O.M.G!!!!!!!

I never, ever thought I would write this but I think I might have just 'run' a little!!! 

I know, I'm in shock as much as you. I don't run you see, haven't done so for 22 years when I last ran around a football pitch as a student, in the dark so on one would see me!

I don't know what made me think I could try. I went on my long Summer walk yesterday to up my fitness, it's a 2 and a half mile walk up the road,

along this track, along a back country lane, down another road until it meets a residential street, back onto our road - one big loop! And I guess it's the bit 'no one can see me' - as I made my way along the track yesterday, I broke into a little jog every now and then, followed by a long walk and so on.

So today I wore trainers and along the the track, back lane and bit of road (blue line), where no one could see me, I  tried to 'run/jog' a bit more than walk. Don't get me wrong, I'm shattered and I'm as red as a beetroot and my legs feel dead but I'm chuffed with myself. 2 and 1/2 miles in 25 minutes and 15 seconds - a lot of room for improvement but it's a start!

Just got to do it again now!

What a bright.....

.......bright, sunshiny day!

I was working yesterday and spent the whole day looking out longingly at the most glorious sunshine, willing Sunday to be just as good and......

.....it didn't disappoint. 

Today has been glorious - wall to wall sunshine and in our sheltered back garden, it felt more like Summer.

The ladybirds enjoyed it too - over 20 all sunning themselves on this one bit of hedge.

We had lunch outside and

the grass even had it's first cut of the year.

Thank you sunshine for your most welcome visit.

The forecast says 'more of the same' - let's hope it's right!

Hello Spring

I think I can officially announce the arrival of Spring, with an abundance of Spring bulbs in flower and a warm, dry, sunny spell forecast for the next few days - Hurrah! Unfortunately, I shall miss tomorrow's sunshine as I'm in the shop all day - not the best planning!

This weather has helped my healthy Lent kick start - I don't mind eating fruit and yogurt, salads and prawns when the sun is shining. Fingers crossed this dry, warm spell sticks around for a bit - I certainly need it. 

Have a lovely weekend, wherever you are and here's hoping the sun will be shining. 

Hello March

Slightly later than normal due to the late Easter this year, yesterday was Shrove Tuesday. I never really give up anything for Lent but have decided this year to just be very focused about what I eat for the next 60 days. I figure a small, concentrated time frame might just help focus the mind and calorie intake!

I'm making the most of this bit of sunshine, walking daily in the park.

It's positively Spring like now - Hurrah! I LOVE Spring and the prospect of a little more sunshine.

  

I even got to sit out in the garden today to enjoy a cup of coffee - bliss!

I finally got around to framing up my Christmas present from Jeff - My Jorey Hurley Print

'Sunlight on the Water'

It reminds me of the sea at my Granny's old house at the end of a Summer's Day.

As a result of changing all my frames to fit my new print, I was left with a little space to fill so knocked up this little bird print. I've also been working on a commission alongside my orders etc. 

The rain is set to return for the next 2 days followed by a promised settled period - let's hope that means a little more of this gorgeous sunshine too.

Farewell February

How can February already be over? Tomorrow is the last day of the month. It's been lovely to see a little bit more sunshine in the last week or so but it's been bitterly cold. I'm still making sure I have plenty of flowers around to lift my spirits.

February is always a quieter month than those previous. Once the SALE ends at the end of January, things become noticeably quieter. In previous years we would have been making up show orders and prepping madly for the next big show but this year things are different.

As I mentioned before, we are taking a year off from the shows and I have also decided to take a year off the 'work treadmill'. I had got to the stage where I was designing to a deadline and all the creative fun element to my work had gone.

So I'm taking a 'year out' to rediscover the 'fun' bit. The 'bit' where dots and spots started. I'm not going to be pressured to design a finished product, instead I'm going to design and play and see where it takes me.

We have plenty of things in our shop to tempt you with and we will be adding a couple of new things which are already planned. 50% FRIDAY will still give you that 'bargain' every week and I will have time to rediscover the bit I love most 'playing with paper'. Roll on March!

A year ago....

A year ago yesterday, our world turned upside down - Jeff was told that his job was at risk of redundancy. It was a Friday and I had just paid for our holiday, I remember taking his phone call in disbelief "it won't be you, they won't make a Maths teacher redundant!" but as we later found out, it was him. Not because he wasn't good at his job, quite the opposite he was too good at his job, too respected and liked by his colleagues and someone felt threatened. 

A few weeks, months of uncertainty followed but due to his skill and work ethos, he was able to get another job, although temporary. A few months in, he applied for another job and is now in a permanent position doing a job that he loves. We're so proud of him - he is a great teacher, he is someone who will step up to do extra, he is a team player and is finding the respect he deserves amongst his colleagues in his new job. His new school has gained a fantastic teacher and a year on from that horrible day, he is in a much happier place.

I'm a believer that things happen for a reason - a year ago I struggled to understand and couldn't see how any good could come out of the horrible situation we were put in but things have worked out for the best.

I still hope one day Karma will play it's part but I also must remind myself that life is for living and that episode in our lives is over, a closed chapter and we have security and a life ahead of us to enjoy.

Making the most of the half term

It's half term and we have been making the most of a week with no real routine. Although the alarm has had to be set a couple of times, it's great not to have to do the school run.

Sophie has wanted to shop! I guess most 14 year old girls want to shop. 

On Monday we went to Bristol with the lure of Primark and following a sleep over with her lovely friend Lizzie, we went to Bath on Wednesday which I must say is my favourite. The girls went off to do their own thing, which meant I had the morning to myself. We then met my sister and niece for lunch and a catch up, so although a little (a lot) poorer, a couple of lovely days.

Sam has been encouraged to get off his computer and get out and be more active. He and Jeff are running every Sunday and as you can see from the pic, they're keen to improve on their time! He's been out on his bike and swimming - as with any 11 year old, he'd rather be on his computer but once he's out 'doing' he enjoys it. He went to see the Lego movie with his pals and had a great time.

With Jeff home on holiday too I've been enjoying days with the family, interspersed with days working in the shop and

over at the unit keeping on top of orders. I try to just pop over to the unit in the holidays, pick and pack what I have to, then save the making up etc to school time.

The weather has been changeable but we have managed to get out in the garden to do some gardening. There is lots to tidy and get cleared for Spring but I feel feel we've made a good start. 

Spring does feel like it's nearly here too with lots of Spring bulbs now flowering.

I've been out for my walks and have eaten reasonably well considering it's been the holidays, so all in all a good week. I'm in the shop again tomorrow and then it will be back to the school runs for another 6 week stint on Monday. Mind you the Easter break will be here before we know it and with Easter being so late this year, we should hopefully be due some nice weather too - something to look forward to.