Beauty is in the eye ....of a needle

I have a thing about patchwork quilts. And if you've been paying attention, you'll know I started one last year. It has progressed slowly, as with everything outside of work, a hobby is a luxury these days, whatever your job it seems. I have even chucked out the time-suck that is tv which I thought would free up a few hours each night but now I find that whereas I used to sew no matter what mindless crud was on the box, now I'm always just doing stuff! No matter.

So, I was thrilled to buy an original, hand stitched, genuine American quilt during my travels - isn't she a beauty? And a bargain at $99. Made around 1900, yes it's worn & faded, but so would you be aged 110. I think it's darling. Check out the detail.

Picked up a few other treasures too; wool, string, rocks (I know, say it, I'm weird) and some more regular souvenirs...

That corn sack will be turned into a wall hanging, the wool may be washed and spun but right now it smells of lanolin and memories; the Dr Pepper crate is a shelf unit waiting to happen (and don't ask what came all the way home alive in it, you don't want to know).

And the quilt? What else but spread across the bed as her maker intended all those years ago.

Sheep Deprivation

Bleary eyed and missing those critters.

I Heart Missouri

Those of you who have been following where I've been this past week, will perhaps know a little bit about the farm and if so, will know there are an unusually high number of heart shaped rocks to be found on the property. In my week there, I picked up 3 and probably spotted half a dozen others.

Whatever the geological reasons may be, I prefer to think there are other forces at play. During my week long stay, I was truly welcomed into the home and hearts of Susan & Joe and brought back with me (along with the rocks!) a head full of happy memories which will stay with me a lifetime.

As I sift through the 200+ photographs and get through the jetlag (ughh), my heart aches for the wide open spaces I've left behind. Not to mention the Good food, Great company and Gorgeous lambs.

It's 'G' year for lamb names this year, read this for an explanation on naming and some useful background on the flock breeds. Whilst my naming suggestion for the little girl pictured above has yet to be taken up (G-Spot.....and what is wrong with that?!), did you notice something over her right shoulder?

Go on, take a closer look.

Bloggers of the World Unite!

Finally, I am setting off to a place I have heard/read about for 3 years. From finding a link following a radio show about food bloggers, I have enjoyed a wonderful 'penpal' type relationship with Susan from the farm. This really is the power of the net, enhancing what humans have always had a need to do - communicate, share and discover.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter.

Baaaaaaaaaye!

2000 watt smile

Lesley, my dear sister

21/06/62 - 12/02/10

I've held off posting something so private, and painful in part because I worried someone looking in would be a friend I have yet to tell and in part because a blog posting seemed a trite way of communicating a personal sentiment. But, it's 2010. I have a blog because all along, I wanted to share thoughts, pictures, feelings to friends, family and a community of perhaps future friends - that's the power of the internet.

I also wasn't sure of my choice of picture - this was taken last Spring and clearly, the physical side effects of chemotherapy were already in train. There are perhaps, more flattering photos in our family album.

However, I keep returning, not only to this photo, which I love, for that wonderful smile and the memories that come back but also since my last, almost prophetic posting, I'm reminded that there was a time when I was grateful for the days on which she sounded good. None of us knew then just how little time was left.

I still have reasons to be cheerful and I have learned much about my sister in the days since her passing. And the most important lesson is one she inspired, and that is to keep smiling.

_________________________________

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky,

you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

(Chaplin)

Reasons to be cheerful

The little robin, perched on top, enjoying the winter sun
Helping a friend in need
My tax bill being far less than I budgeted for
Skype-ing friends in far-flung places
Spotting a forgotten box of chocolate from Christmas sat on the shelf
Cracking the seal on a new bottle of gin!
Planning a trip
Seeing a neighbour doing great following a stroke
Remembering fun stuff
My sister sounding good today.


Whatever your plans this weekend, take time out to remind yourself of the good things in life.

I saw one ship...

The tide is turning

Like most people, I'm looking back on the year and reflecting. There's been too much drama, not enough laughter and sometimes it's just been a blur.

But the year is ending on a much more positive footing and I can't wait for a new beginning.

Those of you expecting a Christmas card from me (in vain) I'm sorry; you'll understand why when we speak. I'll find you all in 2010 and make up for it.

On this cold December day, stay warm, stay healthy and stay in touch!

Square Eyes

That winter project, 2"X2".

Fleeting

Autumn, flies by. It seems like it has only just arrived and already the leaves I'd planned to photo are on the ground. So, this is Autumn colour 2008. With an arty twist courtesy of some basic photoshopping.

The weather is a mixed bag so my winter project is well underway and now I crave a wet & windy day for the excuse to do nothing but sit & sew. That said, we are sofa-less at the moment, and neither armchair is affording me the comfort to sit for hours. Oh I hate to say it, but roll on December, when the humungous 4 seater arrives!

If anyone out there still reads my nonsense, please drop by and say hello. It's been a busy few months as ever and finding the time, not to mention inspiration, to post anything has been, well, non-existent. I really appreciate the care & detail others seem to cram in and am always in awe of other people's creativity and humour. Check out a few of my favourites listed to the right.

Hot 'n' Spicy

Well, some long overdue sunshine brought out the crowds at this weekend's Chilli Fiesta, here at the beautiful West Dean Gardens in Sussex. Man, it was packed, so packed in fact it took us 30 mins to find the car afterwards, the car park seeming to have quadrupled in size whilst we were visiting.

Whilst I didn't take a camera today, these pics were taken about a month ago at a less busy show at the gardens. The greenhouses are just stunning; I have a thing for Victorian greenhouses and want one of my own one day (replete with Victorian gardener perhaps, a la Lady Chatterley?)

Anyway, that's enough hot 'n' spicy for you. Isn't the neat row of pots (all full of different chilli varieties) just adorable?

I've been busy trying to get some gardening of my own done this year (you'll remember I have two four-legged handicaps). Some successes, some failures but it's a complete addiction and I have my eye on a scrappy corner of the garden that is soon to become a raised bed and composter. Unlike Farmgirl Susan, for me I grow most of my veg in the front, and if you saw how small that is, you'd wonder why I bother. The hardest part is learning what plants become completely rampant (baby pumpkins, courgettes) and knowing when to only try a few seeds. Check out Susan for some invaluable tips, she's absolutely right but she's got 240 acres, so a little more room to go mad!

Anyway, here's some more of those fabulous gardens - do check it out if you're ever down this way.

P.S. Some of you may have been experiencing problems loading this site, apologies, I think the offending widget was Radio Betty which has been consigned to file 13.

Pandora the prize-winning pig

Congratulations Suzy & Stu!! Want to see more pork? Click here & here.

Morning Glory

5 Years Old today!

And still a couple of scamps...remember this? And this? Or this? Apologies for the grainy quality of this shot; as you can see, from an early age, these two needed locking up - a quick trip to the hardware outlet saw us creating these makeshift pens from aviary panels in an attempt to let the little ones enjoy part of the garden but without destroying it.

Oh how wrong could we be?

Six months on and this is what remained of the lawn (number one, oh yes, a second was laid and destroyed before the year was out). See that pile of twigs top left? Mmmm, tasty lavender. To be followed by rosemary, jersey lillies (not a good move) and well, pretty much anything green. It all became a sea of mud pretty quick.

Ah but, that was soooo long ago. And all is forgotten. Happy Birthday boys.

Been gathering up pics & thoughts in my blogging 'down' time. Those aviary panels came in handy this Spring - updates to follow as & when I get round to it. P.S. Does anyone want any new music on Radio Betty. Time for a change maybe. Your suggestions are always welcome.

Gone but not forgotten

A lovely horse is always an experience.... It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words. ~Beryl Markham