Lavenderhouse

When stressed visit a lavender field

Perhaps you would like to listen to this music whilst we chat.

Saturday saw disgusting drizzly, driving rain that made us all grumpy.  The children were naughty and it really was all too much.  We are used to being outside for hours on end enjoying nature and the sunshine.  My family are not designed to be indoors near TVs or computers (blogging is the exception!).  During this mayhem my lovely friend Sarah texted me a blank text message.  Looney I thought!  Then I pressed view and she had sent me a gorgeous photograph of a lavender field.  As you can tell it looked so good that the above photograph is me standing in the very same field the next day - Sunday.  This photo was accidently snapped by Skyla as she pottered about with the camera.  When I downloaded the photographs I was really captivated by the contrast of the lavender and the aqua beads of my bracelet. 

The marvellous Lordington Lavender Farm have had two open weekends, inviting the public in to walk amongst the lavender, bees and butterflies.  The children gasped as we walked down the little hill from the farm carpark to see a beautiful purple field. 

I loved the individuality of this cheery yellow flower growing amonst all that purpleness!

Pasha took this lovely photograph of this butterfly.  She was most impressed to discover in a butterfly book this weekend that there is actually a butterfly called a two tailed Pasha. 

There were literally hundreds of bees and butterflies flitting about to be captured on film.

There were masses of ladybirds too, which the children loved picking up and then finding them on their clothes as they had all (unplanned) worn lavender blue or turquoise and were attracting nature.

Definitely the best place to be when stressed, is in the middle of a wonderful lavender field.  We all came home, via a run around in the park in Arundel too, feeling a lot better. 

I just have to say a big thank to three very special friends, Sarah, Nadia and Louise who have been really brilliant recently.  Thank you sooooooooooo much. 

I would also like to apologise too for being a bad blogger re: comments.  I started to write here about how I was failing to leave comments on some blogs - the truth is I am a dinosaur technologically sometimes and cant always work out how to leave a comment plus some people leaving comments on my blog have no link direct to their blog - bottom line THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LEAVING COMMENTS I DO TRULY REALLY APPRECIATE IT.  I surf blog land preferring to read blogs rather than depressing newspapers so I am often reading all about you all.  Have a great week!

Polka dot nail varnish!

me poncing about with watercolours

Well, that was a long blog break ..... some intentional and some forced upon me.  We have been loving the half term holiday, the surprise summer that has been sprung upon us and all the wonderful fresh air.  I have not been loving my third dose of flu in as many weeks though.  I was laid really low - 2 whole days in bed in a half term - unthinkable - fortunately the cavalry stepped in (husband) and did a great job of managing the household and children (including sleepover guests).  There is so much to catch up with diary wise ..... it will have to be done in stages ...

The sun shining is such a boost and so great for being with friends.  Last Sunday, which seems about a hundred years ago, we spent the day with my wonderful friend Louise and her family.  I have known her since I was nine and she has gone on to deliver two of my babies (yes - she is a midwife before you ask!). 

Yes - that is some of the children crouching under umbrellas as she sprays them with a hose pipe! 

Thank gawd I was holding the camera otherwise I think she might have got me too!

When we first arrived at their house I was greeted by my god-daughter excitedly telling me she had got some polka dot nail varnish (she knows my love of polka dots).   Look proof - she did!

Back tomorrow - we have become beach bums .........  eating lunch and cooking tea on the beach - it really feels like we have been away on a proper holiday.  The best thing is the sea salt breeze - refreshing, invigorating and more difficult to spread my lurgy which is still lurking. 

Hedgerow flowers

I am always amazed at the colour ..........

the brightness ..............

and how beautiful hedgerow flowers are.

I like other sorts too though ..........

Lunasea

Two of my children went back to school today so Pasha and I went to Brighton for some one to one time and shopping!  We had a lovely time and a great lunch at Food for Friends

Back to last week now.  I would like to take you on a mad little journey that we like to take occasionally, a bit of Lunasea! 

You see the walk is a river bank walk past the maddest of houseboats that you have ever seen.  The river is tidal hence the mud flats in the photographs.  This all actually looks very dull due to the very grey weather but believe me it is all a bit bonkers.  One person has a post box made from a microwave.  This is the nicest and sanest post box.

How mad is this house boat - - please note the car and caravan that forms part of the side - well, its not like you can really miss it when I think about it!  However, look how overcast the day is you can't even tell there is sky behind the boat!

Equally bonkers!

Yes, there is a fake bomb stuck in the mud (the tide is currently out).  I think it has the usual slogan of make love not war on it.

Apparently when the tide is up it does float! 

I quite like the look of this washing and faded bunting.

It is a bit like this, the house boats and the rest of the world and you meet the nicest of people ....

Anyway, whilst typing this The Simpsons are on in the background.  As Homer Simpson has just said, "What?  I have a TO DO pile?"  Must go, got to sort out the Leaning Tower of Pisa of 'things to do' following half-term!

Polka dots & the Wilderness Wood

First, a limerick

To the woods young man
with woman if you can
if you can't take a woman
take a watering can!

Ha ha!  No laughing if you have had flu - I don't want any wheezing away at the keyboard by any of you!  If I start laughing at the moment then I break out in to the most dreadful coughing spasms.  (For those of you thinking it - gawd help her, she has had three children - I would just like to report that I have very good pelvic floor muscles!!!!!!!)

AnyWAY!  The point of this post is to tell you about our lovely afternoon in the Wilderness Woods the other day.  I was feeling crappy but cannot and will not stay indoors all day otherwise I flip out!  So we went to the woods, which are magical at this time of the year.

Well, we love eating outdoors in the summer but obviousy do not manage it as much in the Winter (not much difference in the weather though - only less rain at the moment - ahhhemmmm!!)  We did think we would take our lunch. 

I just adore using real cutlery, plates etc and pretty pans.  Some how the red and white polka dot pans are just fab for use outside.  I just imagine all the little fairies hiding in the woods oooing and ahhhing over them!  For those of you who don't believe in fairies I beg to differ - LOOK!

This is my lovely polka dot jug that is great for soup or mulled wine!

What would a winter lunch be without Heinz Tomato Soup though.

Pasha had her guide book out and was checking out all the mushrooms - probably more to look at in the wood at this time of year as everything is far more visible.

Skyla conquers her fear of heights yet again, sobbing as she goes.  She is so determined.  She hates heights but keeps going until she does what she fears most.  I am sure it will be a quality that will help her soooo much in the future.   I do not make her do anything she doesn't want to do but she will not leave things until she has done what is frightening her.  I have to say that I look like the wickedest Mother - it looks like I am making her do it - when she screams 'NO' everyone thinks it is me making her climb, not that she is screaming 'NO' because she doesn't want to leave!!!!

Her determination is something to be admired.  Something that, no doubt, I will use as inspiration this year at times to help me through!!!  She has just spotted her picture on the PC - to quote her "See, I can!"

Christmas Idea No 9, 10 & 11 - Sun & Moon

I am extremely lacking and naughty blogwise, for which I apologise.   I think, however, as far as DOING the Christmas shopping and wrapping I might, just might be on top of things - FAMOUS LAST WORDS!  I would just like to point out that I am not finished, just seem to be getting THERE!

I try to group people together to make my life easier.  So for example, all the boys aged 4 - 6 are getting the same type of present.  Kids seem to have so much that I don't think it warrants us standing in a shop umming and ahhing for ages about individual presents.  There are certain people I pick specific presents for and, of course, between Father Christmas and I, hopefully my children get the right things.

At this time of year, we really don't spend enough time outside.  To this end I would like to try to persuade you to spend just a few moments pondering the great outdoors!

Christmas Idea No 9:- 

Ladies & Gentlemen showing for one night only - the brightest moon for 2008 can be seen in the frosty,  star scattered sky tonight.

Christmas Idea No 10:-  At this time of year due to the short days it is a great time to catch a sunrise.

If you can't face getting up early then Christmas Idea No 11 is catch a sunset!

Pleasant pondering everyone. 

Love, cosy and hope!

This is my weekend in reverse.  Sunday beckoned loveliness and bright, shiny things!  I went with a great friend to 'Frock Me' in Brighton.  There was a huge array of the most gorgeous vintage clothing and accessories.  I will have to show and tell what I bought another day as the light has not been good here today for photos.  Then we popped across the road to Made08 and met some fantastic designers and artists.  My favourite sale of mine this weekend was when one of the artists stopped me, asked about the brooch I was wearing and ordered and paid for one there and then.  I have to post it to her!  The artists and designers there are truly talented unlike some of us budding amateurs - ME!

I am blogging this way round because you might have read about the Fair and not want a repeated version. However, before I went, everyone who knew I was going, wanted me to explain the Vintage and Handmade Fair.  I said I couldn't because it had never been done before.  It was completely unique.  Michele and Jayne had organised and put their hearts and souls in to making the Fair a success.  Every customer who came through the door came specifically to wonder at a new happening.  I think Michele and Jayne will be able to look back in the future and laugh that their first fair was held in a little village hall in a tucked away village called Rangeworthy.  They have begun the equivalent of the Country Living fair in the South West.  I am sure it will move on to much bigger things for them both - lots of luck:-) 

My day started very early.

Unfortunately it wasnt early enough.  I pride myself on being good at navigating but failed miserably at finding the hall.  I put the co-ordinates in to the GPS on my phone but it wouldnt recognise it, then I phoned for help but there was no signal to anyone in the hall, then I phoned my husband who googled it for me and guided me.  I arrived as all the members of the public came in.  I was devastated and upset. 

My space had gone and I was left with two tiny children's tables in the corridor.  Despite my failings at navigating I was organised and I was able to set my stall up in about 10 minutes as I had planned it all in minute detail.  I then spent the next 6 hours being in the privileged position to say welcome to the fair as I was right by the front door.  The wind whipped past me straight in to the hall and due to living by the sea and being hardy and my unconventional way of dressing (I had bloomers on under my skirt and a warm angora cardigan!) I did not feel the cold.  The words on my brooches described the fair perfectly - love, cosy and hope.

I got to hear people's first comments  ........... people expected a version of the WI but were pleasantly surprised, they expected an enlarged charity shop, etc etc  I had conversations with men about where I had got my fairy lights from, I could have sold all my props about 10 times, and met some gorgeous customers.  There was a group of teachers who all worked together.  Two came along and sos'd their friend to join them.  On all meeting up they enjoyed the chance to do some alternative shopping - one offered to sew something for the other and it was so lovely.  What more could you ask for at a Vintage and Handmade Fair when one of your customer's is called Delfy Tuppence (first and middle name).  She came with her lovely Mum and friend.  It is another name for us to add to our list of names for our kittens.  I would have loved to have spoken more to the other bloggers but had to keep popping back to my stall.  I only made two very, very quick dashes round the stalls.  Everyone had obviously worked very hard and I hope they all did very well.  Hen at Henhouse explains the fair beautifully.  Harry, her lovely step son sporting a vintage cowboy shirt, bought some Enid Blyton books from me. Everyone dashed off home, too soon, it would have been lovely to have chatted more ....have a good week everyone . . . . . .

Oi, sonny Jim, that isn't fancy dress .......  it is vintage you know!!!!!!!!!

Blatant advertising!

Please come along and see us NEXT Saturday - 22 November 2008.  Please click on the link to read more about it!  Vintage and Handmade Fair

There will be tea and cakes, vintage music, vintage things to buy and lots of handmade loveliness for Christmas gifts or treats for yourself!

We really look forward to seeing you all!

Problem Solver & Country Living

Hello everyone, what a ghastly grey day!  We had to pop up to London this morning for a doctors appointment for Jasper.  Nothing serious thank goodness.  Whilst up there, I managed due to the disgusting weather to get some power Christmas shopping done.  You know, achieved a lot in a little time plus did not have to carry everything miles to the car as I popped in to the Cath Kidston shop in Wimbledon Village and one other lovely gift shop (privately owned).  This Christmas, I am trying to give my money (via shopping of course) to smaller businesses who might find it tough to ride out the recession. I was able to get loads of little things for little peoples you know whats that only cost between £1 - £3 that will (hopefully) provide loads of entertainment at Christmas.

On Saturday the girls and I went to Hove Museum where we took part in a recycling art project.  We made a light shade (that does not conform to any Health & Safety law - not pictured) and some christmas decorations using old carrier bags.  The thinner carrier bags make the best baubles.  I am going to make a some white ones to hang in the lounge window.

 
We had a lovely lunch in the cafe/restaurant, then after more crafting in the afternoon we popped upstairs where there is a large room full of old toys that have been very imaginatively displayed.  There is an old train track that runs under the floor and one can lift little flaps (like mouse hole doors) to see its progress under the floor. 

Downstairs part of the museum has an area dedicated to drawing for children.  There are worksheets and crayons and pencils.  There are strings with silver pegs to hang up any art work you may wish to leave behind.  Please double click on the photo and it will enlarge so you can read it - I was very touched and amused (and thought you would be too) to read the following letters:-

Next to it someone had kindly taken the trouble to reply!

Don't you just love that a teenager probably wrote that letter!

In case you have forgotten, because I had until I looked back at the photo, Sunday was actually quite bright.  On a grey, dismal day like today it is so easy to forget!  Anyway, a couple of hours were spent in bed Sunday morning (nursing a back ache - occured like one of those comedy moments when someone puts their back out in a sitcom - only not funny!)  Don't get any ideas either I was not swinging from a chandelier when I did the damage - lifted my arm to dry my hair with the hairdryer!  Like a lot of you I have been enjoying reading my Country Living Magazine this weekend.  Look here it is on my bed, slightly out of reach due to poorly back ache and I am being heavily interuppted with paper aeroplane making for Jasper!!!!  Plus half the bed became a runway!

Have a great week everyone!

The word for the moment is definitely trees

Monday saw the rise of the beautiful autumn sun and one could tell it was fading in the afternoon by the distinct autumnal chill.   My friend Sarah and I plus kids headed off for Kew Gardens.  Kids get in free - where else does that happen? We headed straight for the magnificent tree top walk:-

Wonderful view from the tree top walk:-

I loved this sculpture against the real thing:-

I loved these words.  I think it is magical to walk along a well trodden path knowing people from hundreds of years have pottered along the same route.  To know that when you look at aged tree it has seen so many changes and so many different people pass by.

 

Today we went to Parham Park where the cold air, sharp frost and bright sunshine reminded me of lovely walks in the Lake District that my husband and I used to enjoy when we lived in London.  Every other weekend we used to drive to the Lake District, pitch our tent in the lay by outside the camp site (it was closed by the time we arrived) then in the morning when the gates opened we used to lift the tent up intact and walk it to a pitch!

The deer were out in force today. Look near the fence and you will see a magnificent stag.

This group looked so beautiful in the trees:-

 

We had a lovely time walking round the park.  We then met some friends for another woodland walk in the afternoon.  Isn't it amazing half term weather - even though it is very cold, it is so beautifully sunny.  I love my son's wishful thinking of snow, remember the sledge pictures in the lounge from last week?   Well, we didnt get snow here - too much salt in the air by the sea - it has to snow a lot for it to lay.  I hope some of you had a great time while it lasted!