Linden Grove

Recycled Fabric Brooches

2012-01-30T10:30:00.001Z

I have been looking for some quick and easy fund raising ideas for the community vineyard where I volunteer. I saw some fabric brooches in 'Homemade Gifts Vintage Style' and thought I would try something similar.

I used a selection of new and recycled fabrics. I recycled a pair of denim jeans and an old pair of Cath Kidston pyjama bottoms! To keep the costs down I will probably just sew safety pins to the back rather than buy brooch pins.

They have a rustic, homespun look about them which I hope will appeal to the market I have tailored them to. I think they would look great attached to a denim jacket or spring coat to add a splash of colour on a gloomy day.

I now have to think about ways in which they could be displayed once I have made several dozen more! I am thinking of a shallow willow basket where they will be displayed loose rather than in packaging. What do you think? Any ideas?

Walking Poetry

2012-01-27T16:09:00.000Z

Another long walk today. I came home and wrote a poem about unrequited love.

I wish I had never set eyes on your beautiful face

Your knowing eyes

Your enigmatic smile

I wish I could forget you

I wish I could release my caged heart

And breathe again

I wish the tears would stop flowing

I wish I could stop the yearning

And live again

I wish I had never set eyes on your beautiful face

I wish your beautiful face

Was on mine

Simone Whipp 27 January 2012

Feeling Moody

2012-01-26T16:19:00.001Z

I like the moodiness of this photo. The darkness of the clouds in the foreground and the white cloud above drawing your eye towards it. My moods swing like a pendulum lately. I always seem so tired like a dog constantly chasing its tail. Scenes like this give me a moment of calm.

Going for a walk also gives me a sense of calm. It is funny because when I am out and about walking, random words and sentences come into my head. It is almost as though an older and wiser version of myself comes to give me a message or words of comfort.

Today these words came to me 'keep a twinkle in your eye and a song in your heart and you wont go far wrong'. I had a spring in my step all the way back home.

Looking to the Horizon

2012-01-23T16:08:00.001Z

I was in a reflective mood as I walked around a local park today. Looking out to the horizon I felt that this was a metaphor for my life. Always looking out to the horizon but never quite been able to reach it, for when one reaches the horizon......................it has gone.

Bloggers Beads Reminder

2012-01-18T18:19:00.000Z

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent me beads so far. I have even received a bead all the way from Australia! On receipt of the beads I will send you an email to let you know that I have received it and put your name under my 'Bead Donors' in the side bar.

I will keep this open for another couple of weeks and then I will draw a name from all the people that have sent me a bead and send the winner a little something I have made. I do hope that I receive enough beads to make my 'Bloggers Beads Necklace'!

Apart from my goal of making 'the' necklace with the help of my blogging friends I have another goal that I wish to achieve this year. I want to improve my level of fitness. I decided that I will do this by walking more.

After reading about the merits of using a pedometer (counts the number of steps walked each day) I decided to buy one. I read that the average person does between 3,000-4,000 steps each day. Health professionals advise to walk 10,000 steps each day to maintain fitness and 12,000 steps to lose weight.

I walked to the vineyard and back today and this evening my pedometer reads 15,687 steps. No wonder I am tired!

Chasing Rainbows

2012-01-16T15:04:00.000Z

I seem to have spent most of my life chasing rainbows. Today it was as though my mind and body had enough. Physically and mentally exhausted, always having to be doing something and planning the next move. Keeping one step ahead.

Yesterday I completed chores that I normally reserve for a Monday so that I could have the day free. I had planned to get out my watercolour paints again. I had planned to spend a relaxing few hours with paints, paper and a bit of imagination.

My eyes were so sore and watery I couldn't focus, my mind was jumping all over the place. I got out a big cover and lay down and fell asleep. I am so angry at myself for giving in to sleep on such a beautiful day when the sun is shining.

As I woke from sleep and started thinking about my life of chasing rainbows, setting myself up with unattainable goals and dreams I realised I didn't have to go down that route any more. There on my blanket a rainbow had come and found me.

Instinctive Cooking

2012-01-13T16:43:00.002Z

Just recently I have been doing a lot more instinctive cooking and been very pleased with the results. For years, I have been a slave to the cookery book carefully measuring out and buying the exact ingredients. I think when it comes to baking a special cake then it is wise to follow accurate measurements but in everyday cooking I don't think it is necessary.

Over the last couple of weeks I have 'instinctively' made a shepherds pie, roast dinner, chicken curry, pizza, bolognese and chilli without referring to a recipe book. I have just looked up cooking temperatures and timings.

Pizza is getting to be a bit of a speciality. I just put a quantity of bread flour into a bowl with a packet of dried yeast that has been added to a cup of warm water. I add a splash of olive oil to the flour and then mix together and knead for about 5 minutes. I put the dough into a greased bowl, cover and leave for about half an hour or until ready to use. Meanwhile I prepare the toppings. I like to pre-cook some of my toppings such as the onions and sweet peppers which I fry in a little olive oil.

Spread the dough out onto one or two greased baking sheets by pressing down and out with your fingers. Add a can of chopped (drained) tomatoes on to the base. Tear up some mozzarella cheese or cheese of your choice and sprinkle over the tomato. Add any other toppings that you like. Bake in a hot oven at about 220 degrees C for about 20 minutes. You will smell the pizza when it is ready!

Have a lovely weekend. I am off to experiment some more!

Amazing Nature

2012-01-12T15:36:00.000Z

I awoke to this stunning sunrise on Wednesday morning. I grabbed my camera and rushed out on to the porch to capture the clouds before they dispersed. The sky looked as though it was on fire and the skeletal trees could make one think that the leaves had been burnt away. The scene set before me was as though Monet had painted the sky just for me that morning. Nature and its beauty continues to lift and inspire me each day.

I am also inspired and lifted by the amount of people that want to be part of my Bloggers Beads Necklace (see previous post). Thank you to those of you that have sent beads to me so far and for all of the thought you have put into choosing them for me. Don't worry if you haven't sent beads to me yet. There is still time. I am going to leave this open for about a month to give my friends from overseas time to send them to me. Don't forget that I will draw a name from all the participants and send the winner something I have made.

It has just gone 3.30 in the afternoon. A watery sun is shining. Birds are singing. Spring IS on its way.

Bloggers Beads

2012-01-06T11:24:00.002Z

I have been thinking about my word for the year which is create. I have also been thinking about Clare's word for the year which is connect.

Linking these two words together I have a proposal that I would like to submit to you. (That sounds very formal doesn't it?) My goal is to make a necklace using a bead from each blogger that has previously contributed to this blog. The purpose of this necklace is that I can create it knowing that it is made with good intent and a connection to each and every one of you that leave me such kind and encouraging comments.

If you would like to play a part in the creation of my necklace, which I intend to wear every day, then please send me an email at simone.lindengrove@gmail.com so that I can let you have my address details.

I request just one bead from each of you, although you can send more if you wish. The bead can be made of glass, plastic, ceramic, wood, metal etc, new or old and of any shape you desire.

When I have received an adequate amount of beads I will set to making a necklace. I know that this will be a necklace that I will cherish as there would have been so much thought that has gone into its creation.

As an incentive for doing this, I will draw a name from all the participants and make the winner a little something, yet to be decided. I will keep this open for about a month to give people the time to send their beads to me.

I do hope that you will join me in this venture. I can't wait to see what the finished product will look like!

Edited: If you are unsure of what type of bead to send, I would request something that represents 'you' and your taste. As long as it has a hole in it for threading then it is fine!

Comfort

2012-01-03T14:15:00.000Z

Looking back to my childhood I can see that caring for others was in my nature. When a close relation was poorly I would cover them with a blanket and tuck it in tightly around them to give them a sense of security. I wanted to be able to take away pain and suffering and heal people.As I grew older I progressed to giving head and neck massages and even foot baths! In the back of my mind I thought that I would make a good nurse some day.

Somehow I got lost and never did pursue a career in nursing. I guess my phobia of blood was too great so I purposefully pushed the idea of nursing out of the way.

Decades on I realise that I still want to make people feel better when they are ill or feeling down. I like to 'touch' people through my words nowadays though rather than with a 'hands on' approach.

I was unable to sleep for a while last night. I started to think about people who are on their own or in need of comfort or peace or just wanting a hug. I eventually drifted off to sleep whilst envisaging being swaddled in a soft, warm blanket, feeling protected and cocooned with love.

If you are feeling in need of a 'comfort blanket' then try to visualise one as I did and imagine its warmth and softness enveloping you. I found this technique very calming and it helped to slow down my anxious mind.

Books

2012-01-01T11:23:00.000Z

I have many books to read. I have much to learn. There is so much that I want to cram into my life. I want to make, bake, create, sing, dance, laugh and run barefoot across a meadow! I am going to seize the day!

Two days ago I attended a friends funeral. She was 54. She has left behind a husband, 3 children under the age of 14 and a menagerie of animals. She fought against ovarian cancer until her dying breath. She was not going to give in without a fight. She lived the last five years of her life to the full. She spent many days out with her family capturing memories in photos, she decorated her house regularly, spent weekends away, joined the National Trust, put a fishpond in her garden and started to grow vegetables.

I am going to live by her example. I am going to live my life to the full and just 'get on with it' as she did.

My word for 2012 is 'create'. I am going to make time for all kinds of creative pursuits and hopefully show them here on the blog. Do you have a word to focus on in 2012?

Intermission

2011-12-29T19:17:00.000Z

Whoosh! Intermission between Christmas and New Year 2012.

Happy Everything!

2011-12-17T16:53:00.000Z

Wishing you all a Happy Yule, Happy Christmas and Happy Everything! That is a bevelled edge mirror and not a double chin by the way!

See you all next year

New Holly Tag Design

2011-12-17T13:06:00.000Z

The holly and the ivy

When they are both full grown

Of all the trees that are in the wood

The holly bears the crown

*********

Christmas Bark

2011-12-11T16:11:00.001Z

I have seen a few recipes for 'bark' on the Internet so I thought I would have a go at making my own version. This recipe is for those that have a super sweet tooth!

Ingredients
White chocolate (about 200g)
Dried sweetened cranberries (Ocean Spray are good)
Freshly chopped mint

Method
Break the chocolate pieces into a heatproof bowl and melt over a saucepan of water. Put a piece of greaseproof paper onto a baking sheet and when the chocolate has melted pour onto the sheet. Move the paper about so that the chocolate is of an even thickness.

Sprinkle the cranberries and mint evenly over the chocolate and leave to set, then refrigerate. After a couple of hours remove from the fridge and cut the chocolate into thin shards or into fancy shapes if you prefer.

Conclusion
The mint really helps prevent the white chocolate from being too cloying. The cranberries add a pleasant tartness and texture. I think it goes down well with a nice cup of coffee!

Edited: I was going to do a whole series of Bark recipes but poor light has not done justice to my photographs so I have listed some tried and tested variations below instead. They all follow the above method unless stated otherwise.

White chocolate, cranberries, lime zest (my favourite!)
Milk chocolate, rice crispies (stirred into the melted chocolate), chopped dried ready to eat apricots
Milk chocolate, chopped glace cherries, dessicated coconut

There are so many more variations you could try including swirling different types of chocolate together (white and dark), topping with mini marshmallows, mini fudge pieces, dried blueberries etc etc. Go on! Give it a go!

The Nativity

2011-12-10T17:03:00.000Z

I have had this nativity scene for over ten years. It is porcelain and very well made with spaces for Christmas lights to be placed within the dwellings. The shop where I bought it was closing down and the set was inside a dust covered box. I didn't pay very much for it and year after year it comes out to decorate our living room. It looks as good as new.

I like my house to look cosy and welcoming at Christmas time. At times I like a modern, minimalist look, but when the snow begins to fall and outside temperatures plummet, I like my home to be warm and inviting. You wont find any cold electric blue lights here no matter how much my husband likes them!

It has been a while since I featured food on my blog so I may have a sweet treat to share with you over the next week IF my experiment comes out right! Have a lovely weekend. x

A Little More Festive

2011-12-08T17:01:00.001Z

The house is slowly getting decorated for the festive season. The tree went up and a garland went over the fireplace at the weekend. I will gradually add to the decorations over the coming week.

I attended a personal development course today as part of a course on working in the voluntary sector. We had to individually stand up in front of the group and talk about the personal achievements of the person we had been partnered up with. Afterwards we were put into groups and members of the group had to say what our strengths were. I was told that my strength was the fact that I was very composed whilst giving my presentation. Me composed? I chuckled inwardly as I hate public speaking and felt very nervous about standing up and talking in front of a group of strangers. Isn't it funny how we are perceived by others?

From now on I am going to be very 'composed' in the run up to Christmas and keep my ruffled feathers under wraps.

Quiet Time

2011-12-04T18:42:00.000Z

Before the gaiety of the season kicks in, I just want some quiet time. Time to sit and reflect on the past year, time to take walks out in nature away from bustling, eager shoppers, time to be thankful for the past 12 months.

I will quietly work on my craft projects, and quietly work alongside my fellow workers at the vineyard. I will quietly make mince pies and quietly sample them.

I will quietly remember the laughs that I shared with a friend who now resides in a hospice. I will quietly sob.

I will quietly go about my everyday duties and quietly give thanks for all that is good in my life.

Wishing all of you some time for quiet reflection amongst the mayhem and merriment of the season. x

Making Envelopes

2011-11-28T09:18:00.000Z

Fabric is growing on me but I love paper most of all. I've been dabbling with card making again, and my taste is veering towards the simple but perfectly executed. I have been making envelopes to compliment the cards and believe that the patterned envelope is the way to go!

These envelopes still need to have the pencil lines erased and glue applied but I thought you might like to see what they look like in mid-process. If you want to have a go at making your own envelopes then here is how:

carefully open out an envelope of your choice
use this envelope as a template and draw around it on your chosen paper
cut accurately around the pencil lines
using a ruler, draw lines where the folds were on the original envelope
score and fold at pencil lines
fold envelope together gluing in the same places where original envelope was glued
put double sided sticky tape around the envelope flap
all done
enjoy looking at your wonderfully patterned envelopes!

Home Sweet Home

2011-11-24T18:41:00.000Z

I have noticed that not many people are posting in blog land recently so I thought I would do an additional post this week. The very home sweet home above is not my home but as it looked so lovely I thought I would share it with you. The porch is on the side of the house which is a semi-detached cottage. The front of the house has candy striped blinds and floral Cath kidston curtains. The pretty window boxes are full of silvery leaved plants. Someone creative lives here as the upstairs rooms have pots of paintbrushes and pencils in front of the window. I didn't take any more photos of the house as I didn't want to be too intrusive. I love all the attention to detail: the bows on the lanterns, the willow heart and the floral curtains. I had a spring in my step after seeing such a pretty house. I am inspired to make mine just as pretty!

A Sunday Afternoon View

2011-11-21T08:52:00.002Z

A chilly afternoon spent at Forty Hall farm. To my left were a group of people enthusing about the site for our newly proposed orchard, to my right was the sight that I had to capture, as shown in the photo above.

I really wanted to walk into the sunset and leave the chattering crowd behind............................................

Contemplating

2011-11-16T16:46:00.001Z

A place to contemplate.

* for the curious, the scent is pomegranate cider and it is warm, fruity and very homely. Back to the contemplating now.........................

Uprooted

2011-11-15T17:36:00.000Z

I know I said I was only going to post once a week but there is a side to me that has to be contrary once in a while. I saw this uprooted tree whilst out on a woodland walk a few weeks ago. It hadn't been chopped down. It looked as though a giant had pulled it up out of the ground like a misplaced weed.

I am in a bit of a strange mood today (what's new?). I feel as though I have been uprooted (just like the tree) and somewhat scattered. I really need to feel grounded again. I have being feeling quite stressed out recently, dropping things and not really being mindful of what I am doing. That needs to stop!

Sometimes I worry about my future. I am a bit of a drifter and tend to go with the ebb and flow. No wonder my 'career' is going nowhere. Stuck on the beach, afraid of dipping my toe in and just allowing circumstances to pull me into the water or wash me up on the beach. I do have nightmares about becoming a whiskery chinned vagrant looked down upon by some members of society, wondering where my next meal is going to come from and whether or not I will find a place to sleep that night.

I really need to get my act together and find a way of generating some kind of an income. The voluntary work I do is rewarding and satisfies my 'need' of feeling useful but I do need to be 'earning' too.

I have dabbled with selling a few hand made items here on my blog but that is not sustainable as I only really cover the cost of the materials. Do I learn a new skill? Do I perfect the ones I have? Do I forget crafting as a way to generate an income? Questions, questions, questions. Going around and around in circles. I need to see things differently as I have become stuck in a rut for quite a considerable time.

By putting these thoughts down, I am hoping for some clarification. My indecisiveness is so tiresome and I can't carry on in this frame of mind. I don't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep. I feel emotionally drained with trying to figure out a solution to my conundrum.

Blogging Observations (Part 2)

2011-11-13T17:18:00.000Z

I first wrote down some of my blogging observations in September 2010. Here are some of my latest observations.

Bloggers that receive lots of comments rarely leave comments themselves

Blog posts are often misunderstood

It is hard to show irony when writing a post

Most people want you to be your authentic self

A blogging style develops over time (mine is mostly melancholic and candid!)

It is wise not to email a blogger when they have added ‘no comments’ to their post

You are likely to get inflated stats due to spam

Blogging friendships come to a natural end just like ‘real life’ friendships

‘Tagging’ is no longer ‘en vogue’

‘Awards’ still exist but are in decline

Originality keeps your blog fresh

Bloggers have upped their photography skills

Most of us like trees

A Little Rain Must Fall

2011-11-07T10:18:00.000Z

In our lives a little rain has to fall, for only then can we truly appreciate the sunshine. That is what I am telling myself.

This last week has been full of sadness. I have been touched by the amount of people going through illness, pain and bereavement in blogland. I soak up other peoples painful emotions like a sponge and feel deeply for them.

Tomorrow I am attending a funeral. I know that there will be relatives there feeling a great sense of loss. It is going to be hard to stay strong and not cry. I will have to bite my lip or press my fingernails into my hand.

Despite the tidal wave of grief this past week, I know that life goes on and there is much to look forward to. The vineyard has even more significance to me. It is a place to be with nature and experience the friendship of like-minded people. As well as the vineyard, I am going to be involved in setting up a community orchard and maybe get to have my second go at driving the tractor!

I hope that this week treats you with kindness, and if that is not to be then remember that the difficult time will pass and the blue skies will return. x

Doris Day - More (A Song for the Weekend)

2011-11-04T18:16:00.000Z

Spooky!

2011-10-31T16:15:00.000Z

It has been a strange day. I had a very restless night where I kept imagining the bedroom furniture in different positions. I got up this morning and changed around my bedroom furniture that has remained in place for over 14 years. I cleared up 14 years of dust from under my bed and saw enough cobwebs to merit
Hallow e'en.

An eerie day, overcast and gloomy. A day of the unexpected, and a shock when I discovered this pumpkin coloured nasturtium in the back garden. A most vibrant bloom that cheered my soul. It must have self seeded from last year and decided to show its flowery face today.

Happy Hallow e'en and Samhain for those that celebrate it. I will light a candle and give thanks for the past year.

What's Your Quest?

2011-10-29T13:37:00.000+01:00

As a collector of crystals and gemstones, I was drawn to this smokey quartz seer stone. Seer stones are natural river polished stones that are cut on one side so that you can see within. They are said to be an aid to meditate on the past, present and future. I just think they are lovely to look at and hold.

On my last day at primary school, back in the early '70's, my class teacher gave each child some words of wisdom. We were to go up to his desk one at a time and he would write down and whisper some words that were applicable to each child. To me he whispered 'seek and you shall find' and I have been seeking ever since! I have a quest for knowledge. I want to know everything about everything and as my Mum once said 'you want to know the ins and outs of a cats ear hole' or words to that effect!!!

It can be quite a tiring feat in seeking and finding. The more I find the more I want to seek. I have so much to discover that it would take several lifetimes to ever have 'enough' knowledge.

Do you have a quest in life? I have listed some suggestions below. Some apply to me and others don't.

discover the secret of eternal youth
research a family tree
reach the top of your profession
provide a loving and stable home
open an animal sanctuary
provide for those in 'need'
bake the ultimate cake
climb a mountain
write a book

What's your quest?

Walking in the Woods

2011-10-24T10:26:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I walked for miles. I crossed ancient bridges, walked alongside bridle paths and passed by fields and hedgerows still brimming with fruit. A warm, dry, autumnal day with a slight breeze: just perfect conditions for walking about in nature. The highlight of my walk was discovering this woodland glade. A canopy of green leaves above and a mattress of fallen leaves below. There is a magical quality about these woods. You can tell that there are many stories and secrets contained within. The trees appear to be leaning towards each other whispering and entwining branches to be as one.

There is nothing dark and foreboding about these woods. They feel spiritual and protective and the green luminosity that shines through the canopy make one feel that they have witnessed something very special.

Pagan Inspired Paper Craft

2011-10-17T08:31:00.000+01:00

As I become more in touch with nature, my themes in paper crafting seem to be heading that way too!
I made these spirit of nature or 'Green Man' and Woman tags: yet to await their fate of being hole punched and adorned with a suitable tie.

The Green Man is often shown to have a stern appearance but I wanted mine to look happy and approachable.

I also made a hare and the moon tag. The hare is quite stylised with an extraordinarily long front leg. Have you ever noticed how long their limbs are, or even their ears? Handsome, lithe creatures. No wonder artists are inspired to paint them.

Is Nature Good or Bad?

2011-10-13T15:28:00.001+01:00

My mind is most active just before I fully wake up or whilst I am out and about walking. Thoughts spring to mind and I mull them over trying to make sense of them. Today I was thinking about nature as I walked through the back streets of rows of terraced houses, marvelling at the crab apple trees that lined up along the pavements. Nature was everywhere, from the birds on roof tops to the grass that was forcing its way up through cracked paving slabs. Nature is beautiful, I thought to myself then counteracted this thought by thinking about people who had been affected by earthquakes, Tsunamis and other forms of natural disaster brought about by the wrath of nature. Is nature wicked? I asked myself this question and came up with this:

Nature is neither good nor bad

It just is.

I don't believe that natural forces are out to 'get us'. I think that nature just wants to restore equilibrium on the planet and will do whatever it needs to do maintain the status quo.

Thank you for the feedback on my previous blog post. I have decided to blog once a week starting from next Monday. I hope to see you then!

The Time has Come........................

2011-10-10T09:51:00.001+01:00

....................to lie low for a little while. I feel that my blog is slipping away from some of you. I try hard to show a broad mix of things that I do. I also try to be all things to all people, and that can never work. I have three other blogs (listed in my side bar) to reflect some of the other things I do, but this is my main blog. I don't know what direction to take it now. I think I need to take a step back in order to move this blog forward. My wish is for you to enjoy reading my blog and not visit as a force of habit. I think I may go back to blogging once a week rather than just dropping by with my erratic ramblings. In the mean time, it would be helpful to me if you let me know what you like me to blog about most of all.

At this moment in time........................

2011-10-08T14:23:00.001+01:00

............cold and tired, mind whirring, heart racing and words jumping around in my head that I have to put to paper.....

I Am

I am opposite ends of a piece of string

I am plain, I am fancy

I am amazingly upbeat, yet tragically sad

I am simple and I am complex

I am dark yet I seek the light

I am Navy blue

I am a riddle that cannot be solved

because that is the way

I Am

Simone Whipp

Edited: Just to let you all know that I am fine. I am prone to being melodramatic from time to time and like to put my thoughts and feelings down in a poetic form. Thank you for your concern and I apologise if I have alarmed anyone.

Passion

2011-10-06T11:16:00.000+01:00

As I continue to make the 'wise words' key fobs I think the words on the one pictured above are most apt to me. I do live life with passion. I extract the good out of every day. I am passionate about making and doing, learning new things and trying to make sense of things I don't really understand.

I have many new craft projects waiting in the wings to be explored and many projects to get involved in at the vineyard including building a cob oven and bee keeping. All I need now is some form of employment where my passion for life could shine through.

Paint Sample Match Books

2011-10-04T16:16:00.001+01:00

I have been wanting to do something with paint samples for some time now, other than using as book marks!

I found this wonderful tutorial for making match books over at http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com/2008/10/paint-sample-notebook-tutorial.html

Now I can't stop making them! I have some glittered dog stickers so I added them as embellishments. These are such fun to make and maybe something to consider doing with the children over the next school holiday.

Rook or Crow?

2011-10-03T16:10:00.001+01:00

I see many of these birds around parkland where I do my voluntary work. Is it a rook or a crow? I have heard this saying:

'a crow in a crowd is a rook, a rook on its own is a crow'

Do you know if there is any truth in this saying and how do you tell them apart?

Edited: I now believe the bird above is a crow after going to the RSPB website and listening to the audio of the sound they make.

September's End

2011-10-01T16:19:00.000+01:00

I walked through the sun-baked farm on my way to a vine growing course at the vineyard. The sky was cloudless and blue, the setting - harmonious. Summer in September.

A Heavy Heart

2011-09-29T09:49:00.000+01:00

The sun is shining and my heart is heavy. My big white hen died in my arms this morning. I am so glad that she is not suffering anymore but I am sad for her passing. I only have two hens now. Polo was the hen that held the group together. I don't know that I will ever keep hens again once the other two have gone. I had an idyllic image of hens roaming free around the garden. I had to scrap that idea once the fox population grew in the area. I see foxes every day now whereas when I was a child I think I only ever saw one fox.

I am unable to find a vet who is knowledgeable or who even cares about chickens. Many just see them as livestock. Now I know there will be vets who do care but unfortunately there aren't any around these parts. In addition to this, chickens are susceptible to a wide range of health problems. They need to be wormed every month, they can get red mites and become anaemic, if they eat corn they need to eat grit to break it down, they need oyster shell or calcium supplements to help them produce hard shells etc, etc.

If I haven't put you off of keeping chickens, I would urge you to research as much as you can about them before taking them on. They are not an easy option and they do require lots of attention just like any other pet. I didn't realise, until Polo got ill, that the large Sussex type birds are more likely to suffer from a prolapse due to producing extra large eggs. If I had been equipped with this knowledge beforehand I wouldn't have chosen this type of bird as a layer. Make sure you can find a vet that specialises in chickens too so that you can get expert help when needed and not driven into a panic like state as I have been over the past week.

Retreat

2011-09-27T19:06:00.000+01:00

I am yearning to retreat. I want to sit quietly and meditate and make the World go away just for a short while. Since Saturday I have been dealing with a hen that has had a prolapse. I clean her up, make her comfortable and keep my fingers crossed that the next day she will be well again. Today I phoned the vets who the hens are registered with and was told that they don't deal with chickens. They gave me the number of their sister surgery who told me that they don't deal with 'exotics'. The original vets then phoned me after being contacted by the other surgery and told me that a vet would see my hen in the morning to 'fix' the prolapse for £90.00. If I thought that this would work I may consider it but they had already gave me the impression that they don't know how to deal with poultry. Tonight I have bathed her, cleaned her and once again isolated her from the other hens. I hope that she will pass away overnight. I cannot bear to think that she may be suffering.

Willow Weaving

2011-09-25T18:35:00.000+01:00

One of the advantages from volunteering at the vineyard is that I get the opportunity to do other things too. Today I took part in a full day willow weaving workshop. The location was through the gate (above)

and along a woodland walk.

Above are some of the items that were made by our tutor Tom Hare. Tom Hare is responsible for making the fantastic willow sculptures on display at Kew gardens.

With Tom's expert tuition I made the leaf shaped plant poke above............

.............a snail plant poke.................

......a dragonfly..................

.............and a sweet pea support. Not a bad day's work! I wonder what other opportunities will come my way as a result of volunteering?

Wise Words

2011-09-22T13:25:00.002+01:00

Those of you that regularly read this blog will know how much I love inspirational words, quotes and sayings. They have in fact, helped me get through many a dark time. I am working on a whole range of key fobs with different words to inspire, encourage, comfort and uplift the recipient.

We all need keys so I thought a key fob would be the perfect place in which to put these sayings so that they could be seen often. If you would like to purchase one they are available at Linden Grove Mercantile.

Rich Rewards

2011-09-19T18:29:00.001+01:00

After a disappointing summer, I feel that September has stepped in with her rich rewards. This majestic tree stands in my neighbour's front garden. Beautifully fragrant, it rustles in the light autumn breeze. The blue sky provides a wonderful backdrop. Around here the trees are still verdant but slowly yellowing. Soon the leaves will be ready to fall and we will know that autumn has truly arrived. I read a lovely description about falling leaves that is ' when a leaf falls from the tree it is just summer's way of waving goodbye.'

Giveaway Winner Announcement

2011-09-16T14:17:00.000+01:00

All twenty names went into the golden tea light receptacle. I gave them a good a shake and without further ado or hesitation I took the plunge and pulled out Amanda Claire from Amanda's Patch.

Congratulations Amanda! Please email your details to me so that I can get the key ring sent off to you. I may get some more key rings made up to sell at my Linden Grove Mercantile blog unless I get distracted by paper crafting in the meantime!

Thank you to everybody who takes the time to comment here, as I know your time is valuable. Thank you also for your concern regarding my eye test. I have to have further tests at the hospital to see if there is a problem with the back of one of my eyes but getting an appointment could be a long way off yet. In the meantime I have updated my look with a nice new pair of designer glasses. I may even colour my hair this weekend and paint my nails. (I don't think I have painted my nails for about 20 years!) Have a lovely weekend however you decide to spend it. x

Love

2011-09-13T18:48:00.000+01:00

Keep in the Sunlight

2011-09-10T17:58:00.001+01:00

You may recognize these words from the end of the quote in my last post. I am striving to 'keep in the sunlight' at the moment and trying not to worry about what may or may not happen in the future. I went for a routine eye test last week. I came away with a letter for my GP as the optician has noticed something in the back of my eye that needs further examination. The best thing for me to do in this kind of situation is to keep busy, so I have been keeping busy. I have made this tactile keyring. You wouldn't lose this in your bag now would you?!!! It is stitched onto a light pink Aida fabric, filled with a polyester filling, and a touch of home grown lavender in the middle.

It is nice and squidgy and backed with a vibrant paisley print. It has all been sewn entirely by hand and may look a little rustic around the back ( a bit like me!)

I would like to offer it as a giveaway, so if you would like to be entered into the draw then please leave a comment on the end of this post. Everybody is welcome to enter no matter where they are in the World.

I will pick a winner in about a week's time.

Worry

2011-09-08T17:49:00.000+01:00

'Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen.

Keep in the sunlight'

Benjamin Franklin

The Ghost Cat

2011-09-04T16:54:00.001+01:00

This is Teddy, a lovely old Persian boy who belongs to a family in the street where I live. The family have quite a few older cats and have recently brought a new kitten home. Teddy does not like the new kitten so he has left home. I see him from time to time and am often startled by his ghostly appearance. Maybe he is a ghost - he seems to have been wandering our streets forever...................

Edited: Just to let you know that I have been reliably informed that Teddy is being fed and cared for by a lady who lives close by to Teddy's old home. He has not been abandoned. Apart from having a disgruntled appearance he is really a most lovable cat who loves to be stroked and fussed over.

Spotted at the Vineyard

2011-09-01T09:38:00.002+01:00

...................... Some rapidly growing chicks, Mother hen and two chicks, and a strutting rooster!

Around the Vineyard Today

2011-08-31T17:08:00.000+01:00

..........................I spotted a smiling sheep!

Windfall Apple Cake

2011-08-30T11:39:00.000+01:00

This is an extremely easy apple cake to make - and delicious too! The recipe can be found here.

To Autumn

2011-08-29T11:39:00.000+01:00

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,

Until they think warm days will never cease,

For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

John Keats

A Summers Eve

2011-08-23T11:27:00.001+01:00

The above photo was taken a couple of evenings ago. I am trying to capture happy moments in time to sustain me when times are dark.

Today is a dark day. It is cold, wet and overcast. I feel down today. I will spend some time looking at positive images and reading positive words.

I lit a candle for the first time in ages today. A lovely blackberry scented candle. It is a day for lighting candles, reading, curling up with a blanket and eating hot food. I am lucky to have access to all these things and for that I am grateful.

Three Hundred Posts

2011-08-20T13:58:00.001+01:00

I couldn't think of a finer way to mark my 300th post other than with the pomp and pageantry of this elaborately decorated coach. It is housed within the Museum of London.

As you can read above, it is still used each year to carry the new Mayor through the streets of the City.

As a child I used to go and watch the Lord Mayor's show and eagerly awaited the procession each year.

For Christmas I would receive a new coat and was allowed to wear it a month early on the day of the show.

I have fond memories of the coach. In my new coat and knee high socks I would cheer and wave as the coach rolled by.

Museum of London

2011-08-16T19:35:00.001+01:00

Today we took a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, walked along London Wall and climbed the stairs to the walkways above the roads below. We went to visit the Museum of London. I am ashamed to say that despite being a Londoner I never knew it existed until recently.

Well, what a wonderful experience! The museum shows the history of London pre Roman times to the present day. I won't spoil your enjoyment of visiting by giving too much away here but it is amazing to think that London was once a forest!

Above is a portion of the 'original' London Wall. I took this photo from the inside of the museum looking out where there was loads of facts written up about it that I failed to take note of!

A reconstruction of a Roman living room. The Mosaic floor and the artefact's around are original.

A Roman kitchen. Doesn't look too bad does it?

Well here is where I jump century's and bring you to the 1920's. I was most taken with this Selfridges lift.

Wouldn't you feel so glamorous riding in this?

Look how beautiful the lift doors are with the golden light shining through.

Just gorgeous and tasteful.

Isn't it a shame that we don't have lifts like these nowadays?

Unloved

2011-08-13T17:16:00.000+01:00

I have been feeling very angry this week. I am angry that I have lost my liberty. I am angry with the hoards of selfish people who scuttled like cockroaches out of the cracks of a broken society to indulge in mass destruction of properties and livelihoods. I have tried to gain some composure out in the garden and focus on the good things that nature provides. I didn't find too much solace in the greenhouse. I was shocked at how I have neglected my plants. Many of the tomato plants have died simply because I did not nurture them.

A few plants still gave some fruit despite being unloved.

The plants outside the greenhouse that were saved by the rain and somewhat sporadic feeding have thrived. If I had lavished an equal amount of time and attention on all my tomato plants the outcome would have been quite different and I would have had an abundant amount of healthy fruit. It makes you think doesn't it?

Coming Together

2011-08-09T11:49:00.001+01:00

We had our annual street party on Sunday. We played music, we drank Pimm's, we ate each other's home cooked food, we made and displayed bunting. We had break dancer's performing, a best decorated cake competition, poetry reading's, tug of war, face painting etc. We had a police sergeant, a constable and 2 community police officers join in the fun and camaraderie.

We celebrated under a shadow as news trickled through about the appalling events in neighbouring Tottenham the previous night. As we chatted and rubbed shoulders under the gazebos, the rain lashed down and we could see and hear a helicopter circling overhead. Sirens could be heard in the distance.

At around 3.00pm the police left abruptly and moved swiftly away from the street. Later that evening after the evidence of the party was swept away, we sat in our houses and listened to the relentless sound of sirens. Helicopters swooped down and we knew something untoward was happening. That night my town was ravaged by troublemakers, vandals, arsonists, opportunists and looters.

Yesterday our local shops were in lock down from 4.00pm. Trains were stopped, buses diverted. It has become a no-go area. I am deeply saddened. As society crumbles, thank goodness I have neighbours who are willing to come together.

Pushing Boundaries

2011-08-06T17:10:00.000+01:00

I am not really one for pushing boundaries. I usually stick with what I feel comfortable with. This self imposed restriction has prevented me growing in so many areas in my life. I am getting better though, for example; instead of stitching on aida I decided to stitch onto linen which is a challenge in itself when my eyesight is failing. Hardly pushing boundaries I know but I am expanding my range of skills.

I have set myself a challenge of making some tactile key rings with some of my favourite sentiments stitched on to the linen. Whilst out walking the other day the words 'live life with purpose' came into my head. They will be the words on my first keyring. I intend to live my life with purpose, making the most of every day and learning and growing with each new experience.

I Heard it Through the Grapevine

2011-08-03T17:53:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to all of you that correctly guessed that my voluntary work is at a vineyard! Within farmland, it is in a wonderful setting where I could see anything from alpacas to shire horses, chickens to sheep and pigs to goslings. The wildlife is abundant and I hope to have many photo opportunities over the coming weeks.

I am very excited by this community project. Apparently there hasn't been a vineyard here since medieval times. The vineyard will provide organically grown grapes including Bacchus and Pinot Noir to provide wine to consumers across London. As the wine will be organic we cannot treat the area with chemicals therefore we have to use a lot of hard graft weeding by hand. Unfortunately we will not see the fruits of our labour for another couple of years as the project is in its infancy.

This naughty saddle back piglet escaped out of his enclosure today and was running up and down between the rows of vines! Yes we have entertainment here too!

A quilted sky

2011-08-01T20:30:00.000+01:00

At the end of a hot and humid day - a quilted sky!

Wouldn't it be fun to be up there among the clouds?

Someone has been up there. I spy a footprint!

Wistful

2011-07-31T14:16:00.000+01:00

I am feeling wistful today. It seems that summer has bypassed me once again. I didn't get to go strawberry picking, visit a beach or even lick an ice cream. My earlier intentions for a garden 'full of flowers' didn't materialise and most of the plants in the garden have now gone to seed. Next year I won't 'wait' for summer. I will just make the most of each sunny day as and when it comes.

My voluntary work keeps me close to nature and I will be able to witness the changing seasons around me. I will give you a clue as to what my voluntary work involves : my favourite work of fiction, ever, is 'The Grapes of Wrath'. Any ideas?

Along the Way

2011-07-28T09:56:00.000+01:00

As mentioned in a previous post, I have taken up some voluntary work. I wont reveal what I am doing just yet. but I meet these lovely ducks en route. Their antics make me smile!

All Tagged Out!

2011-07-26T11:55:00.000+01:00

I promise this will be the last of the tag posts for while! I have added bunnies, pigs, pumpkins and cats to the collection and will add new ones as and when I think of them. As previously mentioned, they are £10.00 for 20 tags plus p&p. For now the method of payment is by personal cheque (UK only). If you would like to purchase a mixed selection of 20 tags then please email me at simone.lindengrove@gmail.com and I will give you the address and p&p details.

To give you an idea of sizes: the dog tag is one of the largest.............

and the apple is one of the smaller tags. I am on my second day of voluntary work tomorrow. It is not in a charity shop or even in a building. All will be revealed in a future post!

Hats and Gingers

2011-07-22T14:25:00.000+01:00

I have made some hat tags and used some distress ink around the edges to give them a 'vintage' look.
Which one is your favourite?

In my previous post I asked for suggestions for tags and Clare came up with gingerbread men so thanks Clare! Any more ideas are most welcome. If anyone is interested in purchasing tags then please see my previous post. Please don't feel obliged and don't let it put you off leaving comments. The only reason I wish to know if people want to buy is so that I can get a rough idea of how many I need to make. Have a great weekend and don't forget to leave suggestions on different types of tags for me to make. I am up for the challenge!

Woof!

2011-07-21T09:33:00.000+01:00

I have been busy playing with paper this week. This wavy dog is one of my latest tag designs but he still needs to have a lead put through his/her collar.

The handmade nature of these tags means that they will all have slight variations. I have had a few enquiries as to whether I will be offering any of my tags for sale. If I get enough interest I will consider opening a Pay pal account to accept payment online otherwise I will have to stick to personal cheques in the UK only. I was thinking of offering a bag of 20 assorted tags for £10.00 plus P&P. That works out at 50p per tag. A bargain when you consider that I have designed, hand drawn, hand cut and paper pieced (where necessary) each tag.

The tags can be used to tie onto gifts or bottles. All you need to add is some brown paper/ tissue paper or fabric for wrapping, or you can use the tags as bookmarks, as presentation tags for jams, jellies, chutney's and other homemade produce or anything else you can think of - suggestions welcome!

To register your interest in purchasing some tags (no commitment - just want to get an idea of how many I need to make) then please email me at simone.lindengrove@gmail.com.

If you have suggestions for other types of tags for me to make - I am making some hats at the moment - then please leave a comment at the end of this post.

Woofs and tail wags and thank you!

Boot Cut

2011-07-18T09:00:00.001+01:00

After a deluge of weekend rain I was inspired to design and paper cut some Wellington boot tags. Not any old boots though. These are William Morris designer boots. A pity they are made of paper. I am off to do some more rain inspired crafting now. Have a lovely day!

*I still need to punch holes and thread ties through the tags but thought they looked cute like this.

Friday Flower Splash

2011-07-15T10:21:00.000+01:00

Sunflower - the star of the show.

Zinnia Elegans.

Another Zinnia Elegans. I think if I was a flower I would be this one. A bit dishevelled and quirky with a warm centre!

Pot Marigold otherwise known as Calendula. The bees and butterflies adore this plant and I love its cheery colour.

The lavender. Fresh and vibrant and my all time favourite. I can never have too much lavender in the garden, even when it is straggly and windblown. It evokes a sense of the past to me and I feel a deep connection to it.

'Lavender's blue, dilly dilly, lavender's green

When I am King, dilly dilly, you shall be queen'

Part of a traditional English nursery rhyme of which there are many variations.

Hello

2011-07-12T18:25:00.000+01:00

Just popping by to say hello. I have been busy creating as you can see in my new header. I have lots keeping me busy at the moment. Gizmo is doing well and so are the hens. Thank you for visiting and I will be back soon!

Summer Break

2011-07-03T10:51:00.000+01:00

The past month has been a particularly stressful time.When I think life is on the up again I get slapped back down to square one. Normally I can bounce back quite quickly but there is only so much bounce in a ball before it becomes overstretched and not fit for purpose.

Gizmo has stopped vomiting but has started sneezing regularly. A new symptom altogether. One of my hens is poorly, I doubt that she will see the end of the month. My animals' welfare continues to give me great concern and the worry is impacting on my own health and state of mind.

I have loads of personal issues to resolve too. I need to focus on getting myself back together again. I don't want this blog to become an unhappy place, regaling nothing but tales of woe but it seems that is the way it is going at the moment.

For now, I am going to step down from the blogging platform. I hope to return with a new vigour and zest for life once more.

Making Faces

2011-06-29T18:12:00.000+01:00

With all the worry about Gizmo last week I concentrated on making faces (as well as pulling them!) Using a mould, air dry clay and mica powders I made the embellishments in the photo above. I am not quite sure what to do with them yet but found the methodical process of just making them quite therapeutic.

Faced with a very traumatic couple of weeks I found that the way I cope with stress is by keeping my mind occupied on something unrelated to what I am worrying about. I guess that I detatch myself from the problem by immersing my thoughts into something else. I can be quite productive when under stress!!!

Thank you all for your concern for Gizmo. He is back to his normal naughty self again. Long live naughty!

The Emergency Vets Continued

2011-06-28T16:51:00.002+01:00

Gizmo is home. He did not have an x-ray or an operation. An over zealous private veterinary practice told me he would need emergency care and x-rays and most likely an operation as he was still being sick after being treated by them. They said he could have an internal blockage caused by a foreign body or possibly a tumour.

They reprimanded me for not returning to them sooner and said as it was a weekend (early Friday evening) he would now have to be seen by Medivet and we would be looking at a bill in excess of £1000.00 (bearing in mind we had already spent almost £300.00 with them).

I broke down crying (much to my embarrassment) and when the vet realised that I didn’t have the funds to pay for such drastic treatment she gave me details of my local RSPCA emergency veterinary surgery and said for us to get there immediately.

The RSPCA took him in, put him on a drip and monitored him for four nights.

Today we went to pick him up. The bill was less than £30.00.

I don’t know if Gizmo’s troubles are over yet. One thing I do know though is this: if Gizmo is ill again I will go straight to the RSPCA. The building and the surrounding area may be dire and depressing but I felt that they gave my animal due care and attention.

I will not be returning to the private practice that has had many years of my custom. I feel dismayed at their treatment of me and of Gizmo. Their behaviour was unscrupulous, scaremongering and greedy. They should be ashamed of their conduct.

The Emergency Vets

2011-06-25T10:23:00.000+01:00

The rain lashed against the car window on a dismal early evening in June. We were driving into unknown territory amongst towering council flats and red routes to locate the emergency vets.

Inside the environment was hostile. The smell of a flatulent dog pervaded the room and a sickly automated air freshener competed with the dog’s anxiety. Reception was unstaffed and we stood with our cat in his basket staring at the other blank faces and wet cheeks peppered around the waiting room.

Everything was in slow motion. No one would know this was a place of emergencies. People and their pet’s just waited patiently, in turn and waited and waited.

Casualties included a blind cat, a whimpering Shar-Pei that had received eye surgery, a Westie that had been hit by a car and left for dead, and a man and his dog that had both been bitten by another dog in the local park.

As if by magic a member of staff eventually turned up at reception asking pertinent questions such as whether or not people were on benefit. Personal details became apparent to all as this wasn’t a place for discretion.

Shortly, a distraught woman came in to collect her cat. It was evident that English was not her first language as she tried to describe her situation and sobbing through it all. She claimed that the surgery had called her and said that if she didn’t collect her cat immediately they would ‘make it sleep’. My gut wrenched as I heard her sorry tale and wondered what kind of a place I was entrusting my cat to.

Time passed slowly. Fluorescent lights showed up peeling posters and hair covered chairs and faces full of angst. I escaped for a time, through the security doors and out into the open. I breathed in the smell of the rain and then went back inside.

This event happened yesterday evening. As I write I don’t yet know the end of the story. Gizmo was kept in overnight and put on a drip. Today he will have x-rays. The likelihood is that he will need an operation.

To be continued………………………………..

Home Again

2011-06-22T17:55:00.001+01:00

Firstly having loads of trouble with Blogger again and trying to upload photos. Had to revert to 'old' Blogger settings hence the strange writing and photo sizes. Gizmo is home again. He has a bandage where he was on a drip. The Veterinary Nurse said I may be shocked when I take the bandage off, as his leg doesn't look very nice. She had trouble putting the drip into him as he is 'feisty'. I dread to think what I may find!

He was admitted to the surgery for observation as he was vomiting (excessively) after eating. I explained that he was vomiting about half an hour to an hour after eating. So, I find out that they gave him anti-vomiting injections and put him on a drip. He hadn't eaten any food so he wouldn't vomit would he?

He's back home now after two nights away. He came in and ate a spoonful of the 'special' food they had made up for him. Within half an hour he vomited. I have paid not far short of £300.00 and we are back to square one. He is due back at the vets on Friday. He seems well in himself so I am in no hurry to rush back to the vets at this point.

Today Gizmo received a timely gift. He received this lovely handmade cat toy all the way from the U.S.A from my lovely blogging friend Judy. Thank you Judy it was the tonic that Gizmo needed! Thank you also to all my Blogging pals who left messages on my last post. You are always there when I need you. I thank you for that. x

In Limbo

2011-06-21T13:52:00.000+01:00

Furniture has been rearranged. Cushions have been plumped. Blankets are folded. Tables are cleared. Keeping busy. Trying not to think. Must clear out kitchen cupboards. Hen house needs cleaning out. Don't stop. Don't think. Don't read. Keep on keeping busy.

Gizmo is at the vets on a drip. Tomorrow he will have x-rays. Can't stop now. Must keep busy. Mustn't think too deeply. Need to re-arrange kitchen shelf.

Arty Crafty Continued

2011-06-16T13:08:00.000+01:00

In my previous post the backgrounds look very harsh and much too dark for my liking. The colour palette above is much more me. Soft and muted colours are where I am happiest although I admire strong colour in the work of others. I still have not perfected the art of brayering (using a roller and ink pad) but I am sure my technique will progress with practice.

Arty Crafty

2011-06-16T09:43:00.001+01:00

I don't define myself as an artist but don't really fit into the craft camp either. Is there such thing as a craftist? By that I mean someone who combines art and craft together. If so then that is what I am!

The above photos (I don't define myself as a photographer either!) were made using various techniques such as :

brayering
rubber stamping
masking
doodling
paper piecing

I really do enjoy combining various techniques to reach the desired outcome. I know the detail of the balloon is obscured by the flash in the picture on the left but it made me think of the sun shining down onto it. The sun has been in short supply for most of June so it is a nice reminder of carefree sunny days watching the balloons up in the sky and sharing a picnic under the shade of a tree. The leaves rustling in the warm breeze.

A Significant Dream?

2011-06-14T10:18:00.002+01:00

I do dream a lot. Last night I don't remember dreaming but as I woke I had three words in my head. I quickly wrote them down.

MARY. PENELLY. WATER.

These words hold no significance for me. I don't think I have even heard of the name Penelly before. Anyway, I did a quick Internet search to see if it would throw up any light on these words and to my surprise I found that there was a woman named Mary Penelly* who was born in Bideford in Devon in 1838. I suppose the water connection is that Bideford is near the water or maybe she had a fear of water?

The reason I found this interesting is that I have ancestors that came from Bideford. I started wondering if she knew them or was neighbours with them, if their paths ever crossed.

Do these words have any significance for you? Do you know anyone called Mary Penelly with a connection to water?

* also written as Pengelly.

UPDATE I have spoken to my sister who has been researching our family history. She found a person called Mary Pengelly on the 1871 census who was born in Devon and lived in Marwood. She worked at a property as a domestic servant. Another girl at the property who was also a servant was named Elen Woolacott. Woollacott (different spelling) is the surname of my ancestors who came from Devon.

Caught in the Act

2011-06-11T12:06:00.001+01:00

She decided to plant up my basket so it is only fair that I should make use of one of her seed trays. If I keep my eyes tightly closed she won't see me.

Drat! I think I've been spotted.

S-t-r-e-t-c-h.

Even bigger s-t-r-e-t-c-h.

Yawn.

Just have a bit of a wash and brush up.

All done. Now let's see if I can go and find some hens to tease.

Delight in the Unexpected

2011-06-09T19:02:00.000+01:00

The self seeded poppy in my garden revealed itself! What a surprise!

'She' looks almost out of place in my 'wild' patch and ever so demure and delicate next to the huge thistle that has planted itself nearby. He is much too unattractive to grace the pages of my blog!

There are many more buds about to burst forthwith!

A sheer delight to find on this overcast evening..............

talking of which..........yesterdays overcast evening. My unique day yesterday ended with a rainbow. Truly unique as I haven't seen one of those in years, especially not at my doorstep.

Three Things Unique to Today

2011-06-08T14:09:00.002+01:00

I rescued a stag beetle that was walking along the pavement. I was worried in case it got trodden on. I picked it up on a stick and was amazed when it started to walk backwards, up the stick towards my hand. I swiftly placed him in my front garden.

I helped an elderly man when he fell off his bike. He was in front of me in a pedestrian walkway and he was trying to get on his bike without much success. As he tried to swing his right leg over the saddle he lost his balance and he fell to the left in slow motion with his bike landing on top of him. I do hope that he is OK.

I baked a batch of chocolate brownies with chocolate chunks. (pictured top)

There it is. Three things unique to my day. Was there anything unique about yours?

Edited: I will put up the Brownie recipe on my Linden Grove Kitchen blog sometime this week.

Cross-Stitch and Clutter Before the De-clutter

2011-06-06T12:13:00.000+01:00

I completed the cross-stitch that I showed a few weeks back. I just need to find an appropriate mount and frame for it now.

I have a nice new cross-stitch project to work on using linen instead of aida.

I am looking forward to using my lovely new skeins of thread and gold plated needles. It will be such a treat to start on - but not yet.

Remember that I said I need to de-clutter? Well I have purposely kept these photos dark because I am ashamed. I am ashamed that I ever let things get to this stage. This is the craft/computer room. It is where I sit and read all your lovely blogs. I have so much stuff hidden in piles and mountains of paper. I can never find anything.

Here is another view of the room. Now this room is bad enough but it is the tip of the iceberg. I do not have the courage to show you the state of the other rooms yet but when they have been tidied I will show you some before and after photos. I have a man coming tomorrow to collect a van load of 'clutter' for our local hospice charity. Today I have sorted out two sock drawers. I have a huge mountain to climb but I am sure that I will feel so much better when I can walk into a room and actually put my feet down without having to step on or over something.

A Creative Need

2011-06-04T17:39:00.002+01:00

A few posts back I mentioned that I found a dead rose head in my garden that I felt the need to paint. Well, I didn't paint it but decided to sketch it in coloured pencils. The colour palette was limited so the rose doesn't look quite as I had envisaged. A few years ago I would have torn up the paper and been most upset that I couldn't replicate the rose exactly. I am neither happy or unhappy at how the picture turned out. I feel I have captured the essence of the rose but I could have taken more time over the drawing. I didn't use an eraser or spend too much time over the detail. I wish I could be the type of person that deliberates for hours, days, weeks over a painting/drawing until they get it 'right' - but I am not. My drawing had to be instantaneous. Observe. Draw. Move on. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the amount of projects that I want to do such as my cross-stitching, rubber stamping, painting, drawing, beading, sewing, crochet, gardening, baking etc. It is so difficult to fit in all these pastimes with a family and make sure their needs are met and that they are well cared for as well as Gizmo and the hens.

Although I show you parts of my garden and occasional glimpses of my home, I can assure you that both are as cluttered as my mind. I find it hard to settle on one subject, topic, interest. I want to explore them all! I am gradually de-cluttering my home and garden and eventually my mind so that I am not floundering in a sea of ideas and projects. Watch this space!

Edited: A close up of the picture can be found on my Mutant Trees blog.

June Magic

2011-06-03T17:58:00.000+01:00

June is a magical month in the garden. Overnight, June's spell ripened up a handful of raspberries for me to pick.

The Calendulas (Pot Marigold) opened up their petals to face the sun.

Beautiful purple flowers intertwine with the fern to make a striking display.

A self seeded poppy looks ready to burst!

Miniature apples give a taste of what's to come.

I have a long way to go to get my garden full of flowers yet this year, but it is coming and I have many things coming on in the greenhouse. It looks promising. This year, I WILL have a garden full of flowers.

Motoring Pageant 2011 (Part 2)

2011-05-31T10:14:00.000+01:00

It was difficult to choose a favourite car at the pageant but the lipstick red coloured ones drew my attention.

These field singers in their 1940's outfits also drew admiring glances as they sang 'Mr sandman.....bring me a dream...'

The shiny jetstream and airstream caravans looked as though they has just landed from outer space.

A duck egg blue Austin, I am sure would meet with approval from many of my blogging friends.

A curvy two tone Dodge.

This car owner had a sense of humour. The sign says ' only lean on me if you are in the nude as buttons and zips damage my bodywork'!

A VW camper van. Now I NEED one of those!

A silver corvette.

A bright turquoise Chevrolet.

Back to the reds.

Red, curvy and chromed. A winning combination!

Motoring Pageant 2011

2011-05-30T09:50:00.001+01:00

I attended a local motoring pageant yesterday. As a non-driver, and not particularly fond of the look and design of today's modern cars, nevertheless, I absolutely adore British and American classic cars and if I was to own one I would definitely learn to drive it.

Being a cat lover I was drawn to this Riley with a lovely little cat sitting on the radiator.

The car owners put so much love and care into their upkeep and the chrome shone brilliantly in the sunshine.

The finishing touches on the cars make all the difference.

These ice cream coloured cars were among my favourites.

I am not even a great lover of pink but I could easily fall for this car.

If 'ice cream' is not your thing than why not opt for a Howes pure fruit lollie!

This is a 'Singer' car and I thought they only made sewing machines!

I just love these American signs.

Beautiful bikes and American flags in the Route 66 Marquee.

A wonderful and inspiring day shared with motoring enthusiasts countrywide.

Alone Again ..............................Naturally

2011-05-28T11:26:00.000+01:00

My insecurities have gotten hold of me again. I can quite easily bumble along through life and then out of the blue self doubt sets in. I like to think that I come across as an amiable person through my blog and in my 'real' life too. Something is not quite right though. I don't seem to be able to form 'friendships' as other bloggers seem to be able to. People that used to comment on here or email me no longer do so even when I still support them on their blogs, yet I know they are still around because I see the comments that they leave on other people's blogs. I understand if they no longer find what I say interesting (maybe they never did) but it makes me wonder if I have said or done something to offend them. I hope not.

I feel very much like the buttercup above on the left. The one on the outside whilst everybody else is grouped together on the right. Maybe I detach myself purposely? In some aspects this is true. When I am alone or feeling melancholy I tend to produce better art, better poetry, deeper thoughts. Today I am feeling very isolated. It may be a good time to dig out the paints and see what happens.

Nature Printing

2011-05-26T10:10:00.003+01:00

Plant material + paper + ink. A totally absorbing hobby. The above photo shows the underside of sage leaves. Just look at the intricate network of patterns.

Other suitable plant material for printing include rose leaves, ferns, strawberry leaves, mint and blackberry leaves, tree leaves, various herbs, dandelions etc.

Whilst looking in the garden for plants to print, I found this crushed rose on the ground. Even in death her beauty shines through. Her colours are vivid and her crumpled form displays interesting shapes. I think I should like to paint her. The marble table replicates the sky and the whole image has an ethereal quality.

Edited: I have put another two polls on the top right side of my blog. It will be interesting to see the outcome of them. I am asking these questions to guide me in my decision making processes! The results of the previous two polls are at the bottom of my blog. Thank you for taking part. x

A Garden of Delights

2011-05-20T10:34:00.000+01:00

The May garden is looking beautiful. The strawberries are ripening.

The Peony is in full bloom. Look at the size of the flower head to my hand!

Baby pears adorn the pear tree.

The compassion rose climbs up to reach the cornflower blue sky.

The most beautiful rose of all. She hides at the back of the garden in the shade, next to the raspberry canes. The whitest and purest looking rose. I love her for her simple beauty and delicate fragrance.

p.s I have put a couple of questions at the top of my blog on the right hand side. It will be interesting to see the outcome! Have a lovely weekend. x

Personalities and Self Discovery

2011-05-18T10:01:00.000+01:00

As I continue my soul searching quest to find out who I am, what makes me tick and where I am going, I have been studying personality types based on the works of Carl Jung and Isabel Briggs Myers.

There are 16 distinct personality types in the currently most widely-accepted Personality Type model. After much consideration I seem to fit the INFP personality best of all. The INFP personalities are the Idealists. Looking further into this to see what careers are suggested for INFP personality types I see that 'Writer' is at the top of the list. It seems quite far fetched to me that I could actually make a career out of being a writer as I didn't even reach GCSE standard for English at school! It has given me a goal to work towards though. I can see myself as a writer. I will be sitting in my study looking through the window to the hills in the distance, I will have a steaming mug of coffee by my side and a plate of home made biscuits to feed the mind and the belly. With my cat purring contentedly on my lap as I write............ the situation is almost ideal.

Popping in and a Peony

2011-05-14T19:07:00.000+01:00

Thank you for your kind words on my last post. Unfortunately Blogger has lost some of the comments that were made on that day.

I have been feeling very unsettled these past few days. A bit fidgety. When I am like this I tend to find some comfort in pottering about in the garden. I ignore the fact that everything seems to be crumbling down around me and I focus on the pretty things.

This peony plant has about 7 buds on it at the moment. The flowers take ages to open and once they do they only seem to last a couple of days.

It has such beautiful flowers which are so petal packed that the plant needs support to keep its lovely head from bowing,

Stitching and Thinking

2011-05-11T17:45:00.000+01:00

Whenever I do some relaxing stitching my mind tends to wander. Today I was wondering about my future. I rarely look too far ahead, I generally live day to day but just recently I have felt very restless with the uncertainty of my future role. I have been a stay at home Mum for almost 13 years. I now feel that as my son becomes less dependent on me I need to plan ahead. It is scary. I can't imagine returning to work. I can't imagine working for anyone else.

When I left the office more than a decade ago, I never envisaged that I wouldn't return. The day I left I was rosy cheeked and full of optimism. The years have taken their toll on me. I don't have the energy for office politics anymore. I don't have the energy to dance to someone else's tune. I will have to work for myself.

The problem is I don't know what I WANT to do! I don't know what I CAN do! My confidence is low at the moment and I don't feel that I am capable of doing anything. I have been 'stuck' like this for a long time as regular readers of this blog will know. I am unable to move forward. Unable to reclaim my identity as me and not just 'Mum'. Who knows where I am going to end up? On the scrap heap no doubt if I don't start making decisions soon.

For now, it is back to the cross-stitch. At least that is one area where I am making progress.

Praising Pea Shoots and Planting Progress

2011-05-08T11:24:00.002+01:00

Last year I avidly followed Alys Fowler on The Edible Gardener series on the Television. I watched her plant up dried peas bought cheaply from a supermarket to grow on and harvest as pea shoots. She made it look so easy. I gave it a go and it is easy!!! All you do is fill a container with compost, poke in as many dried peas as you can, water and leave to grow! In the past I have bought all types of peas in fancy gardening packets and never had any success. The peas I used for this experiment were bought from the dried goods aisle in the supermarket and meant to be used to soak and cook. I think the packet was less than 40 pence and I still have loads more peas to use! The proof of the pea shoots are shown in the photo above.

The plants are doing very well so far in the greenhouse. The cherry tomato plants are getting greener and filling out nicely. I have bought a bush variety so there will be no fiddly staking and pinching out for me this year.

In the above photo I am growing trailing petunias (in the baskets) and upright petunias (on shelf) and fuchsias all grown on from tiny plug plants. The sunflowers have been grown from seed.

I have also grown the pot marigold from seed and the lucky shamrock which I bought from the 99 pence store!

I can't wait for the shamrock to work its magic!

Out of the greenhouse and into the garden. The strawberries are beginning to develop. I can't wait until the berries turn red, ripe and juicy. I just hope I manage to get to them before the birds do. I am back up to the greenhouse now to do a bit of nurturing and give some words of encouragement! Later I hope to make some scones to accompany the pot of clotted cream and jar of strawberry jam that I have ready to consume and then I will settle down with a bit of cross-stitch to round off the day.

Rediscovering Cross-Stitch

2011-05-03T09:15:00.001+01:00

I have recently returned to an old love of mine - cross-stitch. Bucking the trend, I ignore the influx of knitting and paper craft magazines that have taken over the stationers and notice that cross-stitch magazines are in decline. I have many cross-stitch magazines collected over the years so I am not worried about running out of patterns any time soon!

My cross-stitching preferences are samplers. I like to use muted colours and natural coloured fabric. I had forgotten how much I love to sit cross-stitching by an open window with a gentle breeze flowing through, listening to the radio and watching my design grow, unhurriedly, little by little. I had forgotten how much I enjoy seeing those perfectly formed little crosses turn into words and images.

I am happy to follow the crafts that I enjoy doing and am not swayed by current trends (saying that I do enjoy paper crafts but did so before it became fashionable!), although it may be that cross-stitch regains its popularity and I will be 'on trend' again.

May

2011-05-01T10:03:00.000+01:00

And after April, when May follows,

And the white throat builds, and all

the swallows!

Hark, where my blossom'd pear tree

in the hedge

Leans to the field and scatters on the

clover

Blossoms and dewdrops -

Robert Browning

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T11:39:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter, happy spring, happy lots of everything!

I am happy when I am rubber stamping a happy bunny in the country, picking and arranging Lily-of-the-Valley from my garden, admiring my newly bought artwork 'Queen Bee' by Danita and generally being creative whether it be cooking, flower arranging, crafting or pottering around in the greenhouse. If the sun shines it's a bonus! I hope you are all having a lovely weekend doing the things you want to do. x

Blues, Pinks and Whites

2011-04-21T12:00:00.001+01:00

The garden is looking pretty with its palette of blue, pink and white flowers. The acid yellows and the bright golden daffodils of early spring have finished blooming and the soft summer colours are coming through.

Borage is growing rampantly throughout the garden.

Forget-me-nots are spreading throughout the wild patch.

Hydrangeas rest their mop heads together.

Carnations are looking pretty in pink and oh so fragrant too.

The apple blossom is fading from pink to white.

Honeysuckle adorns the garage.

Wisteria fills the air with a beautiful perfume.

This white shrub provides a backdrop to the hen house.

The lily-of-the-valley is spreading along my garden path. Beautiful and delicate looking but resilient too.

Edited: Thanks for all your lovely comments. The beauty of blogging is that I can be selective in what I show! The wisteria is a wishy washy white and I only have three blooms on it (although they still give off a heady scent). It was here when I moved in 14 years ago and has never had much to show in the way of blooms. The lily-of-the-valley was already here too. It grows north facing next to the garage. It has never been fed and I regularly pick the blooms when they come through. I guess the wisteria needs careful pruning in order to flower well and I think it depends on the variety as to how well they do. The lily-of-the-valley thrives on neglect. As for the choisya (Mexican orange) it too has a heady scent but it is so large it is in danger of taking over the garden!

A Funny Old Week

2011-04-16T17:27:00.000+01:00

This week has been one of highs and lows. I felt despairing on Wednesday, a day when everything went wrong. On Thursday everything was good again with four deliveries I had ordered turning up, the latest issues of three of my favourite magazines had come out in the shops and I planted up loads of things in the greenhouse with my son.

This good feeling was short lived, as in the early hours of Friday morning someone decided to break into my garden and steal a garden waste shredding machine. They had some other things lined up to take too but for whatever reason, left them behind.

A wild patch has taken over my garden. I think I will let it be. I will plant up sunflowers behind them and even throw some more wild flowers into the mix too. So there it is. My week in a nutshell. Wild, weird and sometimes wonderful.

After the Sun................

2011-04-13T19:38:00.001+01:00

After almost six days of unbroken sunshine, I find myself in a quiet and reflective mood. By Tuesday the cooler, dull weather had returned and so negativity began to swallow me up. Like the girl in the picture I feel as though I am in a dark forest and just waiting for the sun to come through again so that I might find a way out.

As the grey skies descend so does my mood. I almost feel trapped under the dark and heavy cloud. I know the sunny days will return and I have much to look forward to in the greenhouse. I have been busy sowing seeds and potting on. This year I will have strawberries, cherry tomatoes and a garden brimming over with flowers! That is the plan anyway.

I have much to be thankful and happy for, I just wish that the moody girl inside me would recognise that.

A Glorious Day

2011-04-07T08:56:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far. Angel clouds descended over my garden.

The washing was hung out to dry and the hens roamed happily in their new enclosure.

I spent some time outside getting to know them again.

Popcorn is my favourite hen. She is a bit quirky, like me!

Gizmo was a bit bored with all the attention I was giving to the chickens.

He skulked off down the path..........

...............and made himself at home under the hen house nesting box.

Not Just a Tea Towel!

2011-04-02T14:20:00.001+01:00

I was recently introduced to this lovely website that sells a huge range of tea towels for every taste and budget. Looking around the site I couldn't believe how many tea towels there were from linen to cotton and linen union blends. My usual tea towels are cotton so I thought I would try out some linen ones.

The linen ones need to be soaked prior to use to get out the starch and make them more absorbent. They are supposed to improve in absorbency over time, after they have been washed several times.

The website contains all the information you need about looking after your tea towels and gives a long list of ideas that you can use them for other than drying the dishes! These uses include gift wrapping, making into cushions (a Union Jack tea towel on the site would be great for that), making tote bags and dust jackets for books and even giving to a child as a comfort blanket. I will never view my tea towels as just for drying up with again. Why not pop over to the site and have a look around. There is even a Royal Wedding tea towel and some great offers in the sale section on aprons.

Photo Scavenger Hunt March

2011-03-31T17:05:00.000+01:00

I didn't get around to meeting all the criteria for this months scavenger hunt but I'll share with you the ones I did manage to get! The ring above has sentimental value for me as I have had it since 1967.

The little doll pops out of the ring and is made by Mattel.

I have many collections including the hat one above.

Something green. This gorgeous soft and delicate scarf that I bought from Vivienne of Green Rabbit Designs.

A fancy gate. This was about as fancy as I could find locally.

Peeling paint. There is plenty of this around and about my garden and house!

I know I have used a shadow bunny photo before but this one has me attached to it!
He looks rather surprised!

A lion. Not many of them to be found around here but Gizmo is trying his best to look lion-like with his cold eyes! I will try to do better next month!