Hello, thank you for calling in, it's lovely to see you here. I didn't intend to be away for so long; I have had lots of ideas to share with you but somehow, I couldn't write about them coherently. They all got jumbled up together in my brain and I couldn't untangle them and the longer it took, the worse it got. I am a bit unsettled at the moment, there are changes afoot and the prospect is making me anxious so I think that's why my brain is fuddled. I have decided that the solution is to show you some bits and pieces of what I have been doing over the last three weeks, inspired by the monthly "...ing" posts which Jo writes over at Three Stories High and which I love to read.
1. Exploring - Last weekend, the Best Beloved and I spent several hours in the sunshine up Titterstone Clee Hill in South Shropshire and as I read my book and did some crochet while drinking in the glorious views, he went for a wander with his camera, right to the top of the hill.
2. Reading - I have just finished reading A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I realise that this book may not be for everyone as it includes some sexual exploitation, violence and self-harm but I found it deeply moving and very affecting. I finished it last weekend and I can't stop thinking about it.
3. Crocheting - I have been making a blanket for myself. I've never made anything as big as this before and I have learned a lot, but I have enjoyed every single stitch of this one. I have crocheted on my sofa, in bed, on other people's sofas, in a cafe, in a National Trust property, in an hotel bar and out in the Shropshire Hills and all of those places are embedded into my blanket. When it's finished, I shall give it a post of its own.
4. Playing - I look after Tom Kitten one regular day a week, occasionally more, and he is a joy. I am grateful that I can do something practical to help his parents and for the opportunity to forge a special relationship with my grandchild. He is funny and smart and adorable and I am head-over-heels in love with him. Playing is very tiring, for both of us!
5. Stamping - I spent a day at a free event which combined history with an art workshop. I don't have any drawing or painting skills but I was encouraged to have a go at stamping, which I haven't really done before. I had to carve out my own stamp with A REAL LINO CUTTING TOOL and, having looked at a book for inspiration, I decided that I wanted to use Thomas Telford's mason's mark as the basis for my design. Did you read that? I'll type it again, slowly - My...Own...Design. Oh my! Can you tell that I got a bit excited about it? I had a wonderful time and am thinking about how stamping could become part of my life.
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| I am the smallest blue bridesmaid |
5. Remembering - My aunt and uncle were married in July 1969 and I was a bridesmaid. They celebrated this golden wedding anniversary in London with their daughter, her husband, some close friends and my parents and photos flew to the rest of the family across the internet, some new and some old, as we all sent them our love and shared our memories of a very happy day.
6. Adjusting - I have new spectacles for both close and distance work. My prescription has changed considerably since my last eye test and the optician warned me that for close work, I shall have to hold whatever I want to read closer to my face than I am used to. The joys of aging! My main difficulty is using a computer because I really can't hold it up to my face but at working distance, the screen is too far away for me to read it clearly but not far enough away for my distance specs to be useful. I haven't worked out how I'm going to resolve this one. I took a photo of myself wearing the new reading specs and sent it to my daughter - who replied that I look like a tortoise!!!!!! That's why I can't show it to you.
So now, we are waiting. My second grandchild is due any day now and Tom Kitten's travel cot and overnight bag are in my other bedroom in case he needs to come and stay here while his mummy is in hospital. I have cleared the decks so that I can give whatever help his parents need during the first, exhausting weeks. I just need to dye my hair and then I'll be ready!
See you soon.
Love, Mrs Tiggywinkle x
My brain is also fuddled at the moment. I'm suffering from end-of-term-itis and until it's all over I'm struggling to think about anything else.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your blanket and your stamping. I haven't used a lino cutter since school but I remember I enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Sending my vey best wishes in anticipation of the new arrival. Exciting times for you all. X
I well remember that end of term struggle and how horrible it is. Keep your chin up. Thank you for your kind words, Jules. x
DeleteHope all goes well with the birth, exciting times a new baby in the family. The stamping looked amazing, always a joy to create something yourself. The blanket post is something I am looking forward to, it looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, you are very encouraging. I am ridiculously chuffed with myself about the blanket. I have 12 more ends to sew in and then I need to block it, something else I haven't done before but my corners are a big wobbly and I know blocking will help. x
DeleteNice catching up with your news, sending good wishes for the new arrival. I've not been in blogland for a while and if I'm honest am struggling to keep up with visiting blogs. I've also not had anything to write about though I've finished a few crafty things things but not yet photographed them.
ReplyDeleteYour blanket is beautiful Mrs T. Take care, Cx
Thank you Cathy, you are kind. I am just catching up with everyone else's blogs now, I can't believe I fell so far behind but I sort of lost my mojo. Please crack on and photograph your crafty things so that you can show them to us. x
DeleteWhat gorgeous blonde hair Tom Kitten has. Must be lots of excitement in the family with a new baby due. Love the blanket and I love the idea of all your memories as you make it. I feel that way too about my makes, particularly blankets. Look forward to seeing it finished. B x
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara. Yes, we are all on tenterhooks! I'm very much looking forward to seeing your Willow blanket once it's finished. Your work is beautiful. x
DeleteI love all your -ings, it's good to hear you've been having such a great time and now a new baby is about to join in your life. I wonder what Tom Kitten will make of that. Fingers crossed all goes smoothly. x
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. I think Tom Kitten is in for a great big shock! x
DeleteYou have been busy with your 'ings' all lovely things to do. Your blanket is going to give you so much pleasure its such a lovely thing to do whilst you are waiting for your new grandchild. I hope all will go well and tht Tom Kitten will be thrilled with his new brother or sister:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosie. Working on the blanket has been very soothing and kept me calm while my mind has been flitting about here, there and everywhere. I think Tom Kitten will be very confused at first! x
DeleteI love these newsy type of posts, you've had such a lot going on. I'm very impressed with your lino cutting, that's something I've never had a go at. Oh yes, the joys of getting old. I'm due an eye test and boy, do I need it. I can feel my eyes deteriorating and the current prescription no longer being strong enough. Wishing everyone well as a new little life enters the world, exciting times ahead.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo. The lino cutting was much simpler than I had expected and immensely satisfying. I am thinking about printing wrapping paper and cards. I knew my eyes were deteriorating, too, but left it until the arm actually fell off my old ones. The optician told me off for that. x
DeleteIt's not surprising that your mind is on the imminent new arrival. It might even be happening as I write this comment so thinking of you all. My husband is home after his trip so I'm getting back into our usual routine again and beginning to feel better too. Speak again soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, I'm glad you're feeling better. Baby was indeed born on the day you wrote this! x
DeleteAn -ing type of post is one of the very best kind, full of chatty news. We had another grandchild (our fourth, and first baby for this daughter) at the beginning of June. They were here visiting over the weekend and it was so delightful to snuggle the little one. I'm sure you're anticipating the cuddles, as well. Tom Kitten's hair is so golden and lovely. Don't you just love the shape of his head?
ReplyDeleteI do indeed love the shape of his head (the shape of his everything!) and you are the first person who has noticed it apart from me! His hair has been a surprise to all of us. Congratulations on your new little blessing, there's nothing better than a snuggle. x
DeleteI hope you don't mind but though I do not have time to be a regular follower I often pop in and browse whilst looking at what you are up to (usual with my morning coffee for company). I wanted to say treasure every moment you can with Tom Kitten, and now Cotton Tail (perfect names), I had that sort of time with my Grandson and though he is now 17 now we are still very close. It is wonderful to have this kind of relationship but it is forged when they are tiny, it cannot be the same otherwise.
ReplyDeleteWe too were married in 1969 and are off to Italy soon to celebrate our Golden Day xx
Of course I don't mind, I am happy to be fitted in whenever and wherever you can find time. Modern life is busy. Thank you for leaving these lovely comments so that I know you have been here, and thank you for your wisdom. My grandparents lived far away when I was growing up so I am very grateful to have this time with my grandchildren and I promise you that I shall treasure every moment. I didn't realise how wonderful it was going to be. I think it's beautiful that your strapping teenager is still close to you and I hope that Tom Kitten and I will have that kind of relationship.
DeleteCongratulations on your Golden Wedding Anniversary, and enjoy Italy. x