The August Break - I'm in!

Am very excited to be taking part in Susannah Conway's 'August Break'. Basically there is a different one word prompt for each day in August, you take a photograph inspired by the prompt and post it on your blog. Easy!

The prompts are varied and hopefully they will result in some interesting pictures. I will try my best to post every day... check out Susannah's site www.susannahconway.com for more info and to sign up yourself. See you there!

Dreaming Spires and Steamy Sundays.

I have been making up for not getting out much of late. I actually managed to grab a couple of days holiday from work. I spent one of these being all 'touristy' in Oxford, exploring and photographing whilst avoiding the heaving crowds of real tourists!

I also visited the Oxford Botanic Gardens - somewhere I'm ashamed to say I've never visited before. It was beautiful, gorgeous plants, shady spots and some rather disturbing art. Mabel Odessey, artist, has dotted various black and white photographs around the gardens. They feature antique marionnettes of Alice and other Looking Glass characters in spooky poses - all a bit surreal!

 

 

I also saw the obligatory punts and bikes (took pictures) a dribbling tramp(didn't take pictures) and a very chap inspired shop display (I asked to take pictures which rather surprised the shop assistant!)

This week saw the arrival of my first Birchbox. This is a monthly lucky dip of beauty samples and information. It comes in a lovely box, packaged wonderfully and it feels a bit like getting an unbirthday present. Even better, on reading the enclosed magazine I decided to Google a singer that I had not heard of before. Please check out Alela Diane - simply stunning voice! Try 'White as Diamonds'... awesome! I have ordered some of her back albums and am looking forward to getting the new release 'About Farewell' at the end of the month.

Today DH and I visited a local Steam Fair. I must admit to a secret liking of steam engines. The smell and noise. Weird, I know.... Still, there were also some very special mannikins on display and I do like a badly put together plasticated person. Especially if they are also wearing a bad wig.

 

 

We enjoyed the displays (who knew there was so much you could say about kites) and I enjoyed some ice cream. However, imagine my horror when I spotted that someone else was wearing the same outfit as me!!!! I thought my floaty Next shirt and legging ensemble was fresh, stylish and quirky. Clearly someone else did too... what a faux pas! Still, I was better accessorised than her and my bag matched my shoes. I even wore some Eiffel Tower earrings in recognition of the Tour de France final day. So I think I won that little fashion-off. :-) Next time I shall have to pick my outfit with more thought!!

Just joined Bloglovin..... follow me here!

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Apparently Google Reader will be unavailable from Monday... so I have joined Bloglovin' and tested my technical abilities beyond their limits!
You can follow me here, go on, you know you want to! And tell all your friends! I'll bake you a cake.. and give you a hug! xxx

It's all in the detail.....

It's Saturday. The sun is shining. I have absolutely nothing I have to do. (there's plenty I should be doing, but nothing that can't wait!)

Doing absolutely nothing! Blissful :-)

Last post I wrote about my Gratitude Lists and I have been continuing to list 5 things every day that I am grateful for. Working in such a beautiful place has allowed me to add some amazing nature moments - slo worm watching, newly fledged green woodpeckers, great crested newts (not all at the same time!!). I have also added the obligatory culinary delights (raspberries from my garden) and even the odd social interaction - just proving I am not a total hermit!
Doing this has made me think about all those tiny beautiful things that happen each day that can easily pass by if we don't stop and take note.

I have tried really hard to do more photography this week too. Since Unravelling stopped I have found it difficult to have a subject on what to focus (see what I did there). One of the ladies from our post-unravel group suggested the title "two".... so simple and yet such a huge word!! However, it has got the old brain ticking and has encouraged me to get the camera out!
A few years ago I read an article in a magazine about someone who used photographs of hands in the same way others photograph facial portraits. (I didn't think to note the name of the artist). They had a fantastic selection of hand portraits - each sitter posing with an item which said something about them or their lives/hobbies. The article really struck me and has stayed with me and so - for "two" I thought it time to have a go.

DH and his customary grease and spanner!

 

DS#2 chose his bow as the X-Box lead wasn't long enough to reach outside!

 

Journaling has continued apace. Apart from the 'serious' writing and note taking I have been creative too. I have big plans for the extension and reorganisation of my shed into a 1950's inspired place of beauty. So, the creative journal is now bulging with inspirational pictures and DH is reeling from a mile long detailed to-do list. As I said, it's all in the detail!!

Journaling, reading and drinking tea!

Waistcoats and writing

I am pleased to say that 'Manic Month' at work is now drawing to a close. We have been so busy with festivals and school groups that there hasn't been a minute to draw breath! This is wonderful and has been great fun but I am now needing some relaxation.... I have a day of shooting planned this weekend (yes, I know how odd that sounds in the same sentence as relaxation) and a days holiday next week which I plan to spend taking photographs and pretty much not a lot else.

Out of work the highlight has to have been Prom Night. DS#1 looked most handsome - he scrubbed up pretty well. I finally finished the waistcoat and bowtie (still sewing it the night before!!) and I was
more than happy with them. We managed to tie the bowtie too... thanks Mr Youtube Man.

He doesn't look too bad!

I made this!

He met up with a group of friends and they all went off on a vintage bus. They all looked awesome.

Inside the bus it was all bunting and Muse!

The sewing bug has continued and I have made a couple of storage bags and some curtains for the kitchen. Next project is a 1950's style dress from Clothkits. It's all ready to go!


I have been continuing with my Journaling. I am almost evangelical about how useful and enlightening it is proving. It also gives me more reasons to buy lovely stationery (not stationary). My creative journal is allowing me to indulge in pretty 'stuff'... finally I know why I have been stockpiling every magazine published since 2008.... cutting and sticking! Yay!
The Journaling prompts are still throwing up some difficult things to think about. I have started facing up to some of my not so pretty bits but also have had the opportunity to reflect that considering everything I haven't done too badly! (no raised eyebrows at the back, thank you!)
I have been writing a list of 5 things each day that I am grateful for... this has been hard on some days but it does show that no matter how crap you think your day has been, there are some shiny moments! Even if they do involve chocolate.. or shoes... or small animal shaped erasers!

Today I am grateful for:

1. The opportunity to work with some fab people.
2. A quiet evening to catch up on reading, writing and blogging.
3. Hearing from people I care about.
4. Spam sandwiches (most welcome during a busy WW2 school session).
5. My bed.... it is beckoning!

What are you grateful for today?

Trying not to overthink it!

Phew.... can't believe it's Sunday night again - where did the weekend go?
I had another super busy week at work, two WW2 days plus other school groups and training and catching up in the office.
I started my Journaling course too this week - this is a follow on from the Unravelling course where we explored the idea of keeping a journal. I found this quite a useful tool and so am learning some more techniques. Step one discussed privacy... Hmmm... not that I'm putting any deep secrets in there (yet) but if anyone found it they would know for sure what a mental basketcase I really am :-D
My big discovery of the week has been not to overthink things too much - text messages - conversations - times when I've made a COMPLETE idiot of myself (Kathy, if you're reading this we need to talk!!!) I need to stop analysing everything!

In other news I have been continuing with photography themes - this week flowers!

One of my lovely Unravelling friends, Louise, has been trying to give me some tips. I am trying to learn!

I have been busy with the sewing machine too this week. DS#1 has his prom next Friday - how exciting - the suit has been bought, along with new shoes and belt. He decided he wanted a bowtie and waistcoat which we have tried to theme with his girlfriends dress. It has been a most pressured project, my first from the Great British Sewing Bee book. I still have to tackle the buttonholes, oh dread :-( but so far I am pleased with the results. Tying the bowtie, however, is another thing! Many Youtube viewings later and I know roughly HOW it's done but cannot get it to look as neat..

 

Still, nearly a week to practice! I'll just try my best not to overthink it too much!

Roll out the red carpet!

It has been a whirl of activity this week..... work has been crazy busy as we got ready to host the very first Ffennell Festival. Ffennell is the name of the chap who owed the Hill End site - leaving it for the further enjoyment of young people. It is nothing to do with the vegetable! Though Ffennell soup could have been on offer maybe?

The Friday was a chance for Primary schools from Oxfordshire to come along and join in with loads of activities on offer. I was on the World War 2 experience 'bit'... meaning I got to dress up as Peggy the Landgirl once more.
Saturday we were open to Joe Public. I got to pose about by our 1928 Austin 12/4 and frighten people off trying on the gas masks! The magnetic mine proved a draw (see what I did there?) and I had an interesting conversation with a military archaeologist who promised to send us some more military goodies (most of which I had no idea what he was talking about but it all sounded most exciting!)




If it wasn't for the mini's in the background we could almost be in the 1940's!






 The other highlight of the week was...tadaa.... the premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Stolen Emerald. This was the short film that DD and I were extras in earlier this year.
We travelled to the Genesis Cinema in Whitechapel dressed in our finest premiere going outfits. (we seemed a tad overdressed for Whitechapel Nando's but hey!) The cinema is beautiful - the site goes back to the 1870's as the Paragon Theatre - seeing such stars as Charlie Chaplin appearing there.

My iPhone couldn't really capture the grandeur of the place :-(

One of the amazing costumes from the film.

 

 

The evening was brilliant. Apart from the all important viewing of the finished film (which was fabulous) there was question and answer sessions from the lovely Celine Terranova the director and other cast and crew plus assorted Sherlock aficionados. We also heard from Carla who curates at St Barts Pathology Museum, a  really funny talk.

DD and I left before the shmoozing got underway as it was a LONG journey home and I had to be back at work for 7am... oh the life of a lovey! Should you want us, please contact us through our agent :-D