One Day at a Time

Neets Blog Candy

2012-01-31T16:56:00.001Z

The lovely Neet of http://hickydorums.blogspot.com/ has a lovely blog candy going on her blog . Pop over and check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Quote For Today

2012-01-25T12:53:00.000Z

"Friendship with oneself is all-important because

without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world."
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Thank God and You

2012-01-24T09:17:00.000Z

Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. Thank God for listening. All is well, yes it is skin cancer but it is OK. It is not melanoma, which I was scared of.

My auntie Peggy died ten years ago of cancer, it began with a spot on her face, I did not think about it when my investigations began. But when a member of my of my family reminded me, that was when I got scared,
I didn't say anything to anyone, even my husband, but my imagination started running away with me.
My sensible head was telling me not to be silly, my worry head was telling me, it could be what auntie Peggy had. So I have a couple of weeks of quiet fear and dread. Thankfully, all is well.

I have to go back in three months for a check up, but I will put it to the back of my mind and get on with my life, supporting my husband through what I believe will be a stressful month February, the redundancy notices go out at BAE and he has the first of three operations on his eye on February 29th. What ever happens we will be fine.

Prayers Wanted.

2012-01-23T09:01:00.000Z

I go to the hospital this morning for the result of a biopsy on my face. I am pretty postitive things are going to be ok. But I am only human, I feel the need for a little extra insurance. So if any friends pass by today, please put a good word in for me with the Man Up Above. Thank you.

Eye Candy

2012-01-18T22:22:00.000Z

The latest eye candy here in the UK is a very handsome and engaging professor.

His name is Brian Cox and at the moment he is getting us Brit's very excited about Astronomy. He hsas had three nights on BBC2 getting us all "Stargazing". There are some amazing sights in the night sky.

I love beautiful sights, don't you?

Blue Monday

2012-01-16T18:21:00.000Z

Today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. The New Year resolutions die a death, the day credit cards bills drop through the letter box bringing home the dire truth of how much Christmas cost.
The weather turning colder and the highs of the festive season have long disappeared.

I have not been touched by the blues today, I didn't make any resolutions, they don't work, I made plans and hope to see the fruition of those plans by summer. I didn't use credit cards for Christmas, not knowing how my husband's future is going to pan out, we paid up front for Christmas. The weather has turned bitterly cold today and the festive season is a dim and distant light again.

I don't feel blue today, I have been low and miserable for a few weeks, but I think I know what caused it and now I feel I am heading for being in the Pink:)

Out of the Rut and into the Groove.

2012-01-15T19:33:00.001Z

I am back into healthy eating, determined to get smaller. fitter and happier (with me).
I got Ralph to take some before photo's this morning, boy am I FAT!!

Notice I am not using the word "DIET", I know from years and years and ££££££'s lost and pounds gained, it doesn't work. So I am taking a leaf out of Sean's book, literally, this change is for life, for living and for loving.

Today I weigh 228 pounds. I am taking things day by day, I am going to enjoy my food, not deny myself anything.

I am sailing out of the doldrums and looking for fun. Hope to see you on the journey to wellness and fitness.

So True

2012-01-14T09:16:00.002Z

Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them. ~John Shirley

Trying to Get Back

2012-01-09T22:06:00.000Z

After months of faffing about, denial and downright laziness and greed, I am trying to get back on track, with health and fitness for body mind and soul. All the Christmas goodies have almost gone and I am looking for some simple, clean tasting food. I hoping for gentle exercise to lead to a feeling of freedom from pain and depression. Lastly and most importantly I long for my soul to rise from the misery I have kept it in for far too long.

Thought for Today

2012-01-05T14:38:00.002Z

Living involves tearing up one rough draft after another. ~Author Unknown

Thought for Today

2012-01-03T19:49:00.000Z

Success is not the key to happiness.

Happiness is the key to success.

If you love what you are doing,

you will be successful.

Albert Schweitzer

Thought For Today

2012-01-02T15:45:00.000Z

People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:38:00.000Z

Happy 2012 to one and all.

I hope the year brings you Love, Joy and Happiness.
I hope we see changes in the world for the better.
I hope to see the return of, respect, good manners and simple pleasure's.
I hope to see the back of disrespect,greed and materialism.
I hope to see small changes growing into big changes.

I think my word for 2012 is HOPE.
Accompanied closely by FAITH and CHARITY.

Thanks for reading.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL

2011-12-25T06:39:00.000Z

Happy Christmas to all my friends in Blogland. I hope you have a wonderful day, no matter where you are. Whatever colour, creed or persusion you are. May your God look down on you and shower you with many blessing at the holy time.

Normal Service May Be Resumed......

2011-11-14T01:58:00.000Z

Or it may not.

Not having a good time of it at the moment, being weighed down with many things, thoughts and troubles.
My get up and go has deserted me, so I need to send out a search party. If anyone finds it, please send it home.

Time Flys and it is Scarey

2011-10-16T20:42:00.000+01:00

A year ago today my darling and I flew off on my dream holiday. It only seems like a couple of months ago, why is time flying away so fast?

Some Memories....

Autumn

2011-10-08T19:38:00.004+01:00

Winter is an etching,

Spring a watercolor,

Summer an oil painting

And Autumn a mosaic of them all.

~Stanley Horowitz

A Bit of Fun

2011-10-03T21:39:00.000+01:00

100 Fun Questions Survey from Quizopolis.com

Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? - Closed

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel? - Yes

Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? - Out

Have you ever stolen a street sign before? - No

Do you like to use post-it notes? - Yes

Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? - Yes

Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? - Neither

Do you have freckles? - Lots

Do you always smile for pictures? - No

What is your biggest pet peeve? - Bad Manners

Do you ever count your steps when you walk? - Yes

Have you ever peed in the woods? - Yes

What about pooped in the woods? - NOOOOO

Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing? - Yes

Do you chew your pens and pencils? - No

How many people have you slept with this week? - One

What size is your bed? - Double

What is your Song of the week? - Don't Stop Beleivin

Is it okay for guys to wear pink? - Yes

Do you still watch cartoons? - No

Whats your least favorite movie? - Pass

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? - In the woods

What do you drink with dinner? - Tea

What do you dip a chicken nugget in? - Don't

What is your favorite food? - Favourite meal Chips and eggs

What movies could you watch over and over and still love? - Mamma Mia

Last person you kissed/kissed you? - My husband

Were you ever a boy/girl scout? - No

Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine? - No

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? - Last year

Can you change the oil on a car? - no

Ever gotten a speeding ticket? - no

Ran out of gas? - no

Favorite kind of sandwich? - roast pork sage and onion stuffing and apple sauce

Best thing to eat for breakfast? - Berries and yogurt

What is your usual bedtime? - 10:30pm

Are you lazy? - Can be

When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? -

What is your Chinese astrological sign? - Tiger

How many languages can you speak? - one

Do you have any magazine subscriptions? - no

Which are better legos or lincoln logs? - ??

Are you stubborn? - yes

Who is better...Leno or Letterman? - don't know

Ever watch soap operas? - not now

Afraid of heights? - yes

Sing in the car? - yes

Dance in the shower? - no

Dance in the car? - yes

Ever used a gun? - no

Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? - our wedding

Do you think musicals are cheesy? - no

Is Christmas stressful? - very

Ever eat a pierogi? - what is that?

Favorite type of fruit pie? - Apple

Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? - Nurse, vet, nun.

Do you believe in ghosts? - yes

Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? - often

Take a vitamin daily? - yes

Wear slippers? - sometimes

Wear a bath robe? - yes

What do you wear to bed? - nothing

First concert? - Gene Pitney

Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? - Asda

Nike or Adidas? - Nike

Cheetos Or Fritos? - neither

Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? - both

Ever hear of the group Tres Bien? - no

Ever take dance lessons? - no

Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? - no

Can you curl your tongue? - yes

Ever won a spelling bee? - yes

Have you ever cried because you were so happy? - often

Own any record albums? - not now

Own a record player? - not now

Regularly burn incense? - no

Ever been in love? - yes

Who would you like to see in concert? - Michael Buble, Celine Dion

What was the last concert you saw? - Gene Pitney

Hot tea or cold tea? - hot

Tea or coffee? - tea

Sugar or snickerdoodles? - sugar

Can you swim well? - no

Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? - yes

Are you patient? - yes

DJ or band, at a wedding? - both

Ever won a contest? - no

Ever have plastic surgery? - no

Which are better black or green olives? - black

Can you knit or crochet? - no

Best room for a fireplace? - living room

Do you want to get married? - I am

If married, how long have you been married? - 3 years

Who was your HS crush? - Bobby Marr

Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way? - no

Do you have kids? - yes

Do you want kids? - no

Whats your favorite color? - blue

Do you miss anyone right now? - my mam

Did you watch, Next Great American Band on FOX? - no

Take This Survey at Quizopolis.com

http://www.quizopolis.com/survey/4769/100-Fun-Questions-Survey/

Can Anything Else Go Wrong?

2011-09-29T12:42:00.000+01:00

Last night Ralph's new bike was stolen form a shed that was alarmed, security lit and locked up to the hilt.....

Who had got the VooDoo doll with his name on it?

Uncertain Times

2011-09-27T11:16:00.000+01:00

We live in hope.

We live in fear.

We live in frustration.

We live in hope.

My Bonnie and Me

2011-09-22T21:21:00.000+01:00

My Bonnie Bezzy Trish and me are heading up to Scotland tomorrow for a weekend of fun, art, giggles and laughter and maybe some tears. We are meeting up with Kari and Maz, fabulous friends I met via the Internet. I introduced Trish to them and we all get on very well. So we are staying at Kari's, just outside of Dundee and I know we are going to have a blast as they say:)

I am having big trouble with Blogger, not letting me comment on many blogs and I am wondering if comments are being blocked on mine? I don't get many comment now.Boo Hoo...hoo.

Anyway, I hope anyone who reads this has as Fabulous a weekend I am a sure I am going to.

My Gorgeous Girlies

2011-09-18T17:31:00.000+01:00

We had a fun day yesterday, we did a "Photo Shoot" with grandma's "Big Girl" camera.

My lovely granddaughters were great, we did a lot of laughing and giggling. I have another 212 photo's to sort through, so I will be back with more.....

Love Is

2011-09-13T09:53:00.000+01:00

Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go

and it makes the end so easy.

Lousia M Alcott

New School Year

2011-09-05T21:54:00.000+01:00

Two sisters who went to the same school, not anymore. Jess goes to senior school today. Emily was a little apprehensive about being at school without her big sister.

A New school year and new schools for two of my gorgeous girlies.

Senior school for Jess, junior school for Emily.

Yes this is the little one who was so poorly last year.

As you can see, she has made a full recovery.

She is my sunshine.

Borrowed During a Session of Blog Surfing

2011-09-04T18:52:00.000+01:00

I cannot remember which blog I borrowed it from sorry, but I do know it was a couple who count their blessings daily. This brings it home how well off we really are.

September 3rd

2011-09-03T19:00:00.000+01:00

Words are not needed....

September 2nd and Already Halloween...

2011-09-02T21:40:00.000+01:00

Found these in TKMaxx this afternoon, 2nd September, I know next week I will find Christmas stock on the shelves in the supermarkets. Is it any wonder we feel time pass's too fast?

Thirty Days Hath September

2011-09-01T23:29:00.000+01:00

My favourite month of the year is September. I love the mellow richness, the gentle light, the colours changing and the musky smells of the seasons changing.

I want to try to post every day of September, I have been very lax with my blogging, with one thing or another and life being quite a roller coaster for the past few months. I am hoping with all the changes coming together now, we can settle down and start to enjoy life again.

Heather in glorious colour in our little garden.
I took this picture this morning as the sun promised a beautiful warm day.
The day didn't disappoint, September got off to a wonderful start. Hope it is a sign of an Indian Summer.

Smile

2011-08-25T10:54:00.000+01:00

Sunflowers have to make you smile, it is their bounden duty to do so.

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

I have not had much to smile about for a day or so, but spending time with my granddaughters does the job excellently. I hope the smiles raised by three gorgeous little girls and Sunflowers will lift me through the weekend.

I hope you have lots to smile about today and always.

Soulmate

2011-08-23T16:13:00.002+01:00

A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction.

Six Days.

2011-08-11T10:00:00.001+01:00

I now have six days with my man, he is on shift turnaround so is home for six days, so I booked the time off too. I am so glad I did, the thing is this is his last shift turnaround. As
he was handed a letter at work yesterday. It was informing him he is being moved from his section and will be working four days instead of the three 12 hour shifts. In other words he is being downgraded. He will lose £300 per month and have the added expense of the extra days travel. It has not been said that it is because of his eye, but I was expecting something like this.

So we are going to make the most of these six days and have some fun, before we have to do some rethinking of future plans and expenditure. We are both lucky we have jobs and we are so much better off than many people, so we will look at the positive rather than the negative right now.

He has gone this morning to teach his last Braille class, because of the change in working hours, he is quite upset about that as he loves volunteering for the blind. We are meeting at 11:30 at Starbucks with my daughter and her girlie's and then we will start to relax and have fun.

I love a man in a kilt.

I ADORE my man in a kilt.

Just in case you want to know the tartan he is wearing it is

Pride of Scotland.

Could be called Pride of Sheilagh

Because I was bursting with pride.

UPDATE

I am Furious!!

The consultant does not want to see Ralph again until OCTOBER!!!

We have voiced our displeasure and disappointment to her secretary.

We now have to wait for a phone call on Tuesday.

They really don't want to see me Angry.

They won't like me Angry.

Sad State of My Beloved Country

2011-08-09T22:47:00.002+01:00

I have always been proud of being English.

Proud of being British.

Tonight I am sad, ashamed and extremely worried about the future of my country.

The riots, looting, thuggery, complete lack of respect for people and property.

The utter disregard of the law.

When did decency die?

When did conscience disappear?

When will Christ return to this Christian country?

I pray it will be soon, before this gangrene that started last weekend spreads nationwide.

Sunday Evening

2011-08-07T19:57:00.000+01:00

My man is dozing beside me as I write.
We have had a quiet weekend, pottering.
I so love this man.

Titch, our little dog has been behaving strangely.
I am wondering if she is picking up on the stress.
She is not eating and seems depressed.

2011-08-06T22:21:00.000+01:00

"Music washes away from the soul

the dust of everyday life."

Berthold Auerbach

We had a sorting and tidying day today. I sorted through our Cd collection and as I did it dawned on me, we haven't played any music for ages. I always have music, either the radio, Cd's or Ipod playing. Why have we not been listening? We don't watch much TV either. I tape NCIS and Oprah and we watch NCIS and Oprah hangs on till we are out of space on the box. Then I flick through and delete most of the show, there are so many repeats.

We have got to start having music in the house again, maybe it will lift Ralph's spirit's a little. So I sorted about thirty favourite Cd's and will start playing them tomorrow.

Happy Flowers

2011-08-05T22:10:00.000+01:00

Found this picture on BBC Scotland (Viewers Pictures)

It lifted my spirits, hope it does the same for you.

Cooking Afternoon

2011-08-04T16:51:00.000+01:00

I have just spent a very enjoyable afternoon with Ollie my 14 year old grandson and Jazmine, my 10 year old granddaughter. I don't usually have them both together as they squabble and argue almost constantly.
As it is school holidays at the moment the constant bickering was getting their mum down. So before Ralph and I went to Scotland last week. I asked them both to draw up a contract between themselves and their parents. What they expect from their parents and what their parents could expect from them. Ollie did well with his contract, well it was more an oath of allegiance than a contract, but he did it with a good heart. Jaz had a little trouble with hers and ended up with one dictated by me.

When we got back form Scotland I found the contracts were working well, they have actually been talking to each other..... So I jumped in the deep end when they both wanted to come cooking with me, I had them both together. It was fun, not one cross word from either of them. They made chocolate cookies and Mars bar crunchies, delicious, all sent home with them so there is no temptation around here. Simple pleasure triumph's again.

My friend mentioned in my last post, passed away very peacefully last night.
May she Rest in Peace.

2011-08-03T20:34:00.001+01:00

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

love leaves a memory no one can steal.

From a gravestone in Ireland

Death is around us everyday, but some times it jumps up and slaps you in the face.

There are two very brave women reaching the end of their fight with the demon cancer and I am in total awe of both of them.

One a friend and work colleague who retired five years ago, she will pass into the arms of Our Blessed Lord within the next day or so. She has been so brave, preparing her family for her death. Leaving gifts and letters for all of her grandchildren. She has said everything she needed to to her five beautiful daughters. She has left the home she shares with her loving husband in perfect order. Tonight she receives the last Sacrament of the Roman Catholic church. An amazing woman about to take an amazing journey.

The other woman is our neighbour, an eighty four year old lady who has had a hard life, had family troubles and is tired and weary and ready to leave this mortal life. She is not at peace as my friend is.

I hope and pray she finds peace before she makes her final journey. She is at our local hospice but comes home everyday of one reason or another. She is scared and it shows, please pray for her.

Quiet Times.

2011-08-02T19:59:00.000+01:00

“Learn to be quiet enough to hear the genuine within yourself

so that you can hear it in others.”

Marian Wright Edelman

A quiet afternoon pottering and I'm feeling good.

Played a little in my shed, tidied a little in our bedroom.

Slept a little on the sofa, surfed a little on my laptop.

Quiet times are good for the soul.

New Month, Fresh Beginnings.

2011-08-01T22:23:00.000+01:00

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship Louisa M Alcott

Can you believe it is August already? Where has this year gone? There are only four months left in this year. I really am quite concerned at how fast time is passing.

I have been in the doldrums for far too long and I had better get my self back into some sort of decent condition, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, creatively and physically. Not planning to set myself up for a fall as is my usual trick. I am going to be taking baby steps, quietly and simply. Not baring my heart and soul, not spilling my guts, not setting myself up for a fall.

This blog is not what it used to be, not many people read what I write, that's OK, things change, relationships come and go in Blogland as well as in real life. I will be writing for me, exploring how to make my life take on a new and joyful sojourn.

So if you catch this post, I would like to say hello and thanks for dropping by, if you wish to call back, you would be most welcome. If not, take care and have a great life.

Will I Get In?

2011-07-24T22:32:00.000+01:00

Just testing to see if Blogger will let me in.

Ralph has finally got his URGENT appointment with the consultant at Chester.
He has only had to wait a MONTH.....
We should have been up in Scotland now for the week, but his appointment is on Wednesday.
So we are going up on Thursday, ready for the wedding on Saturday.
We are hoping and praying for some good news.

Blogger Has Kept Me Locked Out

2011-07-13T17:57:00.000+01:00

I don't know what is going on with Blogger but I haven't been able to post or comment for ages. If this does not work I will be packing it in with blogger and going elsewhere.

I am not going to write loads because if it fails I may throw my laptop and that would not be good now would it?

Just an update on Ralph, he has gone back to work today, there has been no improvement in his eye. He is STILL waiting to see the second consultant. His employers have been very good and have said for him to come into work and see how things go and they will try to work his job around him. Fingers crossed he can cope.

Hope this goes.....

2011-07-13T17:48:00.002+01:00

Testing testing

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T08:25:00.000+01:00

Happy 4th July to all my American friends.

Beautiful Day

2011-06-19T19:02:00.000+01:00

Today has been a beautiful day, the sun shone, even though the weather forecast said heavy rain.
I had a good sort out in my shed and I have a very satisfied feeling right now.

We has visits from Conor, my soldier grandson, he has grown up so much. We also had a couple of visits for Ollie, Conor's younger brother, he was looking for help from Ralph with his Ipod. Then there was a visit from my youngest daughter and her family. They came to see Ralph and gave him a card and a box of chocolates for Fathers Day. They made his day:)

I love how my children have accepted Ralph after a rocky start.
Life is good, despite the worry about his eye.
We have had a Beautiful Day

What is Going On?

2011-06-15T06:43:00.002+01:00

Blogger is being a pain!!!

St Lucy Pray for Us

2011-06-14T07:47:00.000+01:00

Well the eye surgeon didn't really have any answers, in fact she is referring Ralph for a second opinion to a consultant in Chester. She said during the operation she could not get his eye to move after she had undone what had been done in the first operation. She spent two hours trying to get it to move!! Stopped the operation and went to discuss it with two other eye surgeons. She reckons she has never come across this before and neither had the other surgeons. She has been a consultant for fifteen years or more....

We have to ring each morning to see if he can get the MRI scan sooner than 27th June. The surgeon said to make a nuisance of ourselves...

So we are trying to be upbeat, not easy, Ralph's mum is very upset and angry about the situation and it was sad to hear her on the phone yesterday, the mothers instinct to protect her young was very apparent in the 84 year old lady, I guess it goes to the grave with you.

So we are praying to St Lucy as well as the Good Lord and hoping things will improve as nature takes it course. Thank you for reading and for being there.

Sheilagh

One's eyes are what one is, one's mouth is what one becomes.
~John Galsworthy~

Not a Good Week.

2011-06-12T17:52:00.000+01:00

This past week has not been good. Ralph's operation should have took 40 minutes at most, but took nearly 3 hours instead. He has to have another MRI scan as they have found "inflammation" behind the eye.
He is in considerable pain and the operation was supposed to correct the mistake in the first operation. There has been NO improvement. We have an appointement with the surgeon who did the operation tomorrow, she better have some good answers.

We are not eating properly, we try but I am an emotional eater, so Weight Watchers has gone out the window for the moment.

I would be most grateful for prayers and healing thoughts for my darling, just to get back to where he was before the operations. Please.

Here I Go Again

2011-06-05T20:33:00.000+01:00

I know, I know, I said I would never diet again, but guess what, I have joined
Weight Watchers @Home.
We have a wedding to go to on July 30th, Ralph's niece is getting married in Edinburgh.
I think it is going to a bit fancy, so I need to try and spruce myself up.

After a week in Scotland with my gorgeous girlie's eating what I wanted, I need to pull myself up and WW is a stepping stone to get back to fitness. Jaz and I will continue with our fun fitness plan and hopefully I will lose a stone or more before the wedding.

We had a wonderful week in Scotland, the girls had great fun, Ralph relaxed and for the most part was able to forget about his eye. He has to be at the hospital at 8am tomorrow for tests and then on Tuesday he has to be in for 7am for the operation to correct the damage done in the first operation.

Three Girlies, My Guy and Me.

2011-05-28T07:05:00.000+01:00

Off to Scotland for a week with my three gorgeous granddaughters.
We are going to have fun,FuN, FUN and try to forget Ralph's eye problems, for the time being.
Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.
Bye For Now xx

Absent Without Leave

2011-05-26T10:26:00.000+01:00

Sorry not to be about at the moment, things have been pretty fraught here. Ralphs eye surgery went wrong and he is to have another operation on June 7th, hopefully to rectify the damage that was done. Any healing thopughts and prayers would be gratefully received.

Mr White is Very White.

2011-05-17T17:51:00.000+01:00

My darling had an operation on his eye today and boy does he look rough. He is as white as a sheet and looks like he has gone a few rounds with Mohammad Ali and come out the loser. He is dozing beside me at the moment and I think that will be the case for a day or so. He looks so vunerable right now, I don't like it.

Time...Friends...

2011-05-06T07:49:00.000+01:00

Last night was a catch up evening with a dear friend and boy did I enjoy it.
Janet and I have been friends since our children were very small. We were each others support system, seeing each other every day virtually. We have a lot of history between us.

But life got in the way and now we tend to see each other sporadically. We met this week at a friends funeral and made a date to get together. So she came to visit yesterday. It was so good to just relax and have a laugh. We reminisced and compared our lives then to our lives now. We both agreed we are in a better place now.

Going to the funeral of a friend, catching up with an old friend, gave me food for thought. I have less years left than the years I have had. I am going to make them count.

Happiness is realising how blessed a life I have.

We Are Having Fun

2011-05-05T11:47:00.000+01:00

We got started on Monday evening, a little later than planned as I was delayed at work, least said about that the better. By the time I got home, Ralph had Jaz registered on the Wii and Kinect and ready to start. She was a little self conscious at first but soon started having fun, There were lots of giggles. She did really well and is keen to do more. She loved Tai Chi and was brilliant at it.

Last night we went for a walk, just 30 minutes, 15 out 15 back. She thought it was too short..lol We didn't get to where I wanted to get to, but we will by the end of next week. It took a little time for Jaz to understand about getting further each time we go out, but I think she got it.

When we got back from our walk she got one of her cookery books out. She is keen to learn to cook healthy meals. The plan is that we cook a meal next Tuesday for her mum and dad, brother, Ralph and I. Her enthusiasm is catching. I hope I can keep her interested.

Loretta I so understand your rant, I was that child, and that is why I am going to do my best that no grandchild of mine will go down that road we know so well. Thank you for your genuine caring for a little girl you will never meet.

Happiness is being with grandchildren and soaking up the JOY.

226.8

2011-05-03T07:39:00.000+01:00

226.8 Pounds.

That is what I weigh this morning. I have gained 26.8 since my 60th birthday.
It has slowly crept up on me and this morning jumped out at me.

There will be no dieting, I have finally reconciled myself to the fact that dieting does not work. I also know that as I get older it is going to be harder to keep the weight under control without movement. I have got to get myself moving. I have been ducking out of walks and playing on the Wii and Kinect. This has got to change and it is going to. For my own wellbeing but also for a very special little girl.

My gorgeous granddaughter Jazmine is 10 years of age, last week she told her mum she needed to go on a diet. We immidiately saw the beginning of an old pattern. At 11years of age, both Clair, her mum and myself, became "bonnie" little girls. Years of yoyo dieting started and continues. We both do not want Jaz to go down this road. So I have asked Jaz to join me in getting fit and eating healthly. She is keen at the moment and I hope it lasts, but she is only 10 and I am wanting it to be fun. I really want this to be a positive and fun time for both of us. I am going to give her one of my many notebooks this evening and ask her to keep a gratitude journal. I would be very grateful for any tips on motivating both Jaz and myself.

Wish me luck, I need it, I have got to this for myself, but more especially I have got to do it for Jaz.

May 1st Here We Go Again

2011-05-01T16:37:00.000+01:00

Guess what?

I am starting over AGAIN!!!!

This time I have got a buddy to work with.
We have got to finalise our plan and then I'll tell you about our plan.

Have a Happy May, one of my favourite months.

Bursting With Pride

2011-04-29T15:25:00.000+01:00

So proud to be British today.

The Royal Family have been criticised a lot since the death of Diana.

Today I think we see a new era, a younger generation. More in touch with the real world.

I enjoyed every moment of the wedding.

The music, the readings, the sermon.

The dress, the flowers, the bridesmaids and page boys.

The pomp and circumstance.

The Queen looked wonderful and very happy.

Some fashion fau pauxs by some folk, but that is family weddings for you.

Wishing the New Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a long and happy marriage.

So happy for them.

My Mam

2011-04-26T19:52:00.000+01:00

Eight years ago tonight she drifted off to a better place.

Hope you are dancing in Heaven Mam.

Love and Miss You

I'm Back

2011-04-19T20:14:00.000+01:00

I'm back because I am having trouble with blogger on the new blog and not able to leave comments on favourite blogs.

I am looking to revamp this one with a new name and new look. If anyone is still talking to me, I would appreciate any suggestions.

I am not dieting any more, just eating healthily and moving more.
To us Dawne's mantra..

Eating Less Moving More.

Just In Case

2011-03-18T22:29:00.000Z

Just in case you would like to keep in touch.
We are starting a new blog
White House

Posts from both myself and Ralph will be appearing soon.
A miscellany of many subjects, images and thoughts.

So Long, Farewell....

2011-03-17T17:51:00.000Z

I am closing this blog forthwith.

I reckon I have come to the end of the road here.

I am going to carry on with my craft blog and follow my passion.

Thank you for your friendship over the past two years.

Weekend Joy Givers

2011-03-13T17:13:00.000Z

My beautiful Jessica who has just turned 11 and now wishes to be called Jess.

Devoted Sisters Jess and Em.

Just Gorgeous.

Crazy Child, so glad she is so crazy and funny.

This time last year she was on dialysis.

God is Good.

We are So Blessed.

Saturday

2011-03-12T18:01:00.000Z

Saturday with two delightful children is a JOY. Simple pleasure, simple pastimes, children's laughter and conversation. Takes me back to my childhood and my children's childhood. I love days like this. I am such a lucky grandma.

Japan Eathquake and Tsunami

2011-03-11T22:27:00.001Z

The power of nature is awesome and makes us realise how weak and small we humans are. After watching the news reports from Japan I am astounded at the power of water. I am full of admiration for the Japanese people. The strength of character and dignity they are displaying is amazing.
God Bless and help them in the days to come.

Rainbows

2011-03-10T16:16:00.001Z

When ever I see a rainbow, I always know my mother is around me. When ever I am worried about something or in a stressful situation, quite often a rainbow will appear. As two did the day I heard she had passed away. I was 350 miles from home when the phone call came. Her death came as a complete shock, totally unexpected. I went down to the waters edge on a clear bright May afternoon.

There was a sudden sun shower and then the two most glorious rainbows appeared over the island of Bute. I knew straight away it was a sign from my mother that she was at peace. Since then when I have needed reassurance, a rainbow will appear, not every time, but quite often.

Today was one of those days. After weeks of worry and being downright scared, Ralph had an appointment at the hospital for the results of an MRI scan on his head. His headaches have been getting worse and his vision playing up too. We have both been coping with the worry in our own ways, but nor talking about it to each other. Today driving to the hospital and in the waiting room, he was very quiet.

After three hours seeing nurses and consultants we found that the problem is.........

He has got a SQUINT.

His left eye is slightly lower than his right eye, so the eye and the muscles on the left side of his head have been working hard to keep in balance with his right eye. Therefore causing the pain and the double vision and kaleidoscopic effects he has been getting. He has to have an operation sometime in the next ten weeks and hopefully the headaches etc will cease.

So my mother sent a sign that all is well and not to worry with a beautiful rainbow.

This is why I have been a little subdued lately.

But now I am polishing my rainbow and dancing.

I'm a Believer.

2011-03-08T22:07:00.000Z

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The six weeks leading up to the most solemn and the most joyful occasion in the Christian calendar. I am going to be using this coming six weeks to examine my relationship with God.

I am a "lapsed catholic" and I have issues. At this stage of my life I feel the need to examine, my beliefs, my conscience, my aspirations. This is going to bring up some painful stuff that is for sure. There are family issue's, religious issues, personal agonising, personal doubts, personal history.

What I do not have is doubts about the living Christ. I believe in Him wholeheartedly, I just need to know He believes in me. So I am setting off on a journey tomorrow, a journey I hope will bring me everlasting peace and JOY in knowing God loves ME.

Good Times

2011-03-07T22:06:00.001Z

We had a lovely afternoon in Liverpool today. I needed to visit a special bookshop there, so we went after I finished work. It was a cold but bright day. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the city, visiting a few of our favourite shops and cafe's, taking photo's along the way.

As the sun was setting we were beside the river yet again I felt the emotional pull of this fabulous city of my birth.The new Liverpool Wheel looks stunning as it glows int the darkness.My favourite picture of the day, my darling looking out across the Mersey. Two of my loves together.

A Little Bunch of Sunshine

2011-03-07T00:50:00.000Z

My first bunch off daff's of the year, they brighten up even the dullest of days.

Note To Self

2011-03-03T23:00:00.000Z

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.

Muhammad Ali

Tulips

2011-03-03T12:43:00.000Z

I visited a friend last week and she had a bunch of Tulips on her dining table. She started to apologise as they had "gone over".

I strongly disagreed with her. I think they are beautiful when they are fully open.
They are very pretty when closed but when the are fully open they are stunning.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands several years ago and so enjoyed the rainbow of tulips they have there, fields and fields if colour. I must take my dear husband there sometime soon.

Do what makes you happy today.

Joyful Little Flowers

2011-03-02T07:01:00.000Z

Don't you just love Snowdrops? Such brave little flowers.

The first to poke through the hard cold earth in the depth of winter.

I took these photo's in my mother in law's garden at the weekend.

They are such an inspiration to me.

If these little beauties can fight their way through the cold Scottish earth.

I can fight my way out of this malaise I find myself in at the moment.

Bonnie Scotland Here We Come

2011-02-25T17:02:00.000Z

Off to the ancestral home for the weekend.

Have a good weekend me dear one's.

Blog Fatigue

2011-02-23T09:25:00.001Z

Blog Fatigue has hit me good style, I am enjoying blog hopping, but as for writing I am all blogged out. I have noticed I have lost a couple of followers and that tells me I am a boring blogger too. So until I get my mojo back I am going to relax and just enjoy blog hopping. Maybe in a week or two, Spring will give me something to blog about.

Big Hugs Beautiful Blog Friends.

Looks Like a Great Weekend

2011-02-18T06:51:00.000Z

Today after I finish work at 1:30, it is a quick dash home, changed and out. Ralph and I are visiting with Marie and Todd again. Marie and I are going to have as she put it, some "Betty and Wilma Time" that makes me giggle.

Then tomorrow my Bezzy Trish will arrive for another weekend of ScrapHappy up at Crabapple Crafts. Lots of nattering and laughing on the menu this weekend.

Then on Sunday evening I am hoping my gorgeous granddaughter Jessica can come round to finish off her party invitations. There is not much more to do with them and she needs to had them out in school on Monday.

So it looks like a fun filled weekend for me, with people who lift me up, make me smile, give me JOY.

I AM A VERY LUCKY LADY!!!!

LOVE

2011-02-16T18:41:00.000Z

A Valentine for My Valentine.

I shared it on my playing blog with the FaBulouS WOYWW ladies over at Julia's Blog.

Hope you like it.

Love and Roses

2011-02-15T14:00:00.000Z

“A relationship is like a rose, How long it lasts, no one knows.

Love can erase an awful past, love can be yours, you'll see at last.

To feel that love, it makes you sigh,

To have it leave, you'd rather die.

You hope you've found that special rose,

'cause you love and care for the one you chose.”

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-13T20:53:00.000Z

With Big Love from Mr and Mrs White

Mrs White is so happy to be Mrs White.

Ah Well......

2011-02-09T23:02:00.002Z

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I have just had a disappointment.......

I thought it was Friday, but it is still Wednesday.......

I suppose I could say I have gained a day.......

I Need This Tattooed On My Brain....

2011-02-09T12:33:00.000Z

With every experience, you alone are painting your own canvas, thought by thought, choice by choice. Oprah

Where is My Sleep?

2011-02-07T01:53:00.000Z

For three weeks I have slept really well, but last night and tonight sleep has deserted me.
I thought I had broken the pattern that caused the insomnia. I began reading at bedtime, for the first time since Ralph and I got together. It felt so weird reading in bed after such break. but it worked, the cobwebs came each night after reading a couple of chapters and I was asleep almost as soon as the bedside light went off. I slept right through the night and it was FABULOUS. So why has it changed again? I was in bed at 11pm and now it is 1:47am and I am wide awake:(

Fed up now......

500

2011-02-05T22:33:00.000Z

This is my 500th post.

This is me baring all.

I am a:

Wife

Mother

Mother-in-law

Grandmother

Daughter-in-law

Sister

Sister-in-law

Stepmother

Aunt

Niece

Cousin

Friend

Colleague

Employee

Pet Lover

Ex-Wife

Dreamer

Planner

Listener

Believer

Procrastinator

Seeker

Student

Teacher

Blogger

Follower

Fan

Crafter

Reader

Former Yoyo Dieter

Present Weight Struggler

Future Healthy Eater

That's Me in a Nutshell

Relaxing

2011-01-29T14:40:00.001Z

Saturday afternoon, chilling with my man, can't be bad can it?
Spent the morning up at Crabapple for a coffee morning, very nice it was too despite Rosemary's lack of voice.
Came back full of idea's.

This week has been very social for me. it is either a feast of a famine when it comes to socialising with me. I don't go out for weeks then it is three nights in a row. This happened this week.

Tuesday I went over to Chester to meet one of my very favourite bloggers Marie. She had a Pampered Chef party and I really enjoyed it, ordered a couple or few things;) but didn't really get much time with Marie, which was a shame. She did however show me some of her delightful drawings for a big project she has on the go. I cannot wait for it all to come together. We will be getting together soon though and I am looking forward enjoying some of her cooking:)

Wednesday night I was round at my daughters for a natter, that is always great.
Thursday night was Curry night with Norma, Jean, Lorraine and Ann, always a good night, especially when Ann gets tiddly.

Yesterday my gorgeous Emily came to to some scrap booking and was supposed to stay over. But at 7:30pm the tears started and she wanted her mummy. Since she was ill she will not sleep over anywhere, we thought she was making progress when she agreed to stay last night, but alas it was not to be. The problem is, we are taking Emily, Jessica and Jazmine on holiday in June and we need to get her into a different mindset before then. Has anyone out there got any idea's for encouraging her? I would be grateful for any realistic thoughts.

Well I am off to enjoy the rest of the weekend with Ralph, hope you have a good one.

Off To Meet Another Blogger Friend Tonight....

2011-01-25T16:16:00.000Z

I am going to meet the lovely Marie tonight, she is hosting a Pampered Chef party. I have heard of Pampered Chef but not been to a party so I am looking forward to it on both counts.
I really enjoy getting to know people out there in Blogland, meeting them face to face is a real thrill for me.
I better make sure I have got my camera with me. I will report back tomorrow:)

Fab Weekend

2011-01-23T19:04:00.000Z

I have had a brilliant weekend, with two of my most favourite people in the world.
My Trish and My Ralph, they are both wonderful people and I so enjoy being both of them.
Scrapbooking up at Crabapple was great, we had a laugh or two or maybe more..lol
Then we went to Pizza Hut then to see "The Kings Speech" Excellent film.
Today after an American breakfast, it was back to Crabapple for more fun.

Now I am sat of the sofa with my man, watching Dancing on Ice, totally relaxed after a Fab Weekend

Weekend With My Bezzy

2011-01-21T09:49:00.000Z

I am thrilled at the thought, my darling Trish will be arriving tomorrow for a weekend of fun.
We are going to Scrappy Happy up at Crabapple Crafts. I have printed off 90 photo's of the 2,500 we took of our holiday;) This morning will be sorting my papers, ribbons and embellishment's. It is a long time since I have had dedicated scrapping time for me, I have had scrapping days for my lovely granddaughters but not done any for me. Can't wait:)

Sigh.....

2011-01-19T20:16:00.000Z

I have been getting some photo's ready for a scrapbooking weekend with Trish up at Crabapple.
Here are some I have chosen so far.

Guess where I would like to be right now?

Spot the difference yesterday, was my eyes. No Chris I cannot wear contact's:) they are my own lol.

Spot The Difference

2011-01-18T21:46:00.000Z

Can You?

Cuddly or Fat?

2011-01-17T20:37:00.000Z

Fat Bear or Fat She?

This is how I see me at the moment.

I am looking for inspiration....

Again..............

Enough is Enough Sheilagh!!!

2011-01-16T20:52:00.001Z

You know that three pounds I lost last week?
I found them again this morning!!
I weigh 224 pounds and 54 of them are not welcome here.
You have heard it all before...I am tired all the time, sluggish, bloated, old and decrepit.
So although I do not want to "diet" I need to change my diet, my attitude, my plan's.
I have weighed and measured myself, oh yuck:(
I have dusted of the Wii, do you know it is 89 days since I last used it?
We now have the Wii and the Xbox Kinect, so between them they may whip me into shape.
As well as the gym membership that Ralph pays for each month that has not been used for 6 months!!
I have go to get back on track.......
Apart from that, we have had a lovely weekend.
Hope you did to:)

Bring It On...

2011-01-14T20:19:00.001Z

The weekend that is.....

We were going to Scotland this weekend, but a mixture of the weather and Swine flu has changed our plan's. Snow in Scotland and Swine flu on the increase, Ralph is the only member of shift to be still working. The rest of the guys are off with the flu. So we are not going to take the risk on taking it up to Scotland and passing it on to Ralph's mum.

Instead we are going to spend the weekend doing fun things.
Don't know what yet, it all depends on the weather, the forecast is for rain:(
But I am sure we can find something to do undercover.

Have a Great Weekend.

Special Friends Special Gifts

2011-01-13T17:47:00.000Z

We were out having fun with Jaz on Saturday when the postman tried to deliver a package.
He left a card to say it wouldn't fit through the letterbox. So after work on Monday,I trotted off to the sorting office to pick up the package. What a delightful surprise, a box of goodies from Maine, I was tickled pink.

They were addressed to Ralph and myself, so I couldn't open them until he came home.

It drove me crazy but I had to be good.

As soon as he got home we opened them and were were delighted with the memories of a wonderful holiday, they came rushing back, by the dozen.

Maine Maple syrup..mmmmmmmmmmmm

Wild Maine Blueberry Jam mmmmmmmmmmmmm

A Lobster Lolly mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

and

A Lovely little pillow/sachet of Balsam Fir Incense.

Ralph wanted to have the maple syrup straight away on waffles.

I wouldn't let him until I sent thanks to the lovelyy sender.

Thank you Kathleen and Lyle, we are both touched by your kindness.

You have had us looking through the holiday photo's again.

Reliving great memories of fabulous place's and wonderful people.

I still haven't let Ralph have any maple syrup, I am wicked...lol

I have decide as a treat we are going to have an American breakfast on Sunday

and will toast distant friends and fabulous times.

WOYWW2

2011-01-12T18:12:00.001Z

I am late, such a busy day...

I thought I might share some photo's of my finished craft shed.

This is what is on my workdesk at the moment.

I am finally having fun in there.

Pop over to Julia's to check out some great workspace's.

Monday Monday Again.............

2011-01-10T19:40:00.000Z

Monday comes around so very quickly doesn't it?
There are only FIFTY left this year....

I have been trying to avoid the weight word. I don't want to diet anymore, I don't want to be ruled by the scales, the numbers, the tape measure. What options do I have if I want to get healthy? Is there a method of losing weight without counting calories? points? fats? carbs?

I need to lose weight for my health sake.
My Diabetes is under control, so under control my doctor thinks I am amazing..lol
My Arthritis is the problem at the moment, it only used to bother me in the summer, but now it bothers me no matter what time of the year. My left hip complains after walking, my knees, wrists and thumbs are sore most of the time. Climbing stairs is not fun, kneeling is impossible.

So here I am 51 pounds overweight. My weight has crept on again since my birthday, I have a wardrobe full of clothes that don't fit me. I am tired all the time, get breathless when walking, I feel and look OLD.

Who needs to get a grip?
Who needs to get her head on?
MEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

I have lost 3 pounds since New Years Day, just cutting back on goodies.
All the Christmas stuff has gone, thankfully.
We are living out of the freezer this month.
Getting into living a simpler life.
We are eating off of smaller plates.
Making do with what we have, in the freezer and the cupboard.
Just buying fresh milk, veg and fruit.

I do not want to be blogging just about my weight, I am far more than my weight. But I have to recognise my weight is taking over again. It has to stop NOW! There is so much inspiration out there in Blogland and I am tapping into it. I will blog once a month about my weight, no more no less. I will be using Dawne's motto, Eating Less, Moving More.

Thank you for your comments about Conor. Yes it is crazy as mentioned a couple of times, that here you can enlist to serve your Queen and country, before you can legally drink alcohol. The legal age for drinking in the UK is 18, you can enlist at 16.

2011-01-09T06:23:00.000Z

My grandson Conor, the boy/man who had me bursting with pride earlier this year. He was the reason I asked for prayers. His career in the army looked to be hanging in the balance after an incident on Tuesday evening.

He along with a couple of other young soldiers attended a football match. When they were looking to get a taxi back to camp, they got involved in an altercation with an Asian man who they thought was a taxi driver,(He was parked at a taxi rank) He started ranting at the three young men about why did they think he was a taxi driver just because his race. They tried to apologise and walked away, to a taxi further down the rank. As they went to get into the taxi, the Asian man had left his car and tried to prevent them getting into the cab. shouting obscenities and obstructing them.One of the young men pushed him away and he hit his head on the ground. Two of the young men panicked and ran.

Conor did not run. But the next he knew he was in handcuffs and in a police car. He was taken to a police station and advised he would be charged with "Racial Assault". Conor is not racist in any way shape or form. He is a decent lad and has close friends of different racial backgrounds. He has his faults as do all of us, but violence and racism do not sit well with Conor. So followed several fraught hours, worrying about this boys future. He could be kicked out of the army, have a criminal record and thrown on the scrapheap. His parents were distraught. Thank God for the power of prayer and the generosity of strangers.

The CCTV at the football ground had recorded the whole incident. From the first contact to the last and Conor was exonerated. The police informed his CO that he had been scared but very polite whilst being questioned. The charge was dropped and he was released to the army. Back at the camp, he faced further questioning, found that the two lads who had bolted from the scene had gone to their CO the following morning and confessed everything. Their careers hang in the balance at the moment. All three of them had been drinking...all under age.

Conor is on punishment this weekend and has been assigned a social worker to help him come to terms with what has happened. His career is safe at the moment, but I think this has been a short, sharp, shock and we are going to see a more mature, responsible young man from now on. Please God.

Underage drinking is a big problem in this country and is usually at the root of most petty crime. I am not stupid enough to believe my grandchildren will not partake. It is seen as part of the initiation into adulthood and egged on by bravado and peer pressure. It scares me, as it scares me the thought that that push to the ground could have proved fatal and those three young men would have been on a murder charge.

Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts. I am a mother/grandmother who wears her heart on her sleeve. I cannot begin to explain how I have felt this past few days, watching my daughter's pain and fearing the worst for my grandson. But your kindness as help so much, thank you.

Thank You Thank You Thank You

2011-01-07T19:14:00.000Z

The power of prayer is an AMAZING phenomenon.
Thank you everyone who sent up a prayer for my special intention.
Your prayers and mine have been answered and I am truely grateful.
This weekend we will take time to draw breath and calm down and
then I may be able to share with you what the prayers were needed for.

I Need a Favour.

2011-01-06T20:33:00.000Z

I need a favour from the universe.
If any one is listening, please can you have a word with the God you believe in.
I am very concerned about the well being and future of a beloved member of my family.
I cannot share the whys and wherefore's but I don't think my prayers alone are working.

WOYWW 1

2011-01-05T07:52:00.000Z

A promise I made to myself for this year is to take part in WOYWW.

So here I am with some bits and pieces I have been playing with this week.

It is good to get back to playing.

WOYWW is the brainchild of this talented, entertaining lady Julia @
http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/2011/01/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday.html

It has spread like wild fire across the world, I for one love having a peek at crafters work desks each week, pop across and check the phenomenon out.

Happy Wednesday.

Not Such a Bad Day

2011-01-04T20:40:00.000Z

First day of the New Year at work, was not as bad as expected. Patient demand was not as heavy as we had prepared for. In fact we had appointments we could not fill. Now that is a first at this time of the year. It was a sad day though, we heard three deaths that happened over the weekend, three lovely people, one of them a lady we were all very fond of. Yet another reminder of the short time we have on this mortal plane.

Back to Work

2011-01-04T07:24:00.000Z

Back to work today, it will be good to get back into a "normal" routine.
Will be back to post about my first day back later.

Oh happy days...lol

Quotes That Hit Home

2011-01-02T17:07:00.001Z

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.
Oprah Winfrey

Happy 2011

2011-01-01T19:08:00.001Z

2011

A brand new book, a fresh new page, how long will it take to blot it, need to rub out words, cover pictures? Well I have changed my thinking and from now on, I don't mind about making mistakes. I don't mind if I blob ink on the page. Nothing is perfect and not realising until now has prevented me for many years from starting projects in case I fail.

This year I am going to be flying without wings and will enjoy the blots and blobs, because they are my blots and blobs. I have set myself some goals, and I am going to score good style each month.

My word for 2011 is CREATIVITY
My Motto for 2011 is Simple + Action = Satisfaction

In the Shoebox, we plan to spend 2011 getting our little house decorated and refurnished. A major decluttering is needed, this will be started on Monday.

We are also looking at what we eat, what we waste, we want to simplify our eating habit's. Getting back to simple fresh locally grown food. No more buying food because it is there and we fancy it, then throwing it out. No more wasteful ways for us.

I have a crafting shed "My Scrappy Shack" I have spent hundred's of pounds on buying and furnishing it. An further large amounts of money stocking it (I hate to think how much) I have got to start using it. Therefore I have set myself a project, to produce a piece of "Art" everyday for a year. Whether it be an ATC or a tag, a card or scrapbook spread. For January I am planning on a series of ATC's with an Alphabet theme, my first one is done. I may pluck up the courage to post photo's on here, I may not, but I am going to enjoy getting back into playing.

I am not going to do the usual New Year thing and say I am starting a diet and exercise regime. We are making healthy choices and getting out walking again, but I am not setting myself up for failure. This year is going to be about simple actions and gaining satisfaction in different aspects of life. I have a good feeling about this year. Here's hoping the feeling is right.