Wednesday, 30 September 2009
HSMSHS - Flotsam
We are lucky to live close to lots of beautiful unspoilt beaches so they are favourite places to go for walks. Over the years we have found plenty of odd things washed up on the sand - the boys favourite was finding "Dory" on Cummingston Beach and a little yellow plastic duck down at Spey Bay which we have since found out might be one of a cargo of thousands which were lost over board from a container ship and have found their way half way around the world.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Project 365 - day 272
Photos of my new Acer tree - it will look lovely once its planted - I picked it because of the colour of the leaves.
SLYMI - week 39
Scrap with your own handwriting.
Why do so many people dislike their own handwriting? After all, it is said to be a reflection of our own personality; something that can be analysed to reveal who we really are. Whether you scrap with the minimum of embellishments for a clean, graphic look, or you prefer to layer up papers, ribbons and adornments to really fill your pages, your scrapbooking style reveals more about you than you realise.
So really, there is no need to shy away from leaving your mark on your layouts, a little something of yourself for future generations. Get out your pens and write and doodle on your layout for this week’s Scrap Like You Mean It challenge. Handwrite your title, add journalling strips, as I have done, doodle a border or write the whole story by hand; however you want to rise to the challenge, we’d love to see your layouts!
I am another who doesn't like my own handwriting - but I do usually write on my LOs - mainly because I'm to lazy to faff around with the PC to do it!
I love looking at thing with my Mum and Dads writing on like old birthday cards - and I have a little autograph book in which both my Nan and Grandad wrote something - brings back lots of memories.
This is a LO I started ages ago but never got round to finishing. It's of one of the best days we had last summer with our family from overseas. I used October Afternoon papers and cut out some of the blooms to layer up.
Why do so many people dislike their own handwriting? After all, it is said to be a reflection of our own personality; something that can be analysed to reveal who we really are. Whether you scrap with the minimum of embellishments for a clean, graphic look, or you prefer to layer up papers, ribbons and adornments to really fill your pages, your scrapbooking style reveals more about you than you realise.
So really, there is no need to shy away from leaving your mark on your layouts, a little something of yourself for future generations. Get out your pens and write and doodle on your layout for this week’s Scrap Like You Mean It challenge. Handwrite your title, add journalling strips, as I have done, doodle a border or write the whole story by hand; however you want to rise to the challenge, we’d love to see your layouts!
I am another who doesn't like my own handwriting - but I do usually write on my LOs - mainly because I'm to lazy to faff around with the PC to do it!
I love looking at thing with my Mum and Dads writing on like old birthday cards - and I have a little autograph book in which both my Nan and Grandad wrote something - brings back lots of memories.
This is a LO I started ages ago but never got round to finishing. It's of one of the best days we had last summer with our family from overseas. I used October Afternoon papers and cut out some of the blooms to layer up.
HSMSHS - Duck
Taken on a school trip to the Black Isle Wildlife Park last year. I went along as a parent helper although I don't think I actually kept much of an eye on my group of unruly children - I was too busy taking photos of all the animals. They were put to good use though as the kids made a storyboard in class of their day out using my photos.
Monday, 28 September 2009
SLYMI - week 38
Scrap something learned.
School has been back in session for a few weeks so it's time to check in with something *you* have learned, whether it was a big lesson or a small one - a serious lesson or something funny!
I chose my new designer specs - and that after 30 years of having to wear either glasses or contact lenses I think I have finally learned to love my glasses. Even if the price was an eye opener - they should be free - it's not my fault I'm as blind as a bat!!!
Used some really old (and way too garish papers) from an old GoGo kit - and lots of pink brads which sit at the bottom of the box. Pink is so not my colour.
School has been back in session for a few weeks so it's time to check in with something *you* have learned, whether it was a big lesson or a small one - a serious lesson or something funny!
I chose my new designer specs - and that after 30 years of having to wear either glasses or contact lenses I think I have finally learned to love my glasses. Even if the price was an eye opener - they should be free - it's not my fault I'm as blind as a bat!!!
Used some really old (and way too garish papers) from an old GoGo kit - and lots of pink brads which sit at the bottom of the box. Pink is so not my colour.
Project 365 - day 271
Another trip to the garden centre - I can now see the attraction of this favourite Sunday afternoon pastime. This time we bought a tree - an Acer or Japanese Maple for the front garden. It wasn't what we actually went for - but isn't that the way???
Today's pic is of the luscious berries that have now formed on the honeysuckle.
Today's pic is of the luscious berries that have now formed on the honeysuckle.
Project 365 - day 270
Tried out some of the recipes in my new muffin cookbook.
First off was cranberry and orange - or Thanksgiving muffins as they are called in the book. They tasted as good as they looked.
The second recipe was chocolate rocky road muffins. These were tasty too but not so pleasing on the eye - the marshmallows sort of explode in the oven while they are cooking (my muffin pan took a while to clean!!)
All in all they were both a success.
First off was cranberry and orange - or Thanksgiving muffins as they are called in the book. They tasted as good as they looked.
The second recipe was chocolate rocky road muffins. These were tasty too but not so pleasing on the eye - the marshmallows sort of explode in the oven while they are cooking (my muffin pan took a while to clean!!)
All in all they were both a success.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Open Doors Day - and day 269
I think Open Doors Days are held all over the country and they allow the public into places where they aren't normally allowed to go. In previous years we have been to our local sheriffs court (where the boys were put into the cells!), the local convent and were able to look into some of the fascinating buildings at Findhorn.
This year the Alltyre Estate near Forres was open to the public - they even laid on mini buses that would pick you up and drop you off all around the estate. Many of the houses, cottages, stables, school and chapel were commissioned by Sir William Gordon Cumming and his American cotton heiress wife, Florence Garner, between the late 19th Century and the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Some of the buildings are in quite a bad state of disrepair but it was quite interesting and such a peaceful place to walk around on such a glorious day.
The car park was in a field of huge hay bales - so you can imagine what 2 boys did.
Look at the colour of that sky.
The Gardeners Cottages were like something off a chocolate box - I wouldn't say no to living there.
The strangest thing was walking into one of the old barns and the smell immediately took me back over 30 years to my childhood. Playing in the barns across the road from the house with the smells of hay and engine oil and fertilizer all mixed together - the boys thought it was so funny that we used to spend ages making dens in the bales for hours on end!!
This year the Alltyre Estate near Forres was open to the public - they even laid on mini buses that would pick you up and drop you off all around the estate. Many of the houses, cottages, stables, school and chapel were commissioned by Sir William Gordon Cumming and his American cotton heiress wife, Florence Garner, between the late 19th Century and the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Some of the buildings are in quite a bad state of disrepair but it was quite interesting and such a peaceful place to walk around on such a glorious day.
The car park was in a field of huge hay bales - so you can imagine what 2 boys did.
Look at the colour of that sky.
The Gardeners Cottages were like something off a chocolate box - I wouldn't say no to living there.
The strangest thing was walking into one of the old barns and the smell immediately took me back over 30 years to my childhood. Playing in the barns across the road from the house with the smells of hay and engine oil and fertilizer all mixed together - the boys thought it was so funny that we used to spend ages making dens in the bales for hours on end!!
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Pink Saturday
Pink Saturday again over on the How Sweet the Sound blog.
Apologies for my shot being up late today but this wasn't my original choice of photo.
We have been out for the afternoon as as we drove through the small village of Auldearn near Inverness I spotted this. As we continued to drive to our destination I asked hubby if we could stop on our way back so I could take a photo. So I then had to explain the whole Pink Saturday thing - while he looked at me like I was a martian recently arrived on this planet!!!
But he humoured me and duly stopped in the appointed place so I could photograph a bench by the local war memorial - that is painted a rather fetching shade of pink.
I wonder why????
Apologies for my shot being up late today but this wasn't my original choice of photo.
We have been out for the afternoon as as we drove through the small village of Auldearn near Inverness I spotted this. As we continued to drive to our destination I asked hubby if we could stop on our way back so I could take a photo. So I then had to explain the whole Pink Saturday thing - while he looked at me like I was a martian recently arrived on this planet!!!
But he humoured me and duly stopped in the appointed place so I could photograph a bench by the local war memorial - that is painted a rather fetching shade of pink.
I wonder why????
Scenic Route are no more
Just read the sad news that Scenic Route are no more. I have loved their papers since I started scrapping several years ago - some of the first papers I bought were Cape Town and I'm not sure that I have even cut into them. I love their craft papers too.
I bought the whole Garden Grove collection at the GoGo Getaway - maybe we now need to start stocking up!!
Read more about it here.
I bought the whole Garden Grove collection at the GoGo Getaway - maybe we now need to start stocking up!!
Read more about it here.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Project 365 - day 268 - and more Skywatch Friday
We had a spectacular sunset this evening - the clouds looked like they were on fire. But it only lasted a short while.
Callum thought these clouds looked like spaceships!!
Callum thought these clouds looked like spaceships!!
SLYMI - week 37
Scrap with metal.
So will it be brads or eyelets? Or do you have some older metal stash that is begging to be put to good use? How about a label frame or some wire? Or metal tape? Have an idea for plain old tin foil?
Scrap whatever you would like, but put some metal in there somewhere!
I was quite surprised when I had a rummage and found quite a few metal things I could use (not including brads or eyelets which I thought was a bit too easy) Came up with this little metal frame which I think came from an old Scrapagogo kit - one of the things you look at and think you will never use But I'm pleased that I have.
Photo is of Callum taking it easy at a local garden centre. Papers are Crate Paper, swirly stamps are Autumn Leaves and alphas are AC Thickers and Adornit tiny stickers.
Need to add some journalling at some point.
So will it be brads or eyelets? Or do you have some older metal stash that is begging to be put to good use? How about a label frame or some wire? Or metal tape? Have an idea for plain old tin foil?
Scrap whatever you would like, but put some metal in there somewhere!
I was quite surprised when I had a rummage and found quite a few metal things I could use (not including brads or eyelets which I thought was a bit too easy) Came up with this little metal frame which I think came from an old Scrapagogo kit - one of the things you look at and think you will never use But I'm pleased that I have.
Photo is of Callum taking it easy at a local garden centre. Papers are Crate Paper, swirly stamps are Autumn Leaves and alphas are AC Thickers and Adornit tiny stickers.
Need to add some journalling at some point.
Skywatch Friday
It's Skywatch Friday again - and another shot from my back garden. The clouds look really angry but I think it might be another nice day.
Project 365 - day 267
Spotted a new muffin cookbook today as I wandered around the bookshop after work - I love making muffins as they are so easy. This one has some delicious sounding recipes - have already tried out one - pictures to follow.
HSMSHS - Cake
Has to be birthday cake.
This is Callums birthday cake from last weekend. Afraid it wasn't a homemade one but a Cadburys Flake cake which was delicious.
This is Callums birthday cake from last weekend. Afraid it wasn't a homemade one but a Cadburys Flake cake which was delicious.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Project 365 - day 266
A sure sign that autumn is here - a plentiful supply of conkers just a short walk away.
Project 365 - day 265
My second pair of new glasses.
For the first time in the 30 odd years I have had to wear specs of contact lenses I think I actually like both my new pairs of glasses - and for once they are quite trendy ones.
For the first time in the 30 odd years I have had to wear specs of contact lenses I think I actually like both my new pairs of glasses - and for once they are quite trendy ones.
HSMSHS - Tower
A random pile of pebbles we found while walking along Findhorn beach last year. Since then we have found quite a few others at different locations - wonder who makes them??
HSMSHS - Fungus
No fancy mushrooms here - these are a home grown variety. These little chaps were plentiful in our garden a couple of months ago - not sure what sort they are but it does make you wonder where they got the turf from for our back garden!!
Monday, 21 September 2009
Project 365 - day 264 - gardening
All the plants we bought last weekend are now finally in the ground - and it seemed to take the whole weekend. We started on Friday evening ans finished yesterday afternoon - but it was worth it.
We have planted a variety of climbers to cover the not very attractive wooden fencing which will eventually make our garden a bit more private on each side. I have lots of plans and ideas for our little patch - including another small patio and raised beds for veggies next year.
I can see this blog turning into a gardening blog as crafting takes a back seat!
Poor Andy's face says it all!!
We have planted a variety of climbers to cover the not very attractive wooden fencing which will eventually make our garden a bit more private on each side. I have lots of plans and ideas for our little patch - including another small patio and raised beds for veggies next year.
I can see this blog turning into a gardening blog as crafting takes a back seat!
Poor Andy's face says it all!!
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Project 365 - day 263
Worms - my new best friends!!
This weekend has seen a lot of activity in our garden (pics to follow) but during our hard work we came across plenty of these little fellows - who are a gardeners best friend. For the first time in my life I have actually managed to handle these invertebrates - I have been talking to them too - mainly apologising every time I dug one up and then had to put it in a place of safety! Wasn't too keen on them though when Andy threw one at me - and it hit me on the face.
Another first for me was taking a photo of a worm - but I'm really pleased with how it has come out!!!
This weekend has seen a lot of activity in our garden (pics to follow) but during our hard work we came across plenty of these little fellows - who are a gardeners best friend. For the first time in my life I have actually managed to handle these invertebrates - I have been talking to them too - mainly apologising every time I dug one up and then had to put it in a place of safety! Wasn't too keen on them though when Andy threw one at me - and it hit me on the face.
Another first for me was taking a photo of a worm - but I'm really pleased with how it has come out!!!
Birthday Boy
Cal was 9 today and he wanted what any self respecting 9 year old boy wants - Lego, Lego and even more Lego. And his wish was granted with no less than 4 different sets. Not sure who had more fun building them - him or his Dad!!!
He had a good day - with a house full of mates this afternoon and plenty of loud games and running around. He should sleep well tonight.
He had a good day - with a house full of mates this afternoon and plenty of loud games and running around. He should sleep well tonight.
HSMSHS - Wisdom for the Weekend
One of my absolute favourite poems is by William Butler Yates, He Wishes For the Cloths of Heaven, and the complete poem is at the bottom of this post.
Each time I read it, it is the last two lines that make me pause and think, and so these words are the wisdom this week :-
"I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
This text is longer than usual and so you may prefer to shorten it to :-
"Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
I hope you feel inspired :-)
Sue
Had I the heaven's embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
I chose this photo of Andy and Sam just sitting enjoying the stunning view at the top of Skye earlier in the year. They didn't know I was taking it and I think its a lovely father and son shot.
Each time I read it, it is the last two lines that make me pause and think, and so these words are the wisdom this week :-
"I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
This text is longer than usual and so you may prefer to shorten it to :-
"Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
I hope you feel inspired :-)
Sue
Had I the heaven's embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
I chose this photo of Andy and Sam just sitting enjoying the stunning view at the top of Skye earlier in the year. They didn't know I was taking it and I think its a lovely father and son shot.
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Project 365 - day 262 - Black Belt
Today was the day Sam had been waiting for - the day of his black belt test. We dropped him off at the club at 10 when they were straight out for a run - part jogging and part speed sprints. We were told to come back at 1 to watch the sparring and presentations so altogether the test took a marathon 4 hours!!
He passed and Kayleigh awarded him with his black belt which is embroidered with his name and certificate. Only this year Sam and Bradley were awarded with a plaque instead of a certificate as for Kayleigh they were special students. They are the first two kids she has taught from tiny little white belts (wearing little white fighting suits!!) right the way through to black belt so it was a big moment for her too.
We are so proud of Sam - he started karate in the summer of 2005 when a good friend of ours, Bally, took him along one day. He has had a couple of wobbly moments when he wasn't sure if he wanted to carry on with the sport or not but he stuck it out. We are proud of him for not quitting and listening to his instructor when she encouraged him to stick with it. Some weeks he trains 6 days a week - some evening doing two classes which shows dedication.
Today was the culmination of all his hard work and we really hope he carries on - although many kids seem to reach their black belt and then give up which is such a shame. Kaizen is now one of the best clubs in Scotland producing world class fighters (they have a team heading off to the world championships in Spain just next month) and hopefully with the changes that are afoot the club will go from strength to strength.
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the grading today.
He passed and Kayleigh awarded him with his black belt which is embroidered with his name and certificate. Only this year Sam and Bradley were awarded with a plaque instead of a certificate as for Kayleigh they were special students. They are the first two kids she has taught from tiny little white belts (wearing little white fighting suits!!) right the way through to black belt so it was a big moment for her too.
We are so proud of Sam - he started karate in the summer of 2005 when a good friend of ours, Bally, took him along one day. He has had a couple of wobbly moments when he wasn't sure if he wanted to carry on with the sport or not but he stuck it out. We are proud of him for not quitting and listening to his instructor when she encouraged him to stick with it. Some weeks he trains 6 days a week - some evening doing two classes which shows dedication.
Today was the culmination of all his hard work and we really hope he carries on - although many kids seem to reach their black belt and then give up which is such a shame. Kaizen is now one of the best clubs in Scotland producing world class fighters (they have a team heading off to the world championships in Spain just next month) and hopefully with the changes that are afoot the club will go from strength to strength.
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the grading today.
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