SOULBRUSH

When I'm 64! (Six word Saturday)

2012-02-04T09:25:00.005Z

When I'm sixty-four...

Will you......?

I met my husband 40 years ago (this coming November), and we used to sing this song to each other- as we were both avid Beatles fans....never believing it possible that we would ever get to be this age or still be together!

Where has the time gone?

http://www.showmyface.com/

Special Valentine's Sale- On Now

2012-02-03T17:33:00.003Z

www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart

www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart

Six Word Saturday

2012-01-28T23:07:00.005Z

I wanted to scream this week!!

Had a very bad week at school this week, and it made me want to scream...
So I painted how I felt!
Feel a lot better now!
(This will be in my etsy shop very soon. It is only 10"x8" (25cmx21cm), but very powerful.)
www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart
http://www.showmyface.com/

Six Word Saturday

2012-01-21T13:40:00.013Z

I love living here in London!

http://www.showmyface.com/

Six Word Saturday

2012-01-13T22:32:00.005Z

Maggie is three!
Joy
Love
Fun

I knitted her a 'Maggie' and a 'Milo' doll with a wardrobe of clothing, including shoes, hats, hangbags and necklaces. It took me 4 months.

http://www.showmyface.com/

Six Word Saturday

2012-01-07T12:10:00.005Z

I found my tongue
Everyone laughed

http://www.showmyface.com/

Life is good

2012-01-02T13:31:00.006Z

Etsy brimming with new art, you are seeing if first.

Life is good
Art makes it even better!

Happy 2012 everyone

Six Word Saturday: New Year

2011-12-31T11:45:00.006Z

Lots of new art in my etsy shop in 2012

Make me an offer anytime- it's not about the money for me

Still have a 20% discount on all art till next week.

HAVE A WONDERFUL 2012 EVERYONE AND
REMEMBER
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
AND
BE MINDFUL!

http://www.showmyface.com/

Six Word Saturday: Mindfulness

2011-12-24T13:29:00.011Z

Mindfulness is my message this year

'Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la'.

We hear this every year, sung to us in all shops, by carol singers and in churches all round the World. And we throw ourselves into the Christmas spirit with joy, enthusiasm and lots of overspending.

My message for this year is ‘

Mindfulness

I would like us to pause and think of those less fortunate than us.

The old and lonely. We are all going to be old one day and maybe lonely too….Think about these people now and tomorrow and next year too. Why don't you see if you can 'rent a Granny for the day' - someone sitting all alone in an Old Aged Home, with only her memories to keep her warm. Take her home and allow her to share in your festivities.

The ill and dying. Although we cannot always take them home with us- let's spare a prayer and a hope for each and every one of them this year, as they probably won't see another Christmas on this earth. May their Christmasses be filled with everything they desire (not materialistically!)

The homeless. When I see someone sitting on the side of the road with despair in their eyes and all hope gone, I often think...'this could so easily have been me', and I always spare a few coins for them, or some food. Maybe they would enjoy some of the leftovers from our opulently lavish Christmas dinners.

Abandoned pets. I get so angry when I see or find out about pets that are just 'thrown away' at this time of the year, either because people going off on holiday to 'find some sunshine' and the boarding kennels are closed, or they just get 'tired' of caring for a pet. Please remember- 'A pet is not just for Christmas, a pet is forever'. Maybe you could give your child one of these abandoned pets as a gift this year (but don't expect your child to care for the pet- you have to commit to it personally).

The lonely and alone. You don't have to be over 60 to be lonely, you can feel lonely at 16. Many many people will be spending the festive season on their own, without companionship or a loving family, and if you know anyone in this situation, then please invite him/her/them over for a meal.

Let's find our humanitarianism this year. Let's dig deep in our own pockets after what was an extremely difficult year for everyone economically, and give, give, give.

In my family- we adults- husband, sons and me, don't exchange presents- we give a donation to each other's charity of choice.
Because in a week's time, a lot of people won't even remember what you got or even who gave it to you!

I wish you all a blessed and heartfelt Festive Season filled with 'mindfulness' and joy.

Six Word Saturday

2011-12-17T10:03:00.007Z

Stay away from the shops today!

(The prediction is for 11 milllion people to be out shopping on Oxford Street TODAY!)
http://www.showmyface.com/

A Christmas Wish for Animal Wednesday

2011-12-14T16:24:00.002Z

http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/pr...73936/graphic1

Six Word Saturday

2011-12-10T16:08:00.005Z

Rear window view -
Always look UP!

http://www.showmyface.com/

Food Glorious Food!

2011-12-09T10:02:00.004Z

Gimme
Gimme
Gimme
Mummy's
Milk
is
great...
But
THIS
IS
REAL
FOOD!

Six Word Saturday

2011-12-03T12:24:00.003Z

My mind dancing
My fingertips too

Have a great weekend everyone.

See my etsy shop for price reducions of 20% on all art till the end of December 2011
www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart

Haiku Wednesday

2011-11-30T20:24:00.003Z

Art is very strange
It crawls way into your heart
And becomes your soul

Come and create Haikus with Helen.
http://hhcampbell.blogspot.com/

Dancing to Christmas

2011-11-29T11:06:00.010Z

Before the mad 'dance' begins: with last minute shopping, frantic tree decorating, hasty mince pie making and fretful seating arrangements, why don't you pop over to my etsy shop and choose a piece of art for yourself or a loved one- all prices reduced by 20% till the end of December (or make me an offer if there is one that you absolutely must have!)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart?ref=em

Six Word Saturday (on Sunday)

2011-11-27T11:12:00.009Z

Sheep, sheep, sheep,
Anyone counting sheep?

'Black (sheep) Friday'

'Baaa- where's my maaa?'

'Shirley- let's go sheeping- they are having a sale today!'

New French Dance - 'The Sheep Can'

As you can see I had 'sheep' on the brain yesterday, and drew these cards for an ATC swap on the AFA site. Hope it gives you a giggle like it did me- specialy if you have had a hard week.
www.showmyface.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart

Happy Animal Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T20:36:00.009Z

Snuffles has had a very busy 3 years, and had to adjust to a whole new way of life.She learnt to read!

She learnt patience!

She learnt to share her books!

She learnt to play!

She learnt to be wary!

She learnt to hide!

Then along came another baby, and she started all over again!

"Life just gets better and better" she says.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends across the pond.

Six Word Saturday

2011-11-19T10:22:00.006Z

Tough work week.
Happy dance.
Weekend!!

http://www.showmyface.com/

Meet a special artist

2011-11-18T17:37:00.007Z

I first met Patti www.treasurebarnblog.blogspot.com on the ATCs for all site, and traded cards with her.
She is also an Etsy member, and when I visited her shop, I discovered these wonderful (and very affordable) little tins that she alters. I fell in love at first sight!
This is the first one I bought, and I have now ordered three more for Christmas presents.
They are quite unique and charming.
Go over and have a peep at her Etsy shop, I know you will be tempted.
(I will be featuring a new artist every Friday from now on).

Six Word Saturday

2011-11-12T22:50:00.005Z

Art, not booze, cheers me up.

Six word Saturday

A blue poem

2011-11-10T17:45:00.020Z

Feeling 'blue' today?
Do you have 'tree' things to worry about?
Do you feel as 'fractured as Alice does?
Is there a 'whale' of a lot on your mind?
Are you possibly 'all at sea'?
Do you know this 'Chap'lin? He looks blue too.
'Wire' you feeling like you do?
Too many thoughts swamping you?
Are you all in a 'maze'?
Maybe you should fine another 'blue' friend to talk to?

I did.

I talked to you!!

Six Word Saturday

2011-11-05T18:46:00.005Z

Kabocha squash

One of my favourite!

Having been a vegetarian for the past 33 years, I love almost all fruits (except kiwi and guavas), and almost all vegetables (except peppers).

But my favourite veggie of all times, is the Kabocha squash (a pumpkin really), and although I enjoy most pumpkins, when this one comes into season, I buy more than one at a time!

(Yes, this is really a photo of a corner of my kitchen.)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and remember:
'You are what you eat'
six word saturday
sweetsaturday

Miaow!

2011-11-02T10:30:00.005Z

My new piece of art in
my etsy shop----http://www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart

I think some of you may be right- I am afraid of cats- but deep inside, maybe I secretly adore them- LOL

Happy Animal Wednesday to everyone, and whatever you do- don't let Snuffles see this cat!

Six Word Saturday

2011-10-29T14:18:00.005+01:00

My New Etsy Shop is Open

http://www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart

I have been working really hard in the last year or two with my art, and now have re-opened my etsy shop with all my latest pieces.

I would love you to go and have a look at it, and enjoy my art.

Christmas is coming up soon, and if you see anything you like- contact me by e mail and make me an offer (as a special re-opening treat, I will consider your offer.)

Ps Watch this space as my new web site is almost ready and that will include not only my own art that you see here, but also original African street artist's work - as I plan to promote their work to help them escape poverty- a percentage of all my proceeds will go to an HIV /Aids charity in South Africa.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/soulbrushart

Animal Wednesday -cats, cats, cats, cats

2011-10-26T14:09:00.010+01:00

Happy Animal Wednesday (specially to all the cat lovers out there)

and

Happy Halloween to you all too!

Six Word Saturday

2011-10-23T09:12:00.003+01:00

All elephants should really be pink!

I got this wonderful pattern from Sue(http://theportuguesewaterblog.blogspot.com/) and made it for Maggie...and I fell in love, think I'll make myself one too! (Hubby will probably divorce me LOL!)

Go to Sue's wonderful blog and see her 'pink' post all about Cancer awareness month.

Happy weekend everyone!

To all 'facebookers'

2011-10-18T22:42:00.004+01:00

Was sitting downstairs knitting (am now making a pink elephant to add to Maggie's Christmas collection), when I suddenly thought 'I feel like going to my computer and saying 'HI' to all my bloggy friends'.

Although I don't blog every day anymore, I do love reading through all your newest posts on the days that I do visit, to see how you are all getting on, your daily comings and goings, family highs and lows, work problems and pleasures, personal fears and fun...and it gives me a very warm fuzzy feeling deep in my heart to know you are all out there- and we have been 'in touch' via bloggyland for nearly 4 years.

HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI

Six Word Saturday

2011-10-15T23:17:00.015+01:00

I love everything about 'my' London.

www.showmyface.com

Smiley Wednesday

2011-10-05T14:51:00.004+01:00

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight (Phyllis Dillar)

Hope this adorable 'little man' brings a smile to you all whatever you are doing today!

Six Word Saturday

2011-10-01T23:53:00.006+01:00

Blistering day
FUN with BIG bubbles

While Milo 'hung out' with Gramps!

www.showmyface.com

Animal Wednesday- Snuffs and Maggs

2011-09-28T15:28:00.005+01:00

Snuffs has always been around in Maggie's (nearly) 3 years of life. She is often in the background, watching, checking and mainly keeping her distance. Maggie has learnt a healthy approach to her; slow movements and not screaming loudly. Snuffles doesn't do well with little kids anymore as she gets older, but deep down I feel she adores little Maggs (as we all do).

Happy Animal Wednesday all you animal lovers out there.
http://ammdh.blogspot.com/

Six Word Saturday

2011-09-24T22:36:00.006+01:00

Knitting, knitting, knitting
for Maggie and Milo

www.showmyface.com

Six Word Saturday

2011-09-17T22:35:00.006+01:00

Watch this space

Exciting new venture!

Coming soon:
My new business
Art with an African flair!
www.showmyface.com

Back from Niece's Wedding.

2011-09-13T11:36:00.004+01:00

I have just returned from my niece's wedding in South Africa.

She looked so wonderful on her special day.

This is my other niece- her sister- who looked gorgeous too.

My brother and I.

A wonderful week spent with special people.

Six word Saturday

2011-08-28T00:02:00.005+01:00

New art pieces
One sold already

I was commissioned to do an African piece of art and this was what I did. She loved it.

I also did this one, and she will be on sale in my etsy shop, which I will restart again soon.

www.showmyface.com

(Thinking of everyone on the East coast, please stay safe.)

Six Word Saturday

2011-08-20T22:45:00.008+01:00

New grandkids in blogland this week.
(congratulations to Lynne and KJ)

Here's my sweet boy Milo John

Life is so tiring!

Who me?

"A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty!"

Six Word Saturday

2011-08-13T23:33:00.009+01:00

Art,
art,
art
and
more
art!

www.showmyface.blogspot.com

Looting in London

2011-08-09T12:37:00.009+01:00

"These are kids who are playing a computer game in real life. They are on holiday from school, the parents are working, they're bored, they don't have any money and with their distorted view on life they think this is fun and exciting. It all comes down to a lack of parental control and a poor education with the teachers terrified of imposing any form of discipline. As a country we need to withdraw from the european human rights act (they lean so far to the left they're falling over) bring back national service (you either go to university or the army) and give the police some muscles instead of paperwork. Here endeth the lesson."

As a teacher, whose hands are 'tied' as far as discipline goes- and I am seeing these personality traits brewing and developing in children as young as 6 and 7. Teaching in an inner London deprived school is a nightmare, each day bringing with it situations that would make a lot of you gasp if you saw what I see and hear what I hear. My heart breaks at the thought of my grandchildren being exposed to these elements at school in the future.

What is happening here in London is terrifying on the one hand- but also maybe this will at last get Society to set some boundaries and to allow/assist teachers and parents to regain their control over these kids.

We were in the cinema at 6pm -decided to see a film, hadn't been for years- when the Manager appeared and told us the whole Shopping Centre was being evacuated as they had prior information that the looting was coming our way. We hurried home and stayed indoors. Nothing occurred in my area, but all around us it has been kicking off. We are remaining vigilant and staying indoors after dark for now. Thanks to those of you who expressed concern and contacted me.

Six Word Saturday

2011-08-07T00:04:00.009+01:00

Been a busy, hectic, crazy month

I helped to organise an ATC art weekend meetup in London, what fun.

Spent lots and lots of time with my wonderful grands,
Maggie

and Milo-who is now a round, contented 9 week old cutie pie, after a very restless, vomity few weeks!

www.showmyface.blogspot.com

July 4th Cactus Maze (Zen)tangle

2011-07-04T22:18:00.004+01:00

(Spot the cactuses!)

Wishing all my American friends a very happy July 4th and happy Cactus Monday cactuteers.
http://painteddaisies.blogspot.com

Animal Wednesday for cat lovers

2011-06-29T19:12:00.004+01:00

This is for all you cat lovers out there.
HAW to Auntie Mim and everyone- cat lover or not.

http://ammdh.blogspot.com/

Six Word Saturday

2011-06-25T11:57:00.007+01:00

Father's day card
Isn't it fun?

My daughter-in-law gave this to my son last Sunday, and I think it is fantabulous.
www.showmyface.blogspot.com

Cactus Monday

2011-06-13T17:44:00.008+01:00

This is an old one of Maggie and Senita, who are here again to wish you all a very happy Cactus Monday.

http://www.painteddaisies.blogspot.com/

Six Word Saturday

2011-06-11T13:43:00.005+01:00

New baby around.

Everyone wants milk!

http://www.showmyface.blogspot.com

More M & M.

2011-06-08T15:38:00.016+01:00

My son, 6 hours old, 1976

Milo, 11 hours old, 2011

As you can see, Maggie adores her new little brother. She wants to hold him and kiss him and stroke him all the time. Whenever they change his nappy, she holds his feet and says 'tickle, tickle', it is adorable.

New Grandson (Six word Saturday)

2011-06-05T11:47:00.010+01:00

New Grandson

Heart filled with love.

Milo John, born 6.26am on Saturday, June 4, weighing 7 lbs and 9 ozs.
Birth very quick and easy, everyone well.
Welcome to this world, I will love you till the day I die!
http://www.showmyface.blogspot.com

Cactus Monday Meme

2011-05-30T13:58:00.009+01:00

Happy Cactus Monday Teri and all cactuteers (and a meme -inspired by KJ)
(OOOps, I realised I have done my meme all wrong- trust me to be different!)

A is for acceptance: The most important lesson I have learnt about life.

B is for baby: Our new grandson, due soon, very soon. Hurry up baby.

C is for cats: Don’t like them, am scared of them. But I love to draw them.

D is for desert: I think they are very beautiful places.

E is for Essie. Dear dear aunt; died when I was 16; more of a mom to me than my own mom, I still miss her 47 years later.

F is for fish: I don’t like the smell or the taste; I will eat salmon, but only if forced.

G is for Grandie: Being the best Grandma that I can be.

H is for home: I love my new home, small, safe and cosy.

I is for ice: Hate icy conditions, but love sucking a cold piece of ice on a very hot day.

J is for Jocelyn: Used to hate my name, now I think it is unique and special.

K is for Kids: The many hundreds that I have taught in my 42 years as a teacher. Hope some still remember me.

L is for laughter: Every day in every way. One of my mantras is: ‘laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone!’

M is for madness: Which we all possess, in varying quantities. I know I do, some days more than others.

N is for naughty: Was very naughty when younger, am so glad, as I have some wonderfully (naughty) memories.

O is for ovaries: The curse of womankind!

P is for pubic hair: Still not grey yet!

Q is for quit: Often feel like doing, but have learnt not to.

R is for rats: Hate them more than spiders, snakes and bats.

S is for Snuffles: The best doggie in London!

T is for tonsils: Lost them when I was 5; haven’t bothered to look for them since.

U is for understanding: Important in any communication- to understand where the other person is ‘at’.

V is for Vile: Hate vile habits: spitting in public, smoking, drunkenness.

W is for Wish: Is to live long enough to see my grandchild/ren grow up into fine people.

X is for X-cuses: Made many to get out of tricky situations.

Y is for Yoga: Miss it- can't manage anymore.

Z is for Zoo: Life is a zoo.

Sundays in my City

2011-05-29T10:51:00.010+01:00

Look Up,
you will always find something interesting in London.
http://www.unknownmami.com

Six Word Saturday

2011-05-28T12:35:00.005+01:00

Tried self portrait.

Look so young!

http://www.showmyface.blogspot.com

False Alarm and Doggie Thursday

2011-05-22T22:59:00.013+01:00

Maggie is waiting for her new baby brother.

We had a 'false alarm' on Tuesday. I got a call at school and rushed over to look after Maggs, while my son and DIL went to the hospital.

Not yet, disappointing, but he will come when he is good and ready.

Even Snuffles is waiting patiently. She turned 10 last week and is getting old and crochety. We think she has developed arthritis in her front legs, is slower and rests more than she ever did before. She is sending all her friends a 'happy Doggie Thursday' woof woof.

Six Word Saturday

2011-05-21T02:00:00.000+01:00

My new craze:

painting 'gesso' faces

(recognise anyone- except of course Margot Fonteyn?)

http://www.showmyface.blogspot.com/

Sundays in my City

2011-05-15T10:01:00.012+01:00

Dancing in front of the National Art Gallery a few weeks ago.
Totally immersed in his craft: lithe, graceful, artistically performed....
Suddenly this pigeon appeared...I think he was trying to learn the steps!

http://www.unknownmami.com

Six Word Saturday

2011-05-14T18:01:00.006+01:00

London Zoo tragedy

I feel sad...
In January we 'met' this adorable baby gorilla, called 'Tiny' when we took Maggie to the Zoo for her 2nd birthday. He was the first baby gorilla to be born at the Zoo in the past 20 years.I was so touched when his mother turned her back to the crowds as she started breastfeeding him, I found that such a dignified gesture.
He died tragically on Thursday. Read the story here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-13395331
http://www.showmyface.blogspot.com/

Meet Ms Dotty

2011-05-11T17:15:00.005+01:00

I fell in love with Ms Dotty as soon as I saw her in Mim's etsy shop a few weeks ago. She arrived safely today and sprung out of her box ready to explore her new surroundings.
She has settled down so well on the shelf with other bits and bobs and won't be at all lonely. Her cousins, Grapes and Libby live with Lynn in California, where they are so very happy. I am sure they will write to each other very soon to compare notes/weather/accomodation/food/transport/outings/ and family gossip. etc.

http://lynn-nonameblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/mims-girls-arrived-safely.html

Go and have a peep at Mim's etsy shop, as she has a few realtives still waiting to move to new homes.

I LOVE her Mim, she is adorable, and my new best friend.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/auntiemim

Cactus Monday

2011-05-09T17:08:00.005+01:00

'Winter is an etching, Spring a watercolour, Summer an oil painting and Autumn a mosaic of them all.'

Stanley Horowitz

Happy Cactus Monday all cactuteers!

http://www.painteddaisies.blogspot.com/

Six word Saturday

2011-05-07T12:20:00.004+01:00

Where were you? I missed you!

I went back to work this week, after 2 months at home with a torn cartilage in my knee, and a bad back- have now got osteoarthritis in my spine and knee, and degenerative discs in my spine, both feel like continual gnawing 'toothache'.

But, work is always a 'balm' for my soul, as I get to be among children, whose faces lit up when they saw me, and said:'Where were you, I missed you!'.

And that makes it all worthwhile!http://www.showmyface.com/

ps Happy Moms day to you all, specially those Moms who are working fulltime and managing their families too.

Shoes, shoes, shoes

2011-04-26T23:04:00.010+01:00

I love all shoes, bust mostly red shoes.
Maggie was having fun with my shoes on Monday.

She gave me one to wear.Ta da!
We have so much fun together.
My inner child always comes out to play.

When does your inner child surface?

Six Word Saturday

2011-04-23T14:36:00.002+01:00

I think legs should be sexy!

www.showmyface.com

Woof woof

2011-04-20T16:29:00.003+01:00

Happy Animal Wednesday to Mim and all animal lovers (specially doggie lovers).

Seeing....is....Believing!

2011-04-19T18:09:00.010+01:00

It was Neil's birthday on Sunday and Maggie blew the candles out three times as we ate the cake around them. LOLShe fell in love with the neighbour's bunny.

She loved her new trampoline in our garden.

Wait a minute!

What a shock!

Who is that old woman?
This is how she still feels inside!
Oh well...sigh.....I suppose that:

Seeing
Is
Believing!

Cactus Monday

2011-04-18T14:21:00.006+01:00

Some things never change, others always stay the same.

To me, this is one of the 'constants' we can always rely on in life.

Here I am, back after 7 months not blogging, and finding that some things have stayed the same, while others haven't changed LOL.

Things in bloggyland haven't disappeared into thin air, haven't floated away on the breeze' haven't diminished in significance, haven't perished or wilted or mutated.....good bloggy friends, mutual admiration over our own and others achievements, empathy for their hardships, shared adventures and art, art, art all sorts of art...and Cactus Monday with Teri.

The good news is that Senita still lives with us, she survived the move and is well settled. But, she just stands there, never growing- or I don't think she has ever grown in the 3/4 years I've had her; never blooming, never wilting, never changing....if anyone can give me any suggestions (Teri and Margaret?) please do.

Or maybe she is like most things...they never change or they stay the same! And for that I am grateful.

Happy Cactus Monday fellow cactuteers and thanks chief Teri for always being here on Mondays.

Belated Six word Saturday

2011-04-17T10:19:00.003+01:00

Six Word Saturday (on Sunday)

So happy

back

bloggyland

www.showmyface.com

Halllllooooooo. I'm Back.

2011-04-16T12:31:00.003+01:00

Hello all my wonderful bloggy friends.

Did you miss me?

I can't believe that 7 months have flown by since I was last here.

I have been reading your posts every now and then to keep in touch with your lives, but no comments. I missed you all. LOTS.

Many changes in my life:

*Maggie is now 2 and we are expecting a brother for her this June. Yay.

*We have moved to our own little 2 bedroom house, and are well settled.

*I have been laid up with knee and back problems, have osteoarthritis in both and daily pain, but I won't let it stop me.

*I still teach 2/3 days a week, to help pay the bills. Luckily I now do 1:1 maths groups for older children, so no classroom work-although have been off for 6 weeks with my health problems.

* I still do my art, and have been trying all sorts of new things- more about that later.

So, let's get re-acquainted and enjoy the summer together.

Taking a bloggy break

2010-09-11T00:17:00.005+01:00

blogging is wonderful

blogging is addictive

blogging is persistent

blogging is tiring.

am taking a break

taking time for me, just me.

lotsa love to you all.

Six Word Saturday (#79)

2010-09-04T08:00:00.002+01:00

Some days up

Some days down Wish I could say that this depression that has 'dogged my footsteps' this whole year, is gone.

But I can't.

It still lurks in the shadows and jumps out and hits me in the head!

Today was one of those days.
www.showmyface.blogspot.com

Skywatch Friday (#94)

2010-09-03T11:45:00.004+01:00

I love helicopters, their shape and sound.

www.skyley.blogspot.com

My Autumn plans

2010-09-01T11:09:00.004+01:00

*I have enrolled for another 8 week Meditation course at the London Buddhist Centre, lunchtimes on Thursdays 1-2.30pm .

* I have joined two new art projects which I am passing on to you all as some of you artists may want to join too (my son paid for these).

http://carlasonheim.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/fall-2010-online-class-registration-open-2/

http://arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject/rules

*I am also hoping to suggest a new project for our ABC ATC group, led by Teri, so let me know if any of you are still ineterested.

*I have found a weekly exercise class for over 60s quite near to me, so want to join that too.

All in all, I have NO TIME FOR WORKING, but will have to find some days in between to earn some money.

My World Tuesday (#85)

2010-08-31T11:41:00.006+01:00

You never know what you might find at a London street market these days!

http://www.showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Cactus Monday (#128) Senita Chapter 3

2010-08-30T11:43:00.012+01:00

Senita and Joe had a wonderful honeymoon and returned laden with gifts for everyone.For a while everything went smoothly. Joe even helped with the housework.

Soon the quads arrived and were named Prickly, Thorny, Sharpie and Ouch.

They went on many outings with the quads, who were extremely well behaved.

Then,without any warning, the trouble began.

Joe started going out drinking with his mates (of course he always insisted that he only drank cactus juice, but Senita knew otherwise).
Suddenly, one day he packed his belongings and informed Senita that he was not ready for all this domesticity and flew off to Mexico, leaving no forwarding address.............

Next week will be the final episode of this 'hardlybelievablestory', but viewers are warned, it doesn't have a happy ending!

www.painteddaisies.blogspot.com

IF (#123) Immovable

2010-08-29T10:09:00.004+01:00

Isn't it awful when you wake up with a stiff neck and feel as though it is immovable?
www.illustrationfriday.com

Six Word Saturday (#78)

2010-08-28T10:25:00.008+01:00

Maggie and Grandie's first art piece.

"I will play with these first, taking the lid off all the colours."

"Okay let's get down to the real business."

"No Winnie, dogs can't draw!"

Left-handed or right -handed? Time will tell.
Don't worry Grannie Lynnie, all the colours washed off the floors with a wet cloth, but do it immediately.
www.showmyface.blogspot.com

Skywatch Friday (#93)

2010-08-27T21:57:00.007+01:00

I have seen some amazingly lovely sunsets over the London in the past few weeks.
www.skyley.blogspot.com

Animal Wednesday: Snuffles

2010-08-25T06:00:00.002+01:00

Suki was asking about me the other day, so I thought I'd pop in and say 'woof' to Suki and everyone.
I am 9 years old now and slowing up quite a lot. I love my Mama to bits and spend all the time I can with her. Am even prepared to go on a train, as long as I get to sit on her lap all the way.
As you know I don't like other dogs.

In the park, they keep well away from me, and if they come any closer, I turn around and growl or snap at them.
Toy dogs are just silly--- with ears that whirl around..........what a stupid thing for a dog to do!
I have got used to Maggie, but keep my distance mostly, as she is so busy and active now and I never know when she will come up and try to touch me or even grab my fur.
Luckily she has her own dog, Winnie, who she adores and they play and romp together all the time. But Winnie knows her place with me, after all I was here first and am 'top dog'. All the adults watch Maggie very carefully when she approaches me and they make sure they are close to me to protect me from her little fingers, and to protect her as I am a snappy old bag now.
A big woof for Apollo, Luna, Annie, Emma, Stella, Doozey, Koekie and Droppie, (and to Teri's new granddoggie, Mickey).

My World Tuesday (#84)

2010-08-24T17:02:00.008+01:00

Hamlet?

Headless?

Hamlet or headless?

Was Hamlet headless?

Was headless not Hamlet?

Hamlet could've been headless.

Headless was mistaken for Hamlet.

Whose head did headless lose?

Was it Hamlet's?
http://www.showyourworld.blogspot.com

Cactus Monday (#127) Senita Chapter 2

2010-08-23T12:00:00.000+01:00

One fine day a handsome new fella arrived on the scene. He was tall, cocky, egotistic and quite a 'ladies man'. His name was Joe (Joseph the cockroach!!!)

Of course, for pure innocent gentle Senita, it was love at first sight. From the moment she set eyes on him, she was smitten. She didn't see that he was a rogue, or that he had had a string of previous cacaffairs in his life!
They went everywhere together, and were inseparable!And then, to everyone's surprise, he asked her to marry him. She was ecstatic and couldn't wait to belong to him exclusively.
The wedding day dawned bright and clear (considering it was November in London). they asked Snuffles to officiate and marry them and she readily agreed.

All their friends were there and it was a very touching ceremony- not too touching mind you, ouch!!

Little did Senita know what marrying Joe would mean...............

Tune in next Monday for chapter 3.

www.painteddaisies.blogspot.com

Maggie's Sleepover Part 1

2010-08-22T13:57:00.017+01:00

Off we go on our 2 days and 3 nights adventure. The car is packed to the roof, Gramps and Winnie in the front, Grandie with Maggie and Snuffles at the back. Byyeeee Mummy and Daddy, see you on Tuesday. Good morning, let's have a story. Maggie loves books, and we often stop what we are doing throughout the day to read.
'Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes'

What a fun song Grandie. Breakfast time next.

Toast followed by cereal, milk and fruit. Yum yum/ Maggie loves her food. She eats everything with relish and in an exploratory way- fingers first. After dressing, we go off to the park with the dogs and a plastic packet to find and collect leaves. Maggie learns so quickly, and her parents have given her a love of nature. She smells flower, explores everything, and loves all bugs.

Daddy introduced her to the delights of puddles, so wherever she finds a puddle, in she jumps.
Home we go for a change of clothes, and shoes and another story, this time with Gramps, while Grandie makes lunch: chicken and baked potato, with mushrooms and cheese, followed by jelly and custard.

Grandie and Gramps are having such a wonderfully happy time.

This is what all those years of strife and hard work were about...

It is true what they say:

'Your children are your investments, your grandchildren are your dividends'.

More to follow later.................

Skywatch Friday (#93)

2010-08-20T18:34:00.006+01:00

Bird on a wire

Bird gone................

http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

My World Tuesday (#83)

2010-08-17T01:46:00.007+01:00

This was taken from my back garden, across the road and a few gardens over, as you can see by the wooden fences. I zoomed in to catch sight of those beautiful sunflowers, (before the washing was hung out and then later on in the day). They are so tall and stately, love sunflowers.
(and this post can be for Blooming Tuesday too).
http://www.showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Cactus Monday (#126) Senita Chapter 1

2010-08-16T12:32:00.009+01:00

Chapter 1: Meet Senita
Senita is the reason I started doing Cactus Monday posts (126 weeks ago). My son gave her to me as he was living in a very dark gloomy flat at the time and she was in his way...I was very happy to welcome her into my house, and named her Senita (don't ask me why!) At that time Teri was posting cactuses every Monday and there was no cactuteers in sight, so I joined her and here we are 126 weeks later.I painted and drew her in every possible way using all sorts of media. Here are just a few of them.
She is still the same, never changes, never grows, never blooms, just stands there stoically witness to all that life throws at me, ever stoic, ever proud, eternal Senita.

Join me next week for Chapter 2, when her life changed forever. Of course there was a man involved, what do you expect?
www.painteddaisies.blogspot.com

IF (#122) Star gazing

2010-08-15T11:25:00.002+01:00

www.illustrationfriday.com

Six Word Saturday (#77)

2010-08-14T17:46:00.003+01:00

hacking cough

sore chest

headache

ugh!

www.showmyface.blogspot.com

Skywatch Friday (#92)

2010-08-13T23:26:00.006+01:00

I love seeing poles against the sky.

www.skyley.blogspot.com

The best laid schemes

2010-08-13T12:20:00.004+01:00

The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,

Gang aft agley, (often go awry)

Robert Burns 'To a Mouse'

Have had to cancel seeing Maggie for a few days, as I have a raging sore throat, cough, and burning chest, and wouldn't want to make her ill.
Boohoo, soon my little munchkin, soon you will come for a sleepover with Grandie and Gramps.

Maggie's coming for a sleepover

2010-08-11T10:56:00.008+01:00

We went to babysit the Maggster yesterday and it was wonderful. She is so energetic and curious now, babbling, starting with a few words, and such a joy to be with.Game: when the water's finished, we spray the remaining drops over each other and giggle.

Game: gee up Neddie (I mean Grandie)

Game: are you getting this shot papparazi?
Game: I can climb everywhere now, including the back of the sofa.

On Friday we are fetching Maggie and Winnie (her dog) for a 2-4 days sleepover.

We asked for 4 days, my son thinks we won't manage more than 2 with little miss whirlwind!

I am planning to take all the pots cupboard out of the cupboard, and have my wooden spoons available; have a big cardboard box in the lounge to climb in and out of; try some drawing again with big sheets of paper and fat wax crayons; maybe fly a kite in the park with Gramps, Winnie and Snuffles; play in water in the garden if it is still hot; and build a long road of blocks all the way out of the lounge and on to the lawn; do some digging in the sand;collect different sizes of stones for different containers...etc etc

I am sure I will think of lots of other things to do (with my teacher's hat on).

Be sure you will all get to see what we are up to, after she has gone home and I have had to lie down in a dark room for a week to recover.

Can't wait!

My World Tuesday (#82)

2010-08-10T23:29:00.004+01:00

This colourful 'fella' is standing in the middle of Euston station, I am not sure why...it was not obvious from reading the plaque at his feet. But he did give me a fit of the giggles.

www.showyourworld.blogspot.com

Cactus Monday #125 For Judy

2010-08-09T12:45:00.004+01:00

This little cactus is for Judy , a fellow cactuteer, who I met here through Teri's blog. She caught my attention because of her blog about her dear grandson Milo, who she adored.

She often visited my little blog I did for Maggie's first year with photos and quotes: grandiesgirl

Rest easy dear Judy, fellow cactuteer and wonderful grandmother.

www.painteddaisies.blogspot.com

If (#121) Caged

2010-08-08T22:52:00.001+01:00

www.illustrationfriday.com

Personal award from Mac

2010-08-07T22:57:00.010+01:00

Award from imac for an EYE catching Post
'a feather in your cap'

I 'met' Mac on Tuesdays' That's my World site ages ago, and we started commenting on each other's blogs, probably because he lives nearby in Lincolnshire. Now it has become a habit and we have become friends. Mac's forte is photography and his camera is like part of his body. I urge you to go and visit his blog, and enjoy it as I do.

This personal award was a huge surprise means so much to me Mac, thank you friend.

Six Word Saturday (#76)

2010-08-07T11:30:00.003+01:00

MBCT course is wonderful

(learning meditation)

I am so enthralled with this course my son recommended to me.

(Mindfully based cognitive therapy to help people not regress back into depression.) There are 20 of us who meet every Thursday night at the London Buddhist Centre, where we have talks and learn how to meditate. We are given homework every week, and so I am having to devote my time daily to deep breathing meditation, body scan meditation (focussing attention on the whole body in order to quiet the mind), walking meditations and meditative stretching exercises. A whole new approach for me, and it is helping so much.

I am not taking any anti-depressants- they just hurt my stomach and make me feel awful. I feel stronger and better able to cope. I am sleeping slightly better, and don't feel as panicky and negative about the future.

I am now able to see the next years as the start of the second phase of my life, rather than the end of my working life- therefore the end.....

I don't know what will happen with working, I will still have to try and teach at least 2 days a week- but will face that problem in September.

If you have read all of this, you are star and thanks to all of you who have sent me warm thoughts and comments in the last 7 hard months.

www.showmyface.blogspot.com

Skywatch Friday (#90)

2010-08-06T14:08:00.001+01:00

The clouds are crammed into the sky today.
www.skyley.blogspot.com

For Suki (and Ms Emily)

2010-08-05T11:39:00.003+01:00

Suki's http://sukipoet.blogspot.com/ dear cat Ms Emily, died yesterday, Wednesday.
These cats have all come to say goodbye to Ms Emily and give Suki and Bibs lotsa licks, as they will miss her dearly.

My World Tuesday (#81) ..late

2010-08-04T11:24:00.003+01:00

Next door neighbour turned 60 last Saturday, and they had an all night party. Perfect weather.
www.showyourworld.blogspot.com

BeadforLife PIF game

2010-08-03T12:19:00.006+01:00

I got this lovely Katogo bangle from Tracy (a friend on the AFA site -she has no blog) and it is from the BeadforLife charity organisation http://www.beadforlife.org/indexH.html

BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads, and people who care open their hearts,homes and communities to buy and sell the beads.The beads thus become income, food, medicine, school fees and hope. It is a small miracle that enriches us all.

It is a delicately made and very beautiful bangle and I was so thrilled to receive it.

I have decided to start a PIF game with you, my dearest bloggy friends. I wish I could send you all one each, (atc alphabet group, cactus monday group etc), but instead have devised a way to spread the love and help this very worthwhile charity.

I have therefore ordered a Katogo bangle for Lolo and Lisa (Hoping they won't mind me starting with them)but you only need to PIF to one person.

If you don't want to play this game, rather send the bangle back to the person who you got it from and they can resend it to someone else instead. If you don't wear jewellery, maybe you could send yours on to someone else anyway.

All I ask you to do is- if you receive one of these little bangles (only $5) in the mail from someone -please buy just one more and PIF to another friend, asking them to PIF a new one too.

Please would you leave a comment on my blog (or e mail me), when/if you receive one, so I will know the love is being spread far and wide.

Let's play the PIF game and help these wonderful Ugandan women.

Cactus Monday (#124)

2010-08-02T12:55:00.004+01:00

I stubbed my toe on the bed wheel yesterday and it is black and blue, swollen and painful, am off to the doctor today, may be fractured.
So, that gave me an idea for a 'fractured' (mosaic) cactus.
Happy CM to all fellow cactuteers.
www.painteddaisies.blogspot.com

IF (#120) Artificial

2010-08-01T14:53:00.004+01:00

'arty-fish- all'

(couldn't resist)

www.illustrationfriday.com

Six Word Saturday (#75)

2010-07-31T20:27:00.005+01:00

Saw Maggie today.

And her dolls!

www.showmyface.blogspot.com

Skywatch Friday (#89)

2010-07-30T11:43:00.004+01:00

I loved the way the almost setting sun was captured in my bedroom window.

www.skyley.blogspot.com

Buddha in the garden

2010-07-27T14:33:00.008+01:00

I went to a nursery a few weeks ago to get some plants, and this little Buddha beckoned me over and told me he wanted to go and live in Steve's (my son) garden.

He fits in so perfectly, and exudes serenity and peace.

I started a course in MBCT last week (mindfullness based cognitive therapy)

The aim of this course is to increase awareness of our thoughts, feelings and body sensations, from moment to moment, to give ourselves the possibility of greater freedom and choice in reacting to situations, rather than just acting automatically. It teaches meditation and runs for 8 weeks.

It is held at the London Buddhist Centre, and, who knows, maybe this is one of the doors that might open for me.....

Cactus Monday (#123)

2010-07-26T11:56:00.003+01:00

Today is about roots, although this looks more like a bulb than a root of a cactus. lol
Happy Cactus Monday to all cactuteers
www.painteddaisies.blogspot.com