I have endless discussions about these things with my friend Clare. It is all fascinating!

I would like to pass these awards on to lots of people but have chosen three of them today-I am usually a bit reticent to pass them on as I worry about leaving people out but I will be bold! I have chosen people I have not passed awards on to before. ( I think)
I will pass the smile award to Amy of Sweet Sweet Life as she makes me smile almost every day with her amazing showcasing of great artists. Thanks Amy!

I will pass the Deborah award to Lynne and to Janine-thanks for being my friends!

Thanks to all my friends-I love this world we share!

In other news (that phrase always pops into my head when I am writing the blog-it makes me smile somehow-as if my life is so terribly interesting!), I watched 'New Moon' this week (loved it-I am an overgrown, middle aged teenage girl! Slightly selfish Bella appears a little less selfish in the film) , a film about Marie Antoinette with Kirsten Dunst where it appeared she had just been dropped off in 17th Century France from a shopping mall somewhere in America and given the right costumes-most strange film-I quite enjoyed it though. Today I watched 'Coco Before Chanel' which was lovely-most interesting and beautiful.

Shhh, it's a secret

A few weeks ago, just before going back to work, I was lucky to be given two awards by the lovely and talented Shell. Thanks Shell!

The first couple of weeks back at work are always busy, but this year they were somehow worse due to the feeling I had of being given far more to do than I possibly could. The result of this was that I resigned a management post that I have held for a year and a half, feeling that having time was far more important than the extra money. I have been much happier since and have begun to feel the benefits a little in terms of time. All of this is obviously just a longwinded excuse for taking so long to accept my awards! They are lovely ones-

The Miss Watermelon Award and the You're An Awesome Girl Award.

I love the picture for the awesome girl one, and the sentiments-especially the art is everywhere one.

The Miss Watermelon one requires me to tell you six things I love and to pass it on to six people.

I love:-

stroking cats,

browsing in bookshops,

conversations with children,

birdsong,

windy weather,

putting on perfume in the morning.

I don't want to choose 6 people-I feel too indecisive today. I am very nosey though so I would love anyone to take the watermelon award and tell me six things you love, or, just to tell me a couple if you leave a comment! Thanks!

All of you who I know on here are awesome girls so any of you could take this award. Unless of course you are an awesome boy-and need a male version of the page.

I have also received an award from the lovely Anne and also failed to do anything about it! Thanks Anne!

For this award I have to reveal seven secrets about myself and nominate seven others to do the same.

As seen above, I am just not in a nominating mood. I would love to know some secrets though!

However, I am not able to reveal any secrets about myself I have realised, because they are, in fact, secrets! I started to write and I just couldn't do it. Anything I wrote would then no longer be a secret but would be on the internet, the least secret place in the world! I am not rejecting the award, I am just thinking as I write! So, thanks Anne, but I just can't do it! If anyone tells me a secret though, and clearly states, this is a secret, then I will keep it until told otherwise!

Circle of Friends

Anne of Gaal Creative has given me an award called Circle of Friends. Thanks Anne! It is to be passed on to five people you feel are your friends-I suppose that much is obvious! I wanted to list all the people who have become friends so I am putting a little more than five. I know some of you have already recieved the award but that is because it is a CIRCLE of friends! How lovely!

Before my list-here are the rules:-
Cut and paste the award logo and use it on your own blog.
Nominate at least 5 other bloggers you feel have become part of your circle of friends.
Link to your nominees within your blog post.
Include these instructions on how to pick up the award in your blog post.
Link back to the person who gave you the award in your blog post, to show your appreciation.
Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award.

Here is my list-I know some of you don't really do awards but you are still my friends! I will not be offended if the award never appears-it is still how I feel about you! NO PRESSURE!

I am doing the list alphabetically as I find this the easiest way not to miss anyone out.

A Fanciful Twist-The amazingly creative and charmingly friendly Miss Vanessa Valencia!

Beading Stars -Lovely, kind, serene and wise Allegra.

Black Eyed Susie - Sarah Faber, doll maker extraordinaire!

Bun Mountain Cottage- Lovely Lynne who takes the most beautiful photos of her Swedish home and has adorable dogs!

Charmingly Simple-Di is from Kent, as am I and we met through Suzi Blu. She is having a blogging break at the moment but will no doubt be back. I look forward to it!

Circling My Head- Renee is an amazing strong and loving person who gives so much to others, and I am so pleased to know her.

Dance of a Painted Lady-Kendalee is a talented writer who always inspires me! She takes the most beautiful evocative photos which complement her writing wonderfully.

Eye Candy-The lovely Candace in Athens Georgia writes of art shenanigans and other adventures. She is my only blog friend that I have met in real life and we had a great time!

Fra(a)ing- Anairam is a talented artist who makes the most amazing things from recycled items. She is very imaginative and funny and always makes me want to rush off and make something that has been sparked by one of her creations!

Frayed At The Edge-Anne is a talented quilter and knitter. She takes lovely photos of the beautiful Scottish towns and countryside where she lives and I am excited to say that we are going to meet up-(along with Andy and Malcolm!) one day on our holiday! Looking forward to it Anne!

Gaal Creative-Yes I know you gave me the award Anne but you are in my circle! Anne is a talented photographer and card maker and she shares her techniques in a clear and easy to follow way.

Helen McCookerybook- Helen is my sister in law but she is still in my circle of friends because she is one! She is a musician and all round talented artist, knitter, sewer-a woman of all arts I think! Your posts always interest me Helen and usually make me laugh!

HeyHarriet-Tracy is the lovely host of Shadow Shot Sunday. She is a talented photographer and a very friendly person to boot!

Journalling Through Photos-Kamana and her family live in the Maldives. She takes beautiful photos and writes about their lives and other interesting things. I love visiting as it seems so exotic to me-just beautiful.

Justbeans -I met Janine through doll making-she introduced me to ADO and I am so pleased she did as I really enjoy being a member. She is multi talented-making dolls, painting and drawing. She makes really beautiful dolls that I just love!

MesklaWonder-Linda and Becky are friends from London who moved to Greece. They write a most amusing and interesting blog about their life there with William the dog. Although they pretty definitely do not do awards-they don't do comments! -they are friends-even though I have not seen them for some time! I wanted to include them in my friendly list so here they are.

Miz Katie-We met through Suzi Blu and are intermittent visitors-I always appreciate Miz Katie's comments and love her art. She is also a talented photographer and fellow pet owner!

Pink Purl-The lovely Tracy of Pink Purl makes beautiful jewellery and knitted goodies. I love visiting her and enjoy her visits here too!

Poetikat's Invisible Keepsakes-Kat is a poet and a great story teller. She is also a film buff and good cook. Multitalented again!

Steven's Happy Accidents-Steven is a talented artist-he creates all sorts of things in fabric and also finds vintage goodies to share in his shop. It was his birthday this week so happy birthday Steven!

Swan Of Dreamers-Shell is a talented actor and encourages others to follow their dreams. Her posts are full of literature, film, beauty and love!

The Dark Raven's Nest-Sonia is enthusiastic about other's work, actively promoting them and encouraging them. She is a doll artist and also makes wonderful birds!

The Dark Side of Everything Good-This is my friend Clare's blog. She writes poetry and fiction but is a bit shy about sharing! She is really good and when she does post something it is always worth the wait!

Tidbits From Liz-Liz is a faithful friend who has commented on every post I have done since we met-I am so appreciative Liz thank you! I love visiting her to see what she and Bryan have been up to and what delicious culinary treats she has enjoyed that week!

Tiny Red-Thereza is a talented graphic designer and illustrator from London who's work I love. As well as her art she posts great photos of adventures.

I really hope I have not forgotten anyone-well in fact there are many more I could add because I have met some very lovely people through Shadow shot Sunday and other blog events and memes I have joined in. This award is a lovely one as it highlights one of my my favourite things about blogging, and relates to my blog name which is all about the widening circle of people, ideas and places to go-it is never ending!

Scream!

A little while ago Sonia gave me this award. Thanks Sonia!
Spiders make me scream along with loud noises and being made jump! I am more quiet than that when reading all my favourite blogs, but they might make me go ooh, aah or oh!
As usual with awards I never know who to pass it on to for fear of someone being left out, so here is today's crafty solution. (By the way-do you know what CRAFT syndrome is? I had never heard that until yesterday and then someone at work said it today-synchronicity!)

If you are reading and you would like to scream along with me and Sonia, then please take this Gourd Queen (I love that name!) and pass her on to whoever makes you scream!

Visit this link for a funny scary spider story! I love googling phrases!

Charity Shop Goodies and An Award

Today I had to go and rescue the lovely Raven I bought from Sonia from the post office. We then treated ourselves to a cafe breakfast in Gambardella's. I treated myself to a visit to the two local charity shops. The Cat's Protection League yielded the goodies today although Andy did get a Ken Hom cookery book from The British Red Cross. Lovely Laura Ashley chintz-it is very pretty chintz and at least a metre and a half-£1!

A golden hands patchwork and applique book-you might like this Anne! I want a patchwork shirt like this but sadly have not got the patience or skill to make one. The picture is just so summery.

I got a book about exploring the woodland-quite interesting but not very exciting pictures. Apart from one of a Jay with a very bouffant hairdo!

My favourite purchase though was a World Film Publications 1949 Preview. It has colour pictures of lots of actors of the day as well as articles and photo story strips from films. My favourite part was a section entitled 'The Stars Read The Book Of The Film'

I didn't scan that page though-just a few of the stars themselves. I love the colours in these old photos.

I saw a girl on the train today who looked just like this. (Rita Hayworth-not John McCallum!)

Love the dog tooth checks!
But look what they did to Kathleen!

Anne of Gaal Creative has kindly given me an award. Thanks Anne!

Anne makes beautiful cards, is a talented photographer and has just opened an Etsy shop. Go and visit her to find out more!

There are only two rules to follow with this blog award:
Post the award on your blog.
Pass it along to whomever you want.

As Anne said, the passing along part is hard-I love lots of blogs. The list is always getting bigger. I am going to choose a few.

1. Siepsfabriek

2. StevensHappyAccidents

3. Poetikat's Invisible Keepsakes

4. The Dark Raven's Nest (Sonia mentioned above)

5. Geninne's Art Blog

I could happily give everyone in my blog list this award really as I love all of them. I don't want anyone to feel left out which is the problem I have choosing only some of them! Indecisive Libra that's me! I love where else they might lead me too with all of their lists. Endless possibilities!

Back tomorrow for SSS!

Sheep

Kat of Poetikat's Invisible Keepsakes gave me an award recently. It is the Ewe Rock award. I appreciate that Kat-thanks! I would like to pass it on to anyone who takes the time to look at my blog and double to anyone who leaves a comment. You make me happy and thoughtful at the same time with your kindness and insights! So you all rock!

I liked this award too as it got me thinking about sheep. I like sheep. There is something mysterious about them despite their familiarity. I love the way they move on their thin, twig like legs with their solid, comfy looking bodies. I used to think they were a little silly but have changed my mind over the years. My driving instructor used to say "Don't be a sheep" when I was in danger of following the person in front in either speed or wrong doing. I suppose sheep do do that-follow I mean. Last year in Scotland we saw sheep herding using dogs and quad bikes-it was great!

Below is a sheep from the Yorkshire Sculpture Park-a great place to visit. I went there with my sister and my friend a couple of years ago. Below said sheep is a picture of the toilet in a great cafe we visited in Whitby. I love it when businesses take time to make their toilets interesting and fun! These two photos are my version of 'Ewe Rock'.

Jane (my sister) made a great pottery sheep when she was at school. It has a fantastic texture and captured their shape perfectly. I just happen to have a photo so here it is! All that remains from my family's art is something from my Dad!
The second sheep is a present from me as I thought it went with Jane's quite well.

Sheep are great for many reasons, not least the wool they produce. This is a picture from the Whitby Museum, a very interesting place. Have a look at the Museum's Jet collection here.

This is wool dyed with natural dyes-isn't it beautiful?

Years ago I worked in a post office. I got to know the regular customers quite well in some cases. One lady used to wear a selection of sheep brooches. My curiosity overcame me in the end and I asked her about her brooches. They were mainly presents and they had been given to her because she was a weaver. She was a Swedish weaver in fact. I really liked her and was invited to a wine and weaving evening at her house once. I didn't really get to know her very well but I am glad I met her.

Have you ever seen Henry Moore's drawings of sheep? He got sheep perfectly! Mum has this book but I might have to buy it too.

This is a little lamb outside Gary's house in Whitby.

One last sheep thing-sheep will go, or have gone, down in history due to Dolly.