My autumn years are approaching…

What makes us do what we do?

I was raking leaves in the garden. A task I really enjoy as it takes me out of the warm cosy house with a purpose; also to get some fresh air and to admire the fantastic colours of the leaves that are slowly falling from the trees. This is a task I perform every morning.

It may sound a bit egotistic feeling good about one self every now and then. More than often we have a low opinion and even lower expectation of ourselves, because we know ourselves so well and just a few words from someone can break us down-make us feel like we are worth nothing. Sometimes theses words, deeds, that were spoken/done against us, still sit in the back of our minds and make us feel useless and unloved.

Today with the raking of the leaves and breathing in the lovely cold crisp  air, I made up my mind- my little tic toc brain – I am strong I will survive – like the old saying goes :- sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never ever hurt me again! So on that note I will soldier on with those who love/accept me unconditionally and wave good-bye to those who do not. A new era in my autumn years has arrived!

Attached are some love hearts and sewing books I made yesterday. All inspired by the new me and the browns of the leaves.

I take my  hat off…

After having our little cherub here from early afternoon and sleeping over here last night (he is 21 months) I just flopped into bed last night without even brushing my teeth!  Hope he did not notice. I read up for more activities to do with him and one suggested...shaving cream! He did have a lot of fun!

I take my hat off for mothers who try and work (especially at home) that has to entertain a little one. After crawling round on my knees (full of arthritis) and chasing him around the house like a dinosaur  this morning, then it was the potty session, the crayon drawing, the play dough, the outside walk….I am exhausted! And may I add this was only for, oh well, 24 hours now.

I did try to knit a bit while he was engrossed with Bob the Builder, but that only lasted about 10 minutes. I must say, I do love Bob’s little patchwork blanket at the end. Wonder who made it? Any ideas?

My tic toc brain is now consumed with ‘’Can he do it – YES HE CAN!’’ How positive is that. This is how I feel now with renewed energy after a strong cuppa of good old English tea. My sewing and knitting is my next challenge after my 24-hour ‘play’ with little cherub. 

For all those crafting busy mums, here is a special welcome for you and enjoy the little bundle of  Joys in your lives! Happy crafting!

This cross stitch sampler was made by sister 

CLARISSA RUDD 

from Jeffreys bay.

Luvvies

xx

A Smile…

I was asked by some lovely lady. (Bless her soul)  Why do you write a blog ? Who do you write a blog for?

I could not give a specific answer, but that is just that I used to keep a diary for years and years and sometimes your thoughts that are not shared get lost and they stay isolated and lonely inside a book – all locked away.

With the blog I can write what I feel and because I am alone for days on end some times, it is better to write and talk to the blog than to the wall (like Shirley Valentine) one of my favourite movies of all times as I can relate to her (talking to the wall)

At least here on the blog, the blog sometimes talks back to me via email and I feel there is life out there!! (Hello ET) These bouncing backs make me smile…which brings me to another subject.

I read a very sad beginning of a story I started reading:

’’ Before I used to climb into bed with a smile. One day, when I woke, my smile was missing. I searched and searched, but my smile was no more…and with that my heart became sore’’

I hope to be able to read the rest without tears in my heart.

If we share empathy and love with others who has physical and heart aching situations – sometimes just plain common human needs – and we  stretch a helping hand it brings a smile to your inner soul and those around you.

Givers and takers...
"I believe the world is divided in three groups: givers, takers and the few that can balance both impulses. Giving and loving is a beautiful thing. It is the currency of compassion and kindness, it is what separates good people from the rest. And without it, the world would be a bleak place. If you are a giver, it is wise to define your boundaries because takers will take what you allow them to; all givers must learn to protect that about themselves or eventually, there is nothing left to give."
- Tiffany Madison –

Thanks to lovely Reinet Hill who shared these words with me, so now I can share it with you too!

Luvvies.

xxxxxx

I am bombarded with cards! Cards in all shapes and sizes. A little bit off the track for  crafts, but then the words  -card and crafts sound good together and today this is on my tic toc brain – I am busy clearing clutter in handbags and drawers - do I really need / want all these cards?

Have you looked in your handbag lately how many cards you have, which is necessary in today’s life?  Well, here goes mine…

Bank cash card

Bank credit card

Library card

Staples rewards card (stationey) get rewards

Shell Drivers Club card (fuel) get rewards

Gardening Club (plants etc) get rewards

Toysrus (toys etc) get rewards

House of Fraser - get rewards

House of Frasier  Café - get rewards

BonMarche Bonus club - get rewards

Blockbusters – movies - get rewards

Matalan – clothes - get rewards

Gamestation – xbox etc - get rewards

Priorityclub – Holiday Inns - get rewards

SubWay – (food) - get rewards

Zara Beauty Shop - get rewards

Nando’s – (food) - get rewards

Pampered soles (beauty) - get rewards

Holland & Barrett - get rewards

Café Nero – coffee - get rewards

Tesco Club - get rewards

Vodaphone – pay as you go - get rewards

Boots - get rewards

Co-Op - get rewards

The sad part is that I cleaned /cleared out my filing for the last 6 months and away in the recycling went all those vouchers and special discounts coupons received which I forgot about / never used. How many of us do that on a daily basis? We hope for something for ‘free’ but at the end  of the day nothing is for free. Although my heart skips a beat when I get to spend some point at Boots / Tesco!!!

I have another special file in which all business cards go. How I like to collect these things!

So let me get on with my filing and clearing – should be finish by tonight, as well as getting hubbie’s books ‘up to date’.

On that cardie note – My pretty new business cards have been designed by http://www.yasminenaylor.com/ and should be here on Tuesday. It makes me feel so 'important' to be going to hand out 'business cards'.!

Rooms – a place to escape to.

I was busy ‘sorting’ my photos on my last visit to my sisters and this made me think about rooms. A private place to escape to – to rest in – to just lie back and think….(or read) and how does hubbie and I enjoy it every time!

What is more enjoyable to bake a cake with the eggs your hens gave you, milk from your own cows? It tastes better and is most probably healthier as well as well as the satisfaction of being part of the baking process instead of being ‘processed’.

As mentioned in previous blogs, I come from a family where everything was made from scratch. My dad used to be a lecturer (he passed away) and a keen woodworker. This love of the wood was carried over to my brother and my sister – Yes! My sister Priscilla (apart from being a brilliant needle/knit etc etc) she builds her  own furniture to her own taste! Sister Clarissa (she is a librarian) can put her hand to ANYTHING and it always comes out tops –Brother Benjamin (although having a MSc) he choose a path with wood and now creates the most stunning pieces of furniture. Combine all these talents and you get….

No matter how ‘hopeless’ you think you are – JUST TRY and try again and the satisfaction of any end product will spur you to put your hand to  more and more crafts…and soon, very soon, you will be crafting to perfection!

Keep on crafting, no matter how – remember it is the inner soul satisfaction that makes life worthwhile!

Happy crafting and have a lovely weekend and KEEP on crafting, no matter at what level!

Luvvies

xx