Going On A Sentimental Journey

sung by Doris Day.....

Just before we went away I went to the funeral of my Uncle John, my Dad's eldest brother. I hadn't really decided to go up until the night before, as although he was a very nice man and always stopped for a kind word and chat when we bumped into each other, we weren't close and never really had been, but I went in the end to be 'part' and for my Dad's sake to be there as his 'brood' as it were. I'm very glad I did - it was a strange experience, as I found it all very unexpectedly upsetting, and felt very 'cleansed' because of the sadness and affection expressed all round.

My Uncle had been a member of the Rowing Club for years and years, and the old boys were there in their rowing jackets, and had fond words to say about him. His widow, my Aunty Mary, was very dignified and gracious and thanked me so nicely for coming that I felt instantly ashamed I'd even considered not going. Their sons, my younger cousins, were affectionate to everyone despite their obvious grief, and I found myself wishing that we'd spent more time together as a family, as they are very, very nice people.

My Uncle Eric from Bristol (Dad's older brother) came with his family, and it was great to see him, I have always been very fond of him despite the distance over the years. They were all lovely too. Their daughter was 40 a month before me and I feel quite sad that they all lived in Bristol forever, as she and I could have been close - family life could have been so much bigger.

Also found myself wistful that tradition like this kind of funeral may go by the sidelines in years to come - I am not sure where I stand on religion these days, (Mark is an athiest) and as Oliver doesn't go to school or Church, he knows no hymns whatsoever, has no clue about most of the bible stories we grew up with, and the format of death is quite (thankfully) unknown to him. The values and standards and form shown at this funeral felt like a dying (no pun intended)tradition and that felt very sad too.

So, farewell Uncle John, you certainly have left your mark, and you will be much missed. Enjoy your Sentimental Journey.

back from hols & being 40

The Isle Of Wight was a bit weird all round really! Not as I remember it 8 years ago - I was obviously in a 'different place' back then - I didn't find it as charming as before, but then I am prone to looking at the world through rose-tinted specs.... Some bits were very lovely, but there were many more places billed as 'a fantastic island attraction' which cost a bomb and occupied only about 2 hours max! Still, got away with paying for Oliver at most places due to his smallness and under 5 appearance, and my utter deception. No, I don't feel guilty - I'm sure I am being perpetually ripped off right left & centre in this country entertainment-wise.

And, turning 40 felt very, very weird. I have always looked at myself a certain way, kind of had my own 'impression' of myself, but it never included being old enough to have to realise I am inescapably an adult. I know that doesn't make sense. It just feels too odd to get my head around...

Fancy Pants

I refer to the scrapbook range of papers of course, and not to exotic undies...... had the 'About A Boy' range to work with from the Scrapbook Sisters which are GORGEOUS. (The papers, not the SBS. Though, I'm sure they are probably lovely too lol...) Due to it's arrival just prior to my departure to Cornwall (boo) I have only had this week to crack on with layouts. I have completed 2 layouts, both of which I am pleased with - the colours are nice and bright. The Fancy Pants rub-ons & papers are one of my favourite ranges. Here are a couple of peeks:

And this one:

I also had in my box Versa Colour inks in green and orange, a bright blue acrylic dabber, a fab unmounted cycling stamp (TQDD) which I have plans to do some sort of tag book with and the Sandylion Camping Collection papers. All too, too lovely!! Oh - and RUB-ONs! Love rub-ons, one of my favourite embellishments- they really can lift a layout.

Anyway, will dispatch these off at the weekend, and get back on it when I get back from HOLIDAY!!! Very exciting. AND I will be 40..... next week......

The Good Life here we come

Well pleased with this little lot, veg from our garden/allotment. Mark is doing brill this year already - he has really put alot of thought into growing stuff in stages so we don't end up with a hundred weight of chard like last year - saves loads of money & very good for Oliver (who eats very little by way of veg) who will actually bother to TRY food we have grown ourselves.

Just Scrapbooking...

Got back today from a scrapbook retreat in Cornwall run by Linda of Just Scrapbooking. Lovely, lovely place. The weekend was great - lovely people & a relaxed scrapping atmosphere. There was the option to take part in the demos and classes, and there was support if you asked for it. Great time. I only did 3 layouts, but learnt a bit about photography & the layouts I did, I was pleased with. I missed Oliver & Mark, but the time away from home is a good thing I think for all of us.

This is NOT a great photo, but shows the view from the terrace outside our crop space, down to the cape this morning. Gorgeous.

Happy Birthday Oliver!

Oliver has been celebrating his birthday with a party on Tuesday and a day out at Woodlands park. It has been a great couple of days and he has had some fab pressies, including loads of Pokemon cards, a new DVD, a big box of Lego a spot of cash and his first bike. Why are kids parties so draining? Never seems to matter how organised you are before it kicks off, within 10 minutes you are looking at your watch and saying 'HOW long left??'

green or orange?

For a friend's birthday I made a layout splicing together a couple of pics of her kids which she has never seen. I have placed it in a deep box frame, and am hoping she will like the effect. I did one layout:

and then thought the orange was a bit shocking, so did another based in green:

I have put the green one in the frame, and will give her the orange one too. Think I prefer the green personally....

I am off on Friday to sunny (?!) Cornwall for a scrapbook retreat run by Just Scrapbooking. No idea what it will be like, never been on a retreat before, but very exciting to be catching a train down to Cornwall and spending some quality, uninterrupted scraptime. No doubt by Saturday evening I will be snivelling down the phone to Mark saying I miss Oliver and I can't bear it, like the last time I had a 'quality me-time' weekend away. I am such a wuss.

And finally.... Oliver is 6 on Wednesday. His front tooth has just fallen out and the prospect of £1 from the tooth fairy is providing no end of excitement today. Oh to be a child again when £1 sparks the same joy as £100...or £1000.... or £million zillion.....