Like: twin-city-ankh-and-morpork

Like: twin-city-ankh-and-morpork

Sewing

What with my sister requesting Anna's coronation dress from Frozen for our upcoming trip to Efteling, and the same sister asking me to make my own and another's bridesmaid dress for her April wedding, I thought I better get some sewing practice in. Here's a guide for me to refer back to.

What Ellie wants me to make next - I have until August

I'm making a Cambie dress from Sewaholic, in a loud green peacock feather on black print. With a lime green lining. As you do. I may well even sew a ruffle on the lining to make the full skirt fuller.

This is the fabric for my dress

Sew (see what I did there) far, I have impressed myself by finishing my bodice seams with a turned under seam, and am pondering what finish to use with the skirt seams. Even more impressive as you can't see them because it will be fully lined. I want no fraying here!

I have sewn in my first pockets, and have understitched the pockets so there's a nice crisp edge to the top fabric. The pattern didn't call for this, so I feel extra smug for adding it in.

I'm going to need to read this tutorial from Sewaholic to help with adding the lining as it has a clever trick to make the zip look awesome. This one might be helpful too.

I am just loving the sewing. The thrum and the whirr of the machine is so soothing.

Some Jersey March 2013 pics

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My god daughter Seren's Christening

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Nom nom nom Korean food

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A better resurrection

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A better resurrection “…So we enter a world where we know something new about healing, which is that probably we will never really be healed, although we may well be resurrected. What we are offered is a new life, not a patched-up old life.I struggle to get my mind fully around this, just as I struggle to imagine writing the story that John writes of Jesus’s resurrection. There are memories, and actions, which I would like to be able to wipe out, to fully expunge from the record. I would like the ‘forgiveness’ or which Jesus speaks to mean that these things cease to be. But I think that that is not what is on offer. I suspect, reading this story, that forgiveness actually means that I will carry these holes in me forward for ever. A hole in my side wrenched by a mercifully lance and cruel damage inflicted intentionally to hurt me. They are mine forever.I am not offered that these things will vanish. Instead, what I am offered is that they will become for my good, and for the good of others. If, in some ways, they will always define me, they will also become creative. I think, and I say this very tentatively, I think this is true. I suspect that the more I try to turn my face towards all that is good and positive, the truer it becomes.”

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Easter cake!

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Cinderella never asked for a prince. She asked for a night off and a dress.

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Most perfect rose, thanks @flowerfactorysoton / on Instagram...

Most perfect rose, thanks @flowerfactorysoton / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1qwEoYp

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Monster, Baby

iworkatapubliclibrary:

At the checkout desk:

Toddler #1 [holding a DVD]: “I like baby monster. I like it a lot.”

Toddler #2: “I like baby monster, too.”

Mother [to me]: “They mean Baby Mozart.”

Toddler #1: “Baby Mostarrr.”

Toddler #2: “Baby Monzter.”

Me [to toddlers]: “I like it better your way, little guys.”

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"“How to talk to your daughter about her body, step one: don’t talk to your daughter about her body,..."

“

“How to talk to your daughter about her body, step one: don’t talk to your daughter about her body, except to teach her how it works. Don’t say anything if she’s lost weight. Don’t say anything if she’s gained weight.

If you think your daughter’s body looks amazing, don’t say that. Here are some things you can say instead:

“You look so healthy!” is a great one.

Or how about, “you’re looking so strong.”

“I can see how happy you are – you’re glowing.”

Better yet, compliment her on something that has nothing to do with her body.

Don’t comment on other women’s bodies either. Nope. Not a single comment, not a nice one or a mean one.

Teach her about kindness towards others, but also kindness towards yourself.

Don’t you dare talk about how much you hate your body in front of your daughter, or talk about your new diet. In fact, don’t go on a diet in front of your daughter. Buy healthy food. Cook healthy meals. But don’t say “I’m not eating carbs right now.” Your daughter should never think that carbs are evil, because shame over what you eat only leads to shame about yourself.

Encourage your daughter to run because it makes her feel less stressed. Encourage your daughter to climb mountains because there is nowhere better to explore your spirituality than the peak of the universe. Encourage your daughter to surf, or rock climb, or mountain bike because it scares her and that’s a good thing sometimes.

Help your daughter love soccer or rowing or hockey because sports make her a better leader and a more confident woman. Explain that no matter how old you get, you’ll never stop needing good teamwork. Never make her play a sport she isn’t absolutely in love with.

Prove to your daughter that women don’t need men to move their furniture.

Teach your daughter how to cook kale.

Teach your daughter how to bake chocolate cake made with six sticks of butter.

Pass on your own mom’s recipe for Christmas morning coffee cake. Pass on your love of being outside.

Maybe you and your daughter both have thick thighs or wide ribcages. It’s easy to hate these non-size zero body parts. Don’t. Tell your daughter that with her legs she can run a marathon if she wants to, and her ribcage is nothing but a carrying case for strong lungs. She can scream and she can sing and she can lift up the world, if she wants.

Remind your daughter that the best thing she can do with her body is to use it to mobilize her beautiful soul.

”



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wow well this made me fucking bawl my eyes out

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This

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Lent 22: Laughing

Write a letter to the person who made you laugh when you really needed it.

Dear Friends,

It had been a hard week. Church politics, busy times at work. I'd been feeling drained. So tired.

So I wasn't really looking forward to being polite all evening whilst I sat through more board games.

But,

You're all so welcoming, so eager to make me feel included. The food was tasty and gradually I started to unwind.

Then you brought out the trump card. Cards Against Humanity.

This is definitely a game you can only play with good friends. It is not, and I repeat not, one to play with your parents.

If you've not played it before, well, how would I even begin to describe it? The card czar reads a question like " I was late to work because..."  from a pile of black cards and we have to use one of our ten white cards to finish the statement, or answer the question. One of the very first white cards I picked up was "Queen Elizabeth II's immaculate anus" And that's one of the cleaner ones.

Everyone submits their answers face down, and the card czar then reads them out in turn, picking a winner. The winner gets points, the most points wins. The card czar rotates each round, so we all had a turn at reading out the stupid, crass, rude and hiliarious statements.

And how I laughed. Laughed and laughed and laughed. Tears streaming from my face as the statements got closer to the bone and sillier and sillier. We were certainly spoilt by having two very good mimics in the group, who when card czar would put on great voices to read the statements.

I think I fell off my chair laughing.

It was certainly what the doctor ordered that week.

So thank you nice friends.

Lent 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Lent 17: Entertaining

Plan a party

Tom and I were talking about this just the other day. Where he's been away, we've not done our usual gamut of entertaining. But I like to think our predilection for it is rubbing off on others. Friday often see us traipsing around Southampton to a different friends house for food and games and laughter.

It doesn't have to be big, or fancy. It's normally a simple pasta bake or takeaway. But I love being with people.

I'd still like a party later in the year though. I'd like a summer afternoon garden party, where people can drop in and out. Where the BBQ is going and the pink fizzy wine is chilled and people are laughing and lazing outside.

Will work on that.

Lent 18: Listening

Listen to your inner child: what does she want to do today?

I want to play with a friend today. Fortunately, this will happen, as Nicky is coming over to learn how to knit, and I have the ingredients all ready to go for a Greek feast for dinner.

What do you hear when you hear silence?

There's the buzz of computers, and the chatter of typing and the whirr of a strimmer outside.

I can just hear birds chirping too.

Lent 19: Sharing

This prompt suggesting sharing one of my blog posts with someone else and discussing it. I think I've already covered this one, as some of the lovely ladies at church have found this blog through Facebook and have been reading along - *waves*

We talked about children's books and which ones I loved that they had read to their children.


Lent 20: Charming

Be your best self and turn on the charm to make someone feel extra special.

I love charm. I think it's underated. It's like the oil that keeps the wheels of the world running smoothly. When I think of all the people who annoy me, it's usually because they have no charm, tact or diplomacy.

 I know honesty is the best policy et al, but I think you can be honest in a charming way.

I will never be a great beauty, or a have great power, but I know how to use charm to work a room, and control a crowd. Charm helps when consulting with people, charm helps when in a meeting to bring people with you and get what you want.

But how to be charming? It's being gracious, listening to others, smiling, thinking before you speak, paying attention, observing and responding in a way you would want others to respond to you.

Lent 21: Surprising

This prompt wants me to surprise the neighbours. I don't know if I'll manage it tonight, but I like the idea of leaving flowers on their doorstep!

Marsha Smith @ Nottingham Contemporary TEDxLacemarket #tedxlm

Marsha Smith @ Nottingham Contemporary TEDxLacemarket #tedxlm

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Feeling loved

Wearing shoes from Martin, and shrug crocheted by Lula.

Thanks Todd and Adam for evening of food, laughter and figure skating movies. X

Lent 16: Giving

What is the most surprising gift you’ve ever gotten?

I think the most startling gift I have ever been given was the generosity shown by some people we barely knew for our honeymoon.

We met the pair at an SCM event, just after we got engaged. They said "Oh you must stay in our holiday house in Co. Leitrim for your honeymoon"

We liked the idea of a slightly more local honeymoon, and so when we returned, we emailed them, thinking we'd pay towards it. They said no, no, just come and stay! 

So flights were booked, and we drove to their other house in Ireland to pick up the key. When we arrived, we were treated to a tour of the house and gardens, and a bag was produced, and we were told to pick what we liked from the vegetable garden to feed ourselves for the week.

Once inside the house, there was a another bag with groceries like bread, butter and cheese to add to the vegetables.

But it didn't stop there. We shared a delicious lunch and then it was said "Oh, we have a wedding present for you".

A wedding present? After the offer of the holiday house, and the groceries, and the vegetables and the lunch? 

It was a beautiful watercolour of the view from the holiday house, created by a local artist.

So we'd always have a reminder of our honeymoon.

I nearly fell off my chair.

To give and give and give and give some more, to some youngsters you met once at a random event.

It blew me away. I know it deeply affected Tom too. Such an example of love and neverending kindness. God's love in action?

It's certainly changed the way I want to act. I want to give, and give and give some more too. It made our lives so much easier not having to worry too much about our honeymoon when we were trying to sort the wedding. I want to help other people like that too.

Top Down Raglan Pullover-Metric

Top Down Raglan Pullover-Metric:

Useful to remember for Tom’s jumper

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Lent 14: Reading

Did you like to read as a child? Do you read more or less now? What were your favourite books?

I loved reading as a child. Loved it. I'd read under the covers with a torch. I trained myself to read in the car so I wouldn't feel sick. I'd read in the bath and get in trouble for dropping library books in the water - I don't remember much washing in the bath once I was old enough to be left alone!

Richard Scarry's Tinker and Tanker was a favourite as a tiny, making my dad do the voices. If we have kids, it's one I want to hear him read to them. The hippo has to have the squeaky voice, and the rabbit the deep one. I loved Mr. Magnolia Has Only One Boot and Spot the Dog too.

I loved curling up in bed to be read to. Before breakfast we'd sneak into Mum and Dad's bed. Dad would be snoring, and Mum would read to us girls. Dodie Smith's 101 Dalmatians springs to mind.

I remember the thrill of going to the library and rummaging through shelves and boxes of books for good ones. Being moved off the reading scheme at the infants school, and reading Stig of the Dump from the library shelves. It was a paperback without pictures, and it had an earthy smell to the pages - musty I suppose now, but exotic then.

At Junior school I read the Scarlet Pimpernel, and books about historical fashion, and discovered if you liked one book by an author you might like another.

As a precocious year 8 I picked Pride and Prejudice for a book project. Reading it back as an adult, I understand far more of the humour. I read lots of James Heriot, and classic scifi like Ray Bradbury. Trashy chick-lit and anything. Anything I could get my hands on. I love falling into a story. Caring about the characters. Learning about people's ways of living.

As an adult, the history put paid to reading for pleasure for a while. Hard to stop reading and taking notes once you're in the habit. I do read less now. More online, less books. I have some old favourites I'll read every year, Chocolat, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, The Floating Book, The Red Tent. Tom always buys me some excellent peice of non-fiction for birthdays or Christmas.

But I feel I should read more again - and I feel like novels at the moment. What would you recommend?

Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul. -Pope John XXIII

Lent 15: Receiving

List some things you received today. Did you consciously accept these gifts?

Today I received :

A lie in because I could work from home.

Time out of my busy day to exercise.

A really lovely dinner and evening with Todd and Adam.

I feel I consciously recieved these because I am aware of them. 

Thinking back, I also had lovely weather on my run. I recieved thanks for my hard work from clients too.

Lent 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

I did go on my adventure. I went to town last week after work, parked up in a different place from normal and went on a long walk around the city centre, going down streets I'd not walked down before. I noticed glowing neon signs, a family run Greek restaurant that looks like it's not changed since the 1950s and snippets of Georgian architecture amidst chunks of 1960s concrete.

Lent 8: Creating

Have you ever astonished yourself by what you created? What did you learn from it?

I love creating. I love making. I want to own the title 'Maker' I like how it feels to make it myself. I astonished myself when I made my King and I dress - mum bought me the fabric, patterns and notions and said - you can make this, and I did. It involved elasticated puffed off the shoulder sleeve with the elastic hidden from view. My first piece of serious dress making.

I astonished myself when I made a patchwork quilt for the first time - how satisfying it was to make, how lovely it looked when I finished. It was one of the first things I made where the end product was as satisfying as the process. I wanted to keep the finished object.

I astonished myself with Tom's Robin costume - it came out looking so good! So professional.

What have I learnt? To take things slowly and concentrate on the finish. Bind the seams. Pink the edges. 

Lent 9: Inspiring

Ask someone you love to show you what inspires them.

Ask someone you love what you have done to inspire them.

 I will come back to you on this one!

Lent 10: Loving

Write some affirmations for yourself. Post some pictures of those you love.

I am loved. I am working hard. I have lots to give. I have happiness.

Lent 11: Dreaming

What is your personal dream? What would happen if your dream came true? Have you ever had a dream come true? Have you ever had to let go of a dream?

I dream of a big house filled with friends and family eating. If it came true, I would be very happy indeed. We would need to move to make this dream come true, and possibly start our own family.

I can't think of a specific dream that has come true. There are fragments here and there. Drinking prosecco in a lakeside cafe in Italy. Driving along in a soft top car with the roof down with big sunglasses on. Dancing all night in a swirly skirt to a live band.

I let go of the dream of doing post graduate study. When I was at university, I thought this would be my future. But when the time came, I didn't have the money, I didn't want to move to Durham. So I stayed in Southampton and got a job. Whilst I didn't enjoy every day of that job, it gave me the skills for my current job, which I adore, and am good at. And so it feels like everything worked out.



Lent 12: Procrastinating

What are you putting off? What bad things would happen if you stopped making excuses and tackled something today?

I am putting off vacuuming the living room and doing exercise. I will try and tackle both of these today. Keeping the house up together is hard when you're working full time, but my cleaner will be back next week! Woo! 

Exercising is a long term battle with me. The only exercise I like is dancing. I'm going to be doing that with Lula again going forward, but not for a fortnight. So I need something in the interim. I will try and do my pilates video tonight.

Maybe that should be a goal? One bit of cleaning and one bit of exercise every day?

Lent 13:  Beginning

Look for chances to begin. Hidden new opportunities every day.

Have you ever just quit something… without regret?

Depending on time, I will be beginning my new dress making project this week. I am beginning to rework the garden.

I quit a contemporary dance class. I wasn't enjoying it. I was the oldest lumpiest person in the class, and I was so out of practice that it just wasn't fun. So I quit - and immediately it felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders!

 

Lent 7: Playing

So, I didn't go home and clean my kitchen. I realised I had no commitments and it was my Mum's birthday, so I drove to Westbury to see her.

I was so glad I did. She and my dad were really pleased to see me, and I was another person who'd dropped in like many others that day to say hello to Mum on her birthday. I'd stopped for cake when I filled up the car with diesel, and ended up bringing profiteroles, crisps, beetroot dip and hummus to the party.

One of Mum's longstanding friends and her daughter joined us much later in the eve, and we had a lovely evening jabbering away and helping my dad with his essay.

I'm very very glad I didn't clean my kitchen. I love my parents very much.

Lent 7: Playing.

What were your favorite games as a child? What did you like to do with your classmates or the neighborhood kids? How did that affect the person you grew to become?

I loved make believe games as a child. Pretending to be a shopkeeper, or Laura from Little House on the Prairie. There was this one game I would play with Amey, called Cousin Suzy, about a glamourous older teenage cousin, all of 19(!), who would come pick us up in her limo and take us to parties.

I used to spend ages playing horses with Natalie Zoe and Jenny in the playground, each section of the school wall another stable.

Erica and I would force our siblings to dress up and put on lengthy plays for our long suffering parents.

All this imagining certainly fostered my creativity today. I'm good at picturing things and plans and how they may work. I'm still certainly very happy to dress up and pretend with little people. I love fancy dress parties.

A flip side of all this, that Tom and his friends suffer through is that I'm not over fond of board games. My dad loves them, and we would play as a family. But Dad is really competitive. And so I wouldn't win very often. Sure, when I did, the sense of satisfaction was immense. But I know I don't enjoy things I'm not good at. I know this means I don't persist with new things if I'm not showing promise at them right away. Board games are like this. I never used to win, so they weren't that fun.

And now, when Tom and his friends while away their evenings having a lovely time playing board games, they always politely ask if I want to play, and I decline. Knowing I won't enjoy it. I'd much rather sit and knit and watch them play. They take it all so seriously. Perhaps that's what I object to? So much effort into something with no tangible result? I'm a maker after all.

But that can't be it, because give me a creative game like Flux, or Cards Against Humanity, or the Marmer Game, or Contact or Hunt the Thimble anywhere in time and space and I love it.

So there you go.

Lent 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Right, being on holiday scuppered my other plans, and meant I couldn't do some of the Radvent challenges.

Lent 2: Organising.

I'm fairly organised in terms of real life planning, especially after the invention of Google Calender et al, that remind me on my phone about things and let me share plans with Tom.

I'm rubbish at keeping my house clutter free. I know roughly where everything is, but I just end up with piles and piles of stuff.

I've made a start by clearing out some clothes that don't fit or I no longer wear from my wardrobe, after spending a year using the "If I wear it put it one end of the wardrobe, put things I don't wear the other" It made choosing easy, just looked at the left side of the wardrobe and went, "Nah, doesn't fit, don't like it...." so if you're a 12 - 14, and want first dibs, let me know, otherwise it's all going to the charity shop.

I'm going to deep clean the kitchen tonight when I get in too - I know, so glamorous.

Lent 3: Writing

Write a love letter to yourself in one year

This is the kind of thing I find very hard, because like most people I think, I'm not that fond of myself most of the time.

Dear Alex,

You are loved. Whilst I can't predict how 2014 went for you, I know you will have been loved. By your husband, your friends, your family.

I know that you don't feel like you work hard enough or achieve enough, but I want you to know that you will have always tried your best, even if it doesn't always feel that way, because you care deeply about doing the right thing.

Take some time to plan an epic party with all your friends, because nothing makes you happier than eating and drinking and chatting and laughing with those you love.

Love

Alex.

Lent 4: Forgiveness

Who and what are you ready to let go of resentment towards?

Again another toughy. I like to think of myself as a person who doesn't hold grudges. But here it goes.

I want to let go of my resentment towards old school friends who've had children. Just because I'm not in the place to have kids yet, and I don't know if I can have any doens't mean I should feel resentful of their lives. Given how little I talk to them, and how little I know about their lives, I don't know if they chose to have kids, wanted them and so on and so forth.

I want to let go of resentment towards friends that have decided they don't want to see us anymore. There are a couple of people in particular who don't keep in touch, or want to come out any more, and it hurts. I want to reach a place where I'm ok with that, and be happy that they're happy doing new things.

Lent 5: Rocking out

Sounds of my year so far.

Blog, you know I'm not one for music. I shall give you but one song.

Lent 6: Adventuring

This is about doing something new - depending on what time I get, I may go adventuring this evening on my own, or I shall try and do so this week. I shall report back. Hold me to this.

Very useful knitting pattern generator

Very useful knitting pattern generator:

For future use

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Lent 1 Remembering

Using Megan's Radvent series as prompt. Lent and Advent are the same right?

Where were you five years ago?

2009 or 2010 depending on how you count.

March 2009, I was living in the Palace, working for the web design company. Tom had just asked me to move in with him. I was creating lots. I was nervous and excited about the future.

March 2010. I was living at the Curry house and planning our wedding. Still working at the web design company. Trying to raise money to save the chaplaincy and starting to get involved at Church. Still creating.

I don't remember much detail. Long hours at work, cycling across Southampton, plenty of parties, travelling to France, redecorating the Curry house, marveling at building a home with Tom. Deciding the world of sales wasn't for me. Having three jobs at one point.

Some very painful moments. Some very proud moments. 

knittedart: Four projects knitted by our very own Ángela Gómez...

knittedart:

Four projects knitted by our very own Ángela Gómez Ortega / Quatre projets tricotés par notre Ángela Gómez Ortega

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Love this

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Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) - King’s Singers

Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) - King’s Singers

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Kings Singers - Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) 021410.mp4

Kings Singers - Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) 021410.mp4

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Billy Joel - Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

Billy Joel - Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

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Love is a pair of homemade knitted gloves @marksandspencer You...

Love is a pair of homemade knitted gloves @marksandspencer You have to make them to fit the recipient perfectly, you’re making something that you know will wear out and you have to knit all those damn little fingers, but its worth it to keep your loved one warm. #sharethelove / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1nZDhzW

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halftheskymovement: Nicholas Kristof’s column today features...

halftheskymovement:

Nicholas Kristof’s column today features Catherine Hamlin, an Australian gynecologist and 21st century Mother Teresa. Dr. Hamlin has revolutionized the care of a childbirth injury called obstetric fistula that leaves the woman incontinent and stigmatized. Through the hospital she set up in Addis Adaba, Ethiopia, she has trained generations of doctors, helping to restore dignity and hope to 35,000 women. Here she is at her 90th birthday last month (photo by Joni Kabana). Happy Birthday, Dr. Hamlin, and many happy returns!

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How Deep The Father’s Love

How Deep The Father’s Love

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Silent Night/Night Of Silence Spinning Jenny Cover

Silent Night/Night Of Silence Spinning Jenny Cover

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Night of Silence - Silent Night

Night of Silence - Silent Night

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Bishop’s University Chamber Choir - And So It Goes by...

Bishop’s University Chamber Choir - And So It Goes by Billy Joel (arr. Bob Chilcott)

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And So It Goes - Billy Joel, arr. Bob Chilcott

And So It Goes - Billy Joel, arr. Bob Chilcott

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Take o take me as i am

Take o take me as i am

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Jesus Christ the Apple Tree!

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree!

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ADVENTIST VOCAL ENSEMBLE-UP ABOVE MY HEAD

ADVENTIST VOCAL ENSEMBLE-UP ABOVE MY HEAD

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ADVENTIST VOCAL ENSEMBLE-THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD

ADVENTIST VOCAL ENSEMBLE-THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD

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"A boy sprawled next to me on the bus, elbows out, knee pointing sharp into my thigh. He frowned at..."

“

A boy sprawled next to me on the bus, elbows out, knee pointing sharp into my thigh.

He frowned at me when I uncrossed my legs, unfolded my hands

and splayed out like boys are taught to: all big, loose limbs.

I made sure to jab him in the side with my pretty little sharp purse.

At first he opened his mouth like I expected him to, but instead of speaking up he sat there, quiet, and took it for the whole bus ride.

Like a girl.

Once, a boy said my anger was cute, and he laughed,

and I remember thinking that I should sit there and take it,

because it isn’t ladylike to cause a scene and girls aren’t supposed to raise their voices.

But then he laughed again and all I saw

was my pretty little sharp nails digging into his cheek

before drawing back and making a horribly unladylike fist.

(my teacher informed me later that there is no ladylike way of making a fist.)

When we were both in the principal’s office twenty minutes later

him with a bloody mouth and cheek, me with skinned knuckles,

I tried to explain in words that I didn’t have yet

that I was tired of having my emotions not taken seriously

just because I’m a girl.

Girls are taught: be small, so boys can be big.

Don’t take up any more space than absolutely necessary.

Be small and smooth with soft edges

and hold in the howling when they touch you and it hurts:

the sandpaper scrape of their body hair that we would be shamed for having,

the greedy hands that press too hard and too often take without asking permission.

Girls are taught: be quiet and unimposing and oh so small

when they heckle you with their big voices from the window of a car,

because it’s rude to scream curse words back at them, and they’d just laugh anyway.

We’re taught to pin on smiles for the boys who jeer at us on the street

who see us as convenient bodies instead of people.

Girls are taught: hush, be hairless and small and soft,

so we sit there and take it and hold in the howling,

pretend to be obedient lapdogs instead of the wolves we are.

We pin pretty little sharp smiles on our faces instead of opening our mouths,

because if we do we get accused of silly women emotions

blowing everything out of proportion with our PMS, we get

condescending pet names and not-so-discreet eyerolls.

Once, I got told I punched like a girl.

I told him, Good. I hope my pretty little sharp rings leave scars.

”



- 'My Perfume Doubles As Mace,' theappleppielifestyle. (via queenofeden)



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Tom’s very colour coordinated honey and lemon...

Tom’s very colour coordinated honey and lemon presentation. What a good nurse! / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1jqXOwB

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Zesty chicken wraps. Tonight’s dinner! / on Instagram...

Zesty chicken wraps. Tonight’s dinner! / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1lVYGsW

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Very important tiger business occurring / on Instagram...

Very important tiger business occurring / on Instagram http://ift.tt/KQ1XvX

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Is my lava lamp about to spawn? / on Instagram...

Is my lava lamp about to spawn? / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1d0OL1u

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Selah - Before The Throne Of God Above [with lyrics]

Selah - Before The Throne Of God Above [with lyrics]

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All heaven declares (with lyrics) - Hillsong - Martin Ball

All heaven declares (with lyrics) - Hillsong - Martin Ball

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♫ “How Deep The Fathers Love For Us” - Stuart...

♫ “How Deep The Fathers Love For Us” - Stuart Townend ♫

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Thoughts from our trip to Italy in Sept 2013

• Nine times out of ten, if you ordered drinks only, they'd serve some kind of nibble to go with it. From simple ready salted crisps, to olives, to more complicated crosinti. Or a small biscuit with your coffee. I liked this. Made having an afternoon prosecco more of an occasion.
• There was tactile pacing with a linear pattern to help blind people to get from the road crossing to the next road crossing, or from the metro platform to the exits.
• I saw two instances of glass fronted cupboards in kitchens that opened up to reveal plate racks above removable trays. Much more space saving than draining boards if you have vertical space to work with,
• Old sockets used to be three dots in a row.
• We ate a very tasted breaded seafood stick skewer from the little supermarket in Como. It had been shaped to look like prawns.
• Our best meal in Como was at the Fontana d'Oro where we had pizzas, and a 0.5L jug of house white that cost 5 Euro. Pizzas started at 5 Euro for a Margherita.
• Some places served their prosecco in standard wine glasses not flutes.
• All the trains seemed to be different rolling stock, and you sometimes saw mismatched train sets
• There was no fabric upholstery on the trains, either vinyl upholstery or hard plastic seats
• There seemed to be no stigma in lingering for a very long time after you finished your drink in a bar.
• We stayed in a 'residence' in Milan, which had a kitchette attached to our room. You could rent pots and pans from reception.
• You can buy Alpine butter in supermarkets
• In Milan, if you stood at the bar to drink your drink, you didn't have to pay a cover charge.
• I loved looking at all the buildings, including domestic houses with beautiful frescos
• We saw few freestanding domestic houses, and lots of appartments.
• You could buy eggs in 2s and 4s.
• They doors keys were interesting shapes. One we used had two bits, either side of the shank, making it look like a butterfly!

Enter our Hardman photo competition

Enter our Hardman photo competition



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Verity has one guinea pig and one wig? / on Instagram...

Verity has one guinea pig and one wig? / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1eLB4qd

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Tom prepares my smoked salmon Christmas breakfast. In a velvet...

Tom prepares my smoked salmon Christmas breakfast. In a velvet smoking jacket. As you do. / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1cR9MYy

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The in-laws fake tree, passed my glance test! / on Instagram...

The in-laws fake tree, passed my glance test! / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1cR9P6G

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My Dad in his very cool Christmas jumper and pale blue trews. /...

My Dad in his very cool Christmas jumper and pale blue trews. / on Instagram http://ift.tt/Jkx1lY

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Christmassy! Thanks Ellie and Andy for helping us decorate....

Christmassy! Thanks Ellie and Andy for helping us decorate. #nofilter / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1dsd7ip

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Adventy / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1etoeMZ

Adventy / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1etoeMZ

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This made me smile

craftastrophies:

Last night I was trying to explain to a friend who Kaffe Fasset and Brendon Mably are.

I said ‘if knitting designers were marvel characters they’d be Tony Stark and Pepper Pots’.

Now I can’t stop thinking about who other knitwear designers would be. Elizabeth Zimmerman has to be Fury, right? Maybe the Yarn Harlot is Hawkeye?

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Tom says this is just the starter / on Instagram...

Tom says this is just the starter / on Instagram http://ift.tt/19CyN8N

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Riley’s first instgram / on Instagram http://ift.tt/IRYHyF

Riley’s first instgram / on Instagram http://ift.tt/IRYHyF

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Lovely Riley / on Instagram http://ift.tt/IRYGLb

Lovely Riley / on Instagram http://ift.tt/IRYGLb

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So, I broke my foot

Hello world.

So, I broke my foot. It was a gentle Tuesday evening, I was sat knitting, having eaten my tea. Got up to get ready for dancing, felt a huge pain my left foot, and heard a loud crack and was on the floor.

Cancelled the dancing with Christelle, and then rang Laura to take me to A and E as it had started to swell in a stripe across my foot.

Turns out I've broken the metatarsal in line with my little toe. A and E sent me away with a bandage and crutches and said to rest it, but to try and walk on it a bit.

Fracture clinic appointment this week where they put me in plaster, say not to walk on it, and worry that I have soft tissue damage and want me to have a CAT scan.

Before the fracture clinic appointment I'd felt like it was getting a bit better and was walking on it a bit. Hopefully I've not set myself back due to that conflicting advice.

Today, my colleagues came to take me to a work meeting, which I was so grateful for, so I could see the outside world. They had fun pushing me around Mottisfont in one of the wheelchairs. I loved the theme this year for their Christmas visit, The Swan Queen's Ball. Fantastical decorated trees, a ballroom to dance in. Fabulous.

My friends have been lovely about popping in to see me to make sure I see a person, and get fed whilst Tom is at work. It's nice to feel like people care about you. Even far away friends have sent hamper or offered to pay for takeaways. Very hard to carry things when you've got crutches!

theswinginsixties: Audrey Hepburn for ‘My Fair Lady’, 1963....

theswinginsixties:

Audrey Hepburn for ‘My Fair Lady’, 1963. Costume and photo by Cecil Beaton.

Ugh - when do I get to wear a massive hat again?

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Hey I'm stuck at home with a broken foot

Send me funny things to keep me amused please!

Or ask me any question.

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Just another day in the office / on Instagram...

Just another day in the office / on Instagram http://ift.tt/1hjcvB5

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At my happiest.

"Friday night:  Alex teaching Adam to knit." http://feedly.com/k/1813Zhv

NaBloPoMo 18 19

Nothing much happened yesterday. Had a busy day at work, sorting Christmas stuff and proof reading content.

Then in the evening, I'd thought about going shopping then to the PCC meeting at church, but when I got in I was so hungry, that I ate first, then went to PCC.

PCC was relatively uneventful, looking at some donations to the church and how to spend them, and voting for some new communion assistants. We've got some big decisions to take as a parish coming up, so I expect there will be lots more thought and prayer as we approach the new year.

Afterwards, I went shopping and bought bits for the week as I had no food. I have the ladies coming round on Wednesday after pilates so bought bits to make pizza.  Then I watched a little of the Kennedys programme that was on BBC2

In someways, the Kennedys get treated like the American equivalent of royalty, which is odd for a supposed meritocratic society, in my head anyway.

I also had a fab chat with my dad, as it was his birthday. He's been ill recently, and he sounded so much perkier which was good.

Today has been more proof reading and Christmas sound clips for radio ads, and tech support. I'm off to visit Tom's mum and stepdad tonight and tomorrow, to use up some of my annual leave.

NaBloPoMo 17

Today, I have been very church wardeny, attending a service at both the churches in the parish and doing some admin.

I made a tasty chorizo risotto for lunch whilst Tom did his homework.

Then I finished one of my secret Santa presents, hemmed a pair of trousers for Tom and watched lots of trashy telly.

Tom has gone off to Brum for another week if college so I'm currently tucked up in bed with an extra duvet to keep me warm.

NaBloPoMo 16

Today we got up late.

I pottered about making lunch, tidying up and needle felting.

Tom was upstairs doing his maths home work.

We then popped up to Portswood to see if the charity shops would yield some trousers for Tom. The very last shop we went in did.

It was off to Ikea next, to buy new bed slats and some bits for Christmas presents. We met up with Todd and Adam and Ian and Mel for coffee as Ian and Mel had come down to furnish their new house.

Dinner was courtesy of the early sitting at the Oink pop up at Peter Rhodes. Was very tasty.

You find me now in Hannah and Jon's sitting room, having been kindly invited here after dinner.

It's been a gentle domestic kind of day.

NaBloPoMo 15

Today I went to Stowe to run a training session. It was the most beautiful day, crisp, bright, fresh.

This evening I have feasted at the Gower Todd's. Here is the darling coffee cup of espresso and honey and seed fudge with which I have just been presented.

The London Jazz orchestra is playing in the background and I might have bought a fabulous dress.

NaBloPoMo 14

Today, I had a planning meeting in Surrey. We got our team secret santas. With a budget of eight pounds I shall have to think hard about how to be creative.

This evening I made dinner. It turned out ok I think. Chicken, cauliflower and broccoli cheese, onions and mushrooms in red wine and carrots. I made mash for Tom.

We went off to bible study, where Tom was leading on the subject of fasting as part of our advent series. I'm feeling inspired to try some internet fasting, as I've not felt very close to God for a while, and I wonder if that's because I'm never still and alone.

NaBloPoMo 12 13

Yesterday was a manic day indeed. Lots of work, but a fab lunch with my new friend from Church.

In the eve it was off to one of the churches in my parish with Tom, Lula and Andy so Lula could PAT all the electricals. They are coming this evening to do the other church. I'm so grateful for their help.

Today I have been at Slindon, training rangers on the website system. The drive up was lovely, all the autumn colours.

I treated myself to so Autumn Hued roses to practice my bouquet arranging. Very pleased with the results. Good practice for all the wedding flowers I'm helping with next year!

NaBloPoMo 10 11

I enjoyed Sunday. We got up gently, helped Rob and Louise best we could to finish a crossword, walked along Penarth sea front, lunched at The Fig Tree , walked around Roath Park and had ice cream at Joes.

Penarth pier

Roath Park

I feel like we sampled the best of Cardiff/Penarth. I'm very jealous of Penarth's pier that's currently being refurbished. It's going to have a cinema, bar, restuarant and function rooms, and is looking splendid.

We need to tidy up tonight as Tom's mum and stepdad are coming for dinner this evening. I may make a dessert. Such decadence.

____________________

None of the NaBloPoMo prompts are very inspiring to me this year. Grr....

NaBloPoMo 8 9

Ok, so getting home at 830pm on a Friday night is not conducive to blogging.

I was working at Ightham Mote in Kent. STUNNING place. Just love the reflection of the timber beams in the waters.

When I got in, there were lots of people round my table, drinking and laughing. Just the way I like it. Tom had made chilli con carne, and we had a great time talking into the night.

Today, after having delivered my cake to the coffee morning, we've driven off to Wales to see Rob and Louise.

We've had a lovely afternoon chatting, and they've indulged my Strictly Come Dancing habit. I'm especially enamoured with the ice cream van that turns up Saturday night whatever the weather.

Roll on Sunday.

vintagebrides: 1970 Netherlands The Dutch have always been the...

vintagebrides:

1970 Netherlands

The Dutch have always been the best at floristry.

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NaBloPoMo 5 6 7

Ok, so I suck at this already!

5

I went to work at our office in Micheldever Station today. I love working here. It's a barn conversion and it's peaceful, and has working phones and internet. And a willow sculpture of a bull in the garden you can definitely tell is a bull.

I also painted a picture for Tom's Dad's Christmas present. Tom and I think it's fab, hopefully he will too.

6

Today I worked out of the church office. On my breaks, I arranged poppies for Remembrance Sunday, had a cup of tea with a friend and got my set of church warden keys. In the evening I made geonese cake for the flower arrangers coffee morning on Saturday. This will need icing tonight, finished the painting and roasted pumpkin and peppers for Tom's lunchtime soup.

7

I've been in Surrey today, at our weekly planning meeting. I'm lucky to work with a friendly team. Sometimes our meetings are like group therapy! I've also popped into town to get some of Tom's Christmas presents, and spent an hour trying to get one email to send.

I can smell the risotto Tom is making, and Big Bang Theory is keeping company on the telly.

We're off to bible study tonight, and then I will ice my cake when we get in.

___________________

Prompts:

Intense

I am currently surprised at how intensely tired I am feeling. It's probably a combination of a lack of exercise, adjusting to the darker evenings, a lot of work and not enough sleep.

I'm also surprised at how intensely I'm missing friends - there are a few who I didn't see often, but I've not seen for a bit, and the longing to chat to them has crept up on me.

Searching

My last Google search was for Fast Food Review. I have a strange compulsion to read about the excesses of American fast food. Should I ever visit the US again, I'm going to try some of these odd combinations!

Support

I don't currently have a mentor figure in my life, but there are a few people who I really admire. Some of the older ladies at Church are really inspiring. I think the people who give me the most support are friends from university.

NaBloPoMo4

Today I went to Osterley Park in London to help film some conservation work. It's all for something top secret, so I can't tell you what.

Then I came home, and published web content until Tom came back. We've checked the diary for the week, planned some meals and invited people round to eat on Friday.

We're planning to go to the Range to pick up some essentials like a food flask and a canvas for painting after dinner. As you do.

I don't have anything else to say today, but I'm here writing.

Ask me some questions to answer for the rest of the month!

NaBloPoMo 1 2 3

Ooh I forgot about NaBloPoMo!

On day one I drove to East Sussex to run a social media training session with the Bodiam Castle team.

Every day I thank God for the chance to visit beautiful places like this and get paid for the pleasure.

On day two I laid in, sorted some banking, then drove to Leighton Buzzard for Jess and Andy's housewarming.

It was fabulous. Good friends, good food and lots of chatting.

I went to bed after 1am, a rare occurrence these days.

Today finds me sprawled on the floor of their living room floor, listening to the chaps trying to fix a broken warming plate. What a way to start November.

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