High Time I added a post!.........

Wicken Fen, Cambs


We're how far in to the New Year - and this is my first blog post??? In my defence I'm having to type this right now from a stop-gap, rigged up contraption as the "real" computer became decidedly off-colour after Christmas and ultimately refused to play with any of us! I've got no useful library of images to work with any more; just an ocean of empty desk top. No matter- I think the photo I found (taken just before Christmas when we were all still in the vice like grip of Winter) is quite appropriate.

At first glance, when I was flicking through Ashley's camera, I thought it was a bit bleak. A narrow path leading to an unknown destination, cold and uninviting, a shadowy darkness at the edges .... a bit like a brand new year when you're not sure what might happen. I've been feeling somewhat over-contemplative and stressed recently; not helped by PPI medication (acid inhibitors) which can magnify anxiety. Well, I realised that's one interpretation of the picture. Looking closer I noticed the sky; it's natural and surprising beauty would be reason enough to keep walking along that path. The trees and hedges at the sides are likely to be bustling with birds waking up for another new day; the water course is gurgling its infinite way, meandering and leisurely. The scene is actually picturesque. Hopeful.
I may not be making any Resolutions for 2011 (and they always do come with capitals don't they?) but I will be looking for the blue sky .... or an unexpected ray of sunshine, the pretty song of a bird; just little things that chase away uncertainty or stress. Maybe we all need to be a bit kinder to ourselves sometimes, and "re-adjust the picture" by looking for the positive things that make life so much better.

With a belated "Happy New Year",

T.T.F.N  Ruth xxx  :0)

Season's Greetings!

Only a few days to Christmas - where does the whole year go to? Like most people I've got plenty of jobs still to do before the big weekend has been and gone! I should be wrapping presents right now ... but at least I've ticked off the mince pie baking, decorating, and the dreaded "final" shop.In fact I'm feeling quite smug about the last one; I got up before 6am and went straight to Tesco! The wide aisles were clear , nobody had "trolley rage" and there was an empty checkout waiting for us! My fridge, freezer and cupboards are full and no blood was shed - not bad going, especially as it was still -6 temperatures outside and the (non-gritted) roads were all a-sparkle.Like everybody in the UK I am so over that whole White Christmas thing!!!

Here's a peek at my mantel piece; I used the butterfly masks to decorate my table at Sheffield.They are far too gorgeous to stash away, and I adore these new, glittery, die-cut Victorian style cards - which I'll be keeping as decorations permanently!

I've also used them in my wall unit, where they go so well with roses, white bells and vintage photos...

I decided to make some Teacup Candles as Christmas presents this year, and I was really pleased with how they turned out. Having trawled my favourite vintage and collectible haunts for pretty cups and saucers (all from the Staffordshire potteries) I also picked up a bundle of assorted silver plated spoons for added decoration.I used an Antique Ivory dye, and Vanilla and Cinnamon perfumes mixed together. Next I made some tiny little "Gingerbread cookie" sachets ... ssshhhhh don't tell anyone they're filled with cut pieces of vanilla scented Magic Tree, and polyester stuffing ...

This one is "Pansies" by Royal Grafton.

I haven't done any proper sewing for well over a week; which is starting to make my fingers itchy! However I did manage to squeeze in a lovely bear swap through TBACA before The BBAAs weekend away. I sent my little 3" "Gingerbread Angel" to Lesley Stipanov (Les Bears), and despite crossing continents and the continued bad weather here we've both received our swaps in time for Christmas :0)

I will definitely be making more of these bears with decorated gingerbread wings - oh yummy!
Here is my new little fella from Lesley - he's only 1.75" tall!

Happy Christmas to Everybody out there! With every Good Wish for a peaceful and joyful holiday for you and your loved ones XXX

Ruth xxx :0)