Jeff Buckley- Hallelujah- Music Video

This is gorgeous. Long intro but worth listening to. Beautiful song.

Im in London. I still find it fascinating that you can access all your info from wherever your are. The internet is indeed a wonderful tool. Mike and I have come down to London to sort out his visa for his Philippine trip. He will be staying with his dad over in the Philippines for quite a while to aid his recovery and also to get to see his dad, who he hasn't seen for over 15 years now. I'm pleasantly surprised at the price of hotels in London. We are staying just over from Kensington Park. A nice hotel, lovely swimming pool, etc. and only 59 pounds per night per room, including brekkie. We arrived on Sunday and booked into a Thistle Hotel which was about 110 pounds per night but they could only fit us in for the one night. I'm quite pleased about this, as we went for a walkabout and found loads of hotels much cheaper, but equally as good. I'm also gobsmacked that they still having smoking rooms. All the hotels have a choice of smoking or non smoking rooms - apparently as they are privately owned property, the rooms can still be smokers rooms - not in the bar or restaurant. I don't smoke personally, but my hubby does and finds it against his civil liberties not to be allowed to smoke. He's happy to choke me to death though! I'm only joking - it has never really been an issue for me. I've never been a smoker, but other people smoking has never bothered me. Everyone to their own. I am teaching hubby how to use email so he can email me from the Philippines instead of phoning. He is also going to be reading my blog so I better be nice. lol.
Hope you are reading this Nicola, cos I'm only updating it cos you said you read my blog!! lol.

Cardmaking (wow, never thought I would do it)
Well, this has been another difficult year so far. I haven't got much scrapping done. However, I feel a bit more positive and will hopefully do a little bit more in the future. I am also starting cardmaking. There are a few reasons for this decision. I have LOADS of stash that I need to use up but it is a bit 'out of date' and I have just gone off it. However, it cost quite a lot so need to use it up. I am going to 'cut it up' for cardmaking. Also I can hopefully satisfy my need for 'Pink and Girly', as most of my scrapbooking isn't girly (having two boys). I also want to sell any cards I make for Charity. Therefore, this cardmaking lark should have a number of uses. It will use up my old stash, allow me to create girly stuff and make a bit of money for Charity. I am also 'stamping' now. Something I haven't really been in to before, but will be able to incorporate this into my Scrapbooking and Altered Art. So, a good idea altogether, I feel. I will post some of my cards, when they are made.

Size Really Does Matter

Bought a fabby new album from Scrapajack yesterday. It is 8.5 x 11, and it is going to make a huge difference to my scrapping mojo. I did a page today and it was sooooo much easier than scrapping 12 x 12. Plus if you want to print something on the page it will fit through the printer. Not that I did. But I might want to. really enjoyed it. I am making an album for my youngest son's birthday (which is next month, so it could end up as a Chrimble pressie yet.lol).
I've had two days of scrapping and have loved it. Scrapajacks crop yesterday and Swindon Crop today. Made a fabby wabby mini book yesterday at Chris's class at Scrapajack, and started to cover it today at Swindon crop, plus did a page for my new album.
This is it.

My hubby Mike, had a stroke almost 3 weeks ago. It has been a very weird time for us all, as we come to terms with the fact he will be fairly disabled for at least the next twelve months. There have been complications in as much as there is some sort of 'mass' on his brain. He has had some seizures. He is 50 this year and is relatively young to have had a stroke. He has been extremely stressed the past few weeks due to certain circumstances which have no doubt contributed to this happening. I have found it particularly hard trying to keep the business going and keeping the family bolstered throughout this time. We are getting there tho.
On a lighter note, I have decided to do some cardmaking. I love Scrapbooking and I love altered art, but my mojo has virtually disappeared of late. Thought I might do some smaller projects. I will do some ATC's and Ive got a couple of other ideas - but thought I would also do some cardmaking - mainly fairies, angels and cute baby, teddy stuff. Having two boys mean most of my scrapbooking isn't usually based on the pretty stuff, so gonna use another outlet to keep that side of me happy.

Long Time - No Post
It has been a long time since I last posted - so my New Year's Resolution, yet again, down the pan.
However, once more into the breach. This year appears to be going the same as most years. More downs than ups. Being a very positive optimistic person normally - I feel as if the 'Gods' are really trying my Faith. Let's see how much we can throw at her, then we will see how positive she is. I'm sure we all feel like this at times. We plough on, regardless, keeping our chin up - not letting life get us down. So, when do we give in - enough is enough - ok, I give up.
That is how I feel right now, Today. Probably tomorrow, I will be ok again. But tonight - I've had enough. Anybody up there listening!!!!! You bloody win. I've had enough.

This is a picture I really like of Mary (my mother in law who passed 48 hours ago). She absolutely loved babies, and this is our Matt, bless. 18 years ago. Mike and I were going into London for the weekend and dropped Matt off with Mary and John (Mikes stepdad). Up to about the age of 3, she would willingly have them, so Mike and I used to make the most of it and go to London quite a lot. However, once they got passed about 3 years old, she never really bothered with them again - which I used to find really odd, but then, heyho we are all different, thank goodness.

Goodbye Mary
My mother-in-law passed over tonight. She was a good woman who has had a very interesting life. Her passing was very peaceful - direct opposite to the torment of the past two years. Poor woman went through hell - she had Lewy Bodies Dementia. When my hubby and I visited her yesterday, she had a very very rare moment of lucidity (for the past six months she hasn't known who we are, or who she is) - she looked at us and said 'I can't do this anymore, I've just had enough, there's only so much you can take and I can't take it anymore'. I knew then her spirit was leaving.
God Bless You Mary - Love and Light. xxxx

Mixed Feelings
Received a phone call yesterday evening from Winchester Hospital. Mike's (hubby) mum is critically ill. Drove down to Winchester today to see what is going on, as Mike's sister can sometimes be a little dramatic (bordering on hysteria, normally). Anyway, besides the Alzheimer's that she has been suffering from, she also suffers with emphesyma. She now has pnueomonia. She hasn't eaten for three days, and the doctors have said they will not resuscitate if she needs it. Due to her alzheimers, she has a fear of anything over her face, so will not allow them to put oxygen mask on her, so they have now decided not to give her oxygen either, as it distresses her too much. Her skin has started to break open and bleed (Im assuming due to lack of fluids), she is taking very very short sharp breaths, her fingertips and lips are blue, and when she coughs she sounds like she is drowning. She is totally disorientated and is asking for her mom (who has been dead 30 years). Good God, we would not allow an animal to go through this. I only pray she will go in her sleep, for her own sake.
I cannot say we have always seen eye to eye. However, I have always respected her as a very intelligent, well travelled, well mannered lady. One of the 'old school' with a military family. Big on etiquette. A little bit prim maybe (compared to me,lol). This is just awful to see her like this, and I know she would be totally horrified herself if she was in her 'right' mind.
Time to make a Living Will, methinks. Bring on Euthanasia for me please.


Left is a picture of Mary (Mike's mum), she is the one in the centre of the piccie. This was taken when she lived in Singapore, 1958. The little blonde fellah, in the right hand corner, is my hubby, no less. lol. (does he look like a little girl, or what!!).pmsl.

Finished At Last

Learned how to make this gorgeous paper bag book in Fiona's Class at ScrappersUnlimited Retreat in Gloucester. I originally wanted to make it for Janine's 21st Birthday in November, but didn't get it finished in time. In fact, didn't finish it in time for Christmas either. However, she has had it today as a New Year gift and she absolutely loved it.

I really enjoyed making it too, so hope to make many more in the future. There's loads of tags and secret places for piccies and inspirational quotes. I made mine on a 'love' theme, with lots of piccies of Scott and Janine. Very pleased with the finished product.

That Awful Call

Remember the little car on the left. The one we bought Matt for his 18th birthday. Well look below, here it is now.

The car is a right-off. 'Thankfully Matt walked away unharmed and no-one else was involved. So thank God all we have lost is money, and I couldn't care in the slightest about every penny of it. Getting that phone call to say he had crashed made my blood run cold. It's awful. Thankfully he was going very slow (God knows what happens at speed), he was travelling over a road full of speed bumps and he thought something had fallen off the car (he said it sounded as if the back windscreen had fallen off - the one we had replaced the month before when it was smashed due to burglars nicking his CD player!!!). He briefly turned to see what had fallen (nothing has it happens), turned back round to find himself being wrapped round a lamp post. The car was proclaimed a 'right off' due to the chassis having been pushed right back and the roof kinking, or something similar. The car seemed jinxed. Broken into twice, and now this - all since June. So, its gone - kapput. We have had it scrapped and informed DVLA so that it can never be used again.

I was talking to a fireman friend of mine (I used to be married to one). The day before he had had the terrible terrible job of releasing four young teenagers killed in a car crash near Worcester. The car had hit a tree. My heart breaks for the phone call their parent's must have received.

I told him about Matt's crash and how he thankfully walked away unhurt (bit of wiplash). He said that sometimes it is 'good', if that is the right word, for a young male to have a bump in the first year of driving as long as no-one is hurt. It brings their mortality home to them and they seriously think about their driving skills. They tend to think they are invincible, don't they, these youngsters.

Just wanted to get that post out of the way before the New Year.

Welcome to his new little car, a Hyundai, that we have bought for him. He needs a car for his job as he works about 8 miles away from where he is living with my sister. She lives out in the sticks so there isn't even public transport for him to get into Worcester. He does have the option of living with us in Swindon, but he has found a job that he absolutely loves (he is a personal trainer), and doesn't want to give it up. So, hopefully, a lesson will have been learnt and his eyes will no longer stray from that road!

New Year Resolution
Ok. So, it is only the 29th, but my New Year Resolution is going to be 'I will update my Blog on a regular basis'. Haven't been around much lately. A lot going on as usual. However, my youngest son put it all into perspective for me. 'Considering you do all this meditation stuff and are always preaching about the power of positive thinking - how come you go to pieces whenever you are stressed over us kids'. Wow, totally correct. The rest of the world with all the good and bad, I can cope with. My motto 'what doesn't kill ya, makes you stronger', for me, only seems to work as long as my kids aren't involved. So, I have had a good think over the Christmas holiday, and my son is totally right. I need to practice what I preach on a daily basis, whatever is going on in my life, good or bad. It has not been a good year, and I have found I have only been able to scrap and blog when things are going ok. So, hopefully, all that is going to change. Life is life, good bad and ugly on a daily basis. I love my scrapping and intend to try really hard to keep it all going throughout the bad times as well as the good. I will also find time to meditate regularly and continue practising my spirituality. I used to sit in a 'circle'. Haven't done that for a while. If work allows, I will try to join another circle (difficult though as it isn't something you can just 'turn up' to occasionally - it is a commitment). So, for now bloggers, I leave you with this piccie - Its an old one, but one of my favourites of my son and his girlfriend. (I hope to take more piccies and put them on my blog - cos I know when I read blogs, I love to look at the piccies). Piccie mad us Scrappers. lol.
btw. whats with the new google blog thing that they are asking us to use on Blogger?

This is cool. Im showing off me A plus. give it a whirl.

Your Vocabulary Score: A+

Congratulations on your multifarious vocabulary! You must be quite an erudite person.

How's Your Vocabulary?

Good News/Bad News.
The good news is, that after a very rocky, tempestuous year, Scott and Janine seem to have worked it all out. They are back together, and appear very happy. What a true saying 'The course of true love never runs smooth'. Think this saying was made for these two. There is no doubt about it, they completely love each other, and hopefully now they have both realised this, and got over all the silly jealousies and game playing, they may be able to settle down to 'being happy together'. Lets Hope.
The bad news, however, is that after an emergency appointment yesterday with Scott's Rheumy, it appears there is a possibility he has TB. He is being admitted within the next 24 hours for tests. This could explain why the last 2 months he has been in a flare with his 'Arthur', that we cannot get under control. I have total faith in his Consultant - even though I only found out today that the medication he has been injecting himself with for the past (almost) 3 years, leaves you susceptible to TB.

Im a Bad Blogger.
I am a fair weather blogger and a fair weather scrapper. I have discovered this over the past few weeks. When I have problems in my life (which I have, and have had), my mojo flies out of the window. I only enjoy scrapping when all is well with my life. Same seems to be with blogging too. I wish I could write down all my problems and give them a good old airing - but i just can't seem to do it. I do occasionally ceremoniously write down stuff and then burn it - that feels good.
Loads of stuff going on at present. Still, I am trying to practise what I preach, and 'live for the moment', cos after all, that is all we have. I read somewhere recently, that if animals could talk, and you asked an Eagle (or any other animal, bird etc), 'What time is it please', they would answer ' Well it is now of course'. Cos let's face it, it is true, we only have now. We should therefore learn to live and enjoy the present. I am reading Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now, at the moment (Now, lol). Hard going, but really good. So everyone, live the moment.

Gosh. It is ages since I blogged. I have been soooooo busy the past few weeks with work. This is our busiest time of the year and really cannot moan about being busy cos a few other conservatory companies that we know have gone bust this year.
However, our youngest son Matthew had his 18th Birthday on the 16th of this month. He passed his driving test on the 5th of this month, so we have bought him a little run around for his 18th. More worry !!!! When does the worry ever end!!! As I work/live in Swindon, and he and my older son live in Worcester, each night before I go to bed, I pretend in my mind that they are both safely tucked up in bed, reading. That's the only way I ever manage to sleep!!
Here he is with said car. We are quite pleased with it. Bought it from a lovely family in The Lawns, Swindon (anybody who knows Swindon will know that it's a lovely area). Only had two owners, full service history and incredibly low mileage, so we paid a bit over the top for it, but have had it checked out and seems worth it. Don't want to talk about the Insurance however, as I am still taking inhalers for the shock. Years ago, when I passed my test - admittedly in those days, think I was one of the first women drivers on the road, lol - but I just was added to my Dad's insurance. Can't do that nowadays, and the quotes were unreal. 3rd party, fire and theft only with some of them was over 2k!!!! As he is doing his pass plus (another new thing to me), we managed to get one for 1300 quid. phew!!!! Imagine having four kids and buying cars for each of them as they passed their test. Not that I have, thank goodness. Just the two and that will do nicely.

Band of the Banned
I appear to have joined the realms of the Banned people over at an altered art forum. It is all very strange. A friend of mine came to stay for a few days, and was using my computer. As I am automatically logged in to various forums, she was posting in my name, save keep logging in and out. She happened to ask, on this particular forum, why she was unable to 'pm' one of our other friends. Apparently, due to this awful indiscretion, we were both banned. Turns out that lots of people have been banned and lots of other people not even allowed on to the hallowed ground of AN Forum. All very strange if you ask me. Still, their loss. I'm certainly not going to lose any sleep over it. Can't be bothered with such small minded bigots.

Thanks to the wonder that is the INTERNET, I have found my cousins that I have not seen for getting on 40 years. Our mothers were sisters who came over from Ireland in their teens to make a new life for themselves. We were all very close when we were young, but unfortunately, my mum died when I was 13 and my aunt, uncle and cousins had moved away to London by then. Everyone then just went their ways, as we do in life, and we all lost touch. So it is absolutely fabulous to have found them again and we are all hoping to meet later this year. So here are my cousins: Angie, and Patricia. Angie is pictured with Pat's son Robin, Pat is on her own (picture wise that is) cos the lovely looking fella in the flowered shirt is her hubby, Pat's other son Pete is on his own gazing gorgeously out (to sea, I think as he is a Diving Instructor) Angies lad Christopher is the one with the gorgeous long hair. I have yet to get a piccie of my other cousin Teresa and family, but when I do, I will post on. Can ya tell I'm all excited. Can deffo see a family resemblance, and can't wait to meet them all.

Bless
I'm a bit of an overprotective mother, it has to be said. My two boys live in Worcester and I live and work in Swindon. I pop up to Worcester to see them one day each week. I was back there yesterday and whilst in Tescos replenishing their stocks, got a text from Matthew, my youngest, saying to check the laptop when I got back. Ooooeeer, thinks I, looks like Im gonna be spending the night fixing viruses. When I got back and checked, he had written me a poem and left it on the laptop for me to see:

My Old Dear
Never left wanting yea my mum’s a dream
Cook you a dinner n sew up your seams
Unquestioning love gladly received
Think I’ll come home early so you can rub my feet



You’re always up waiting when I come home
Kind of feel bad you’re left all alone
I know that you worry but mummy I’m grown
Finding a way to make this life my own



You don’t have to be there every day
I know your love won’t go away
My guardian angel, my modern day saint
My love for mum will always stay



You never seem to stop til the day is done
Never have time to feel the rays of the sun
Taught me some lessons, I ain’t forgot one
Want you to be proud that I am your son

How sweet is that!

What a Week
I got robbed - and it's definitely taken the wind out of my sails. Got a panic phone call from our accountant asking which one of us was in Bangkok!!! We were both in our dressing gowns at the time - in sunny Swindon - deffo not Bangkok. turns out one of our cards had made 5 separate transactions in 5 separate banks in Bangkok amounting to the princely sum of fifteen hundred smakaroonis. Some robbing sod had 'cloned' our debit card. After scraping DH off the ceiling, he proclaimed that it had to be me cos of all the internet shopping I do, and as he is a total technophobe, he couldn't possibly have done anything wrong. I was absolutely dying for it to have been his card. alas, however, it did turn out to be my card - but absolutely nothing to do with the internet. Although I live in Swindon, my 'home' town (City actually), is Worcester, where I have a house and my children live in it. I travel up weekly to check they haven't totally wrecked the joint (partially, I can and have had to handle,lol). On my way back, I call in at the local petrol station before hitting the M5, which I found out today is under investigation for major fraud. So after lengthy police calls, bank calls etc., it turns out some little weasel at that petrol station has cloned mine and dozens of other cards, passed the information on to an accomplice in Bangkok, where they draw out literally hundreds and thousands of pounds at different banks over a period of 2/3 days at a time. C.I.D Police and Fraud people from the Bank are investigating as we speak, and I am hoping and praying we get our money back. Not a brilliant week. I blame my Buddha, or actually my husband. I have a lovely Buddha water fountain with a revolving crystal over which the water cascades. About 3 weeks ago, my husband decided to clean it out. It stopped working. The past 3 weeks have been rubbish although it wasn't until this morning that DH said, 'things have really gone wrong since that Buddha stopped working, Im gonna try to fix it'. So he takes it apart to find, dah, dah, an on/off switch that he had obviously accidentally switched off whilst cleaning. So Buddha switched back on. Within minutes, had a phone call from a potential customer. A phone call from the Bank saying we should get our money back, and a phone call about a planning application (we erect conservatories), that we have had a problem with due to a sewer pipe, giving us the go ahead. My hubby is now definitely a convert.