Thoughtful Tuesday

Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power. – Clint Eastwood

Things I Love Thursday

Just a short one this week my loves as I'm setting off for Greenbelt festival soon! Are you ready for the weekend?

Flowers I pass when walking-beautiful unexpected splashes of colour, meeting tiny children (I should probably clarify at this point that I mean very young rather than borrowers) with impeccable manners, plans for a weekend of fun times with some of my favourite people, Packing victory- I have managed to get everything I need for the weekend all in one bag, aftersun- last week I mentioned that had managed to get sunburnt. Yes whilst the rest of the uk seemed to be snuggling up in their winter woollies I was doing my best impression of a lobster. This feat is made more impressive at the discovery my companion that afternoon didn’t even start to tan. Thank goodness for aftersun which on Friday and Sunday my skin was absorbing as quickly as I could slather it on.

What about you reader? What's making your week glow?

Today…

…it would have been my grandma’s birthday. It’s the first one since she died, last October. I’d be lying if I said today wasn’t a little bit tough but it has also been a wonderful opportunity to remember good times we shared together.

…is also the birthday of another remarkable woman, my dear friend Rachel. Happy birthday beautiful I hope you’ve had a great day filled with fun and as the Irish say ‘may the best of your today’s be the worst of your tomorrow’s’.
There are so many things I could tell you reader about how amazing she is but instead I’ll just encourage you to discover them yourself by checking out her blog.

…has been a fantastic reminder that I have been so blessed with the people in my life, particularly those I am lucky enough to call my friends and family.

Thoughtful Tuesday

We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.
- Thich Nhat Hanh

Things I Love Thursday

Being a “Lady who lunches” (I met up with a fabulous friend today lots of laughing, smiling and reminissing ensued), Sunshine (not loving, however, the resulting sunburn I’m experiencing after sitting in aforementioned friends garden in it), Chai lattes, how to win Rock-paper-scissors every time, THE secret to success. this is IT. for reals.
Also this super-cute short song by Tom Felton. Yes, as in Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter movies:

Last but certainly not least the lovely, intelligent and charming people that read this blog and whose blogs I read... because without you, my life just wouldn't sparkle quite the same!

What's making your list this week reader?

Thoughtful Tuesday

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second – rate version of somebody else.
- Judy Garland

Things I love Thursday

...& bears oh my

Today marks the 71st anniversary of the mgm musical The Wizard of Oz. I’ve loved the film since childhood.

My brother and family visiting- Little man (my nephew aged 3) is a delight to be around, full of fun and giggles, and gorgeous girl (my niece 6 months) seems to grow more lovely each time I see her (yes I know I’m biased reader but few things melt my heart like a happy healthy smiling baby). I love being an Auntie. I also enjoy seeing my brother as a parent.

Sherlock-the BBC's contemporary adaptation of Conan Doyle's detective- lots to love here …the whole series (well-shot, well-acted and a sheer delight to watch), great finale, the confirmation of a new series (hooray!), interactive elements (Sherlock’s website or perhaps John Watson’s blog anyone?)

making to-do lists (few things in life are as gratifying as crossing list items off), read the printed word (I couldn’t agree more),

What's making your week wonderful reader?

Thoughtful Tuesday

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.
-John Lennon

Consuming Fire

This weekend one of the activities in the program was a campfire. I love fire, not in a dangerous or illegal way (honest officer), but I think there is a sort of ethereal beauty to it.

The way the flames flicker, the sparks pop and shower,

feeling the heat and hearing the crackles, the embers glowing

its mesmerizing

Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag...

This weekend I am off to York to help lead a ‘families retreat’. It should be both interesting and challenging in equal measure. Behold my attempt to 'travel light' despite having to carry half a dozen craft materials, visual aids, and spare music books before I even get to thinking about such trivialities as clothes.

Things I love Thursday

source

Being busy- I know not always a blessing and certainly wouldn’t be if it was every week but there’s a satisfying rush about the odd week of hectic schedules and deadlines.
Also...
Getting the laundry mountain dealt with, emails from acquaintances who are becoming friends, a yellow submarine tea infuser (genius), this blog which describes itself as ‘A collection of the world's most epic, awesome, mind blowing Succeeds’.

My beautiful new lantern which every time I light it will remind me of my beautiful friend’s beautiful wedding.

What’s lighting up your week?

Guns don't kill people...

Shrink art using a heat gun, not bad for a first attempt. I was greeted this morning with the phrase ‘Ah just the person, your crafty.’ This turned out not to be a slur on my personal qualities but a request for my help. Now I just have to work out how child friendly this activity really is before Saturday.

qol demama dakka

This is one of the stained glass windows in my church. The photo doesn’t do it justice but sitting in church early this morning I found myself struck by the sheer beauty of the colour as the sunlight, admittingly a bit meagre this morning, poured through and the detail of the craftsmanship in such a majestic piece. Usually I’m too busy, jobs to be doing or amidst the hustle and bustle of Sunday worship, but being in early and on my own gave me chance to sit, be still and appreciate the grandeur.

'Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm!'

Beautiful

Thoughtful Tuesday

Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together
-Woodrow Wilson

Is that a bandwagon I see before me…*jumps*

I’m late to join the party I know, or should that be fashionably last minute, but I’ve decided to join in with 'The August Break' project run by Susannah Conway (thanks to Go Placidly and Get-stuff-done for the suggestion). This is an invitation to post photos , without prompts or goals, just a sharing with others.




So here is my first offering, a summery of my day:

Today I have mostly been drinking...

and eating...

and catching up with some friends but I didn't get a photo of them- we were too busy putting the world to rights ;)