Posy

:Anthony Week: Day 7: 'Anth, the meercat makes an entrance...'

  

Dear gorgeous blog-ladies (that should get your attention!),

Firstly, thank you so much for the time you take to comment on Janie's postings. She is always so, so thrilled to hear from each and everyone of you and it spurs her on to keep writing.

Secondly, what you read and how she comes across is really the Janie you think she is. She's as lovely and sweet and wonderful as you think she is. I'm totally blessed and being her husband for nearly 25 years has been a privilege beyond description.

Anyway, I thought you might like to hear the ramblings of the other, less prettier half, of 'Posy'. You can see her sweet little nose underneath my Desperate Dan chin in this photo!

By the way, this post is dedicated to all my male friends, those partners of all you regular visitors to the 'Posy' blog.

You'll no doubt wonder how 'Posy's' other half puts up with all the flowers, lacy-frills, vintage florals, shabby chic, car-boot bought bric-a-brac and feminine touches adorning our house.

Well my friends, let me let you into a little secret that will lighten your spirit and fill you with glad tidings, which if embraced, will enhance your relationship and earn you brownie points only found in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory!

I have learned a lot in my 23 years of married bliss and I have been converted from a rather unstylish, ignorant and quite plain person, to someone who, with a love of art, has a much greater appreciation courtesy, of Mrs 'Posy', to the wonderful array of colours, textures, materials, shapes, patterns and designs that have crossed the threshold of our home over time memorial...that and a humongous and regular helping of regular rugby viewing, nights out with non-female friends at the pub and many hours of cycling the local picturesque country lanes listening to some seriously loud rock music.

Our success as a couple has always been about compromise, patience, oodles of humour, and always remembering to do the little romantic things that cost no more than devoting some time.

For those who have been asking, I originate from the beautiful country of New Zealand. It was my oldest sisters' travels abroad that inspired me to travel and when I was old enough I set off to backpack around Europe and eventually I ended up in Britain. Funnily enough my mum said to me in a mother to son 'chat' before I flew out: "You're not going to marry the first girl you meet, are you?" "Mother!", I exclaimed (a word I use that everyone in my family laughs at me using!!), "Of course not. I'm off to get some overseas experience and then I'll be back to settle down." That was in October 1983. I met Jane in April 1984 and it was love at first sight. She was the first girl I met - I've been apologising to her ever since..my mother that is. 

It's hard at times to not be close enough to get more regularly back home, and with elderly parents it's particularly frustrating not to be on hand to be able to help them more. Still, it means I get pampered and treated like the 'baby' of the family whenever I get back! This brings out the inner child in me,but hey, it wasn't my fault I was the last of 4 siblings.

Well, friends, it has been a pleasure 'meeting' you all in the land of blog.

Janie keeps saying it would be a big help to her if I dropped a post or two, so you never know you could see me back before too long!

:Anthony Week: Day 6: A letter

 

Thank you for living in this country, a world away from your own. I know it isn't easy. Thank you for living with my fripperies, and for never rolling your eyes (well not often) when I come home breathless with joy at finding yet another vintage treasure. Thank you for coping with my lack of culinary skills. Thank you for helping me be the best person I can be. Thank you for sleeping on floral sheets and for having a large Cath Kidston sticker on your car. Thank you for totally 'getting' my Chris Martin obsession and laughing at my silly ways. Thank you for turning the light out when I fall asleep (most nights) sitting up reading. Thank you for encouraging me in my faith and being so faithful in yours. Thank you for being a Meercat and being so friendly to everyone. Thank you for setting a good example to our children. Thank you for showing an interest in my blog and trying to remember who's who amongst my 'blog ladies.' Thank you for not shouting too loudly when you trip over a pile of magazines or discover that I forgot to wash your shirts because I was so engrossed in my crochet.

Thank you for all this and more; for giving me such a happy life.

You are so loved.

From your Janie xx

:Anthony Week: Day 5: His 'n' Hers

His side..

 

My side..

 

..need I say anymore.

:Anthony Week: Day 4: Doing a Meercat

 

(photo by Tim Knight) 

Until recently we didn't have a name for it, but we have lived with it for nearly 25 years. As we sat in the interval of Alice's school concert and watched Anth's back disappear into the crowd; Lucy rolled her eyes,turned to me and said, "He's such a Meercat!"

She didn't need to explain, I knew exactly what she meant and it produced howls of laughter. Her father is indeed a Meercat. You see he cannot enter any gathering of people without his head popping up, it turns from side to side looking for anyone he remotely recognises to go and talk to. And off he goes leaving me alone or trailing about after. He just loves to socialise and meet people so now we call it 'doing a Meercat' and even he laughs at that description. Love him.

Although on occasion his warm friendliness has been a tad embarrassing and it seems to be poor old Lucy who is the victim. She has never forgotten the time  during a discussion with her headmistress he called her by the wrong first name no less than 3 times. She was of an era that you would have addressed her by her title (i.e Mrs ...) certainly not by her first name - and someone else's at that!

But for Lucy, the event that happened last week will not be forgotten in a hurry. She has a part-time job at a small library near here and as she sat working on the computer she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around she saw a pair of black lycra-clad legs.

 

It was Anth. He had gone for a cycle ride and decided to pop into the library to see her. The lycra dungarees are tight. Very tight. The florescent jacket is short and very bright. It would have been alright if no-one had spotted him but it was too late. Lucy's colleagues were very pleased to meet him and her boss took him around to be introduced to everyone in the building. Yes everyone.

"Not wearing those leggings, surely?" I pleaded when the story was being relayed to me.

"Oh it was alright," said Anth, "I covered the embarrassing bits with my helmet!"

Enough said. But although we may tease him for his affable ways; it is because of them that we met and I am very proud of him, and honored to be his wife.

 Even if he has to walk around with a helmet held to his groin..

:Anthony Week: Day 3: Love notes in my sandwiches

 

Can you picture the scene. It's lunch time at school on Thursday. I burst into the staff room, usually later than most. Plonk myself down on the nearest available chair and unwrap my sandwiches. And there it is, a small hand written note placed on my sandwich. The sandwich lovingly made for me that morning by my husband.

I smile. Eat my sandwich then go off to phone him. I think I ring him about 3 or 4 times during the day and then there's the odd text! I feel sorry for the poor ladies in his office who have to take a message if he is not there. But hey, I love to hear his voice and need to tell him that he's appreciated, loved and that I think I'm the luckiest woman alive - I really do. 

Talking about love notes, we are a bit of a 'love note' family. I used to put them in the children's lunch boxes or suitcases if they were away from home. ..Used to.. Oh goodness, I don't think I've done that for a while now. Oh my. . It has slowly turned more to texting, but receiving a text maybe great it isn't quite the same as that unexpected hand written note in familiar writing that can be held in your hand, re-read and then put safely away with all the rest: waiting for that moment in the future when you re-discover it. Smile. And savour the memory.

:Anthony Week: Day 2 - Being macho

 

"Stop!!" I shouted. "That would make a wonderful photo."

"What are you talking about? What photo?"

"You eating your manly Bombay Mix from one of our flowery, vintage tins; dressed in dirty-log-moving clothes and wearing the  'I love beer' badge I bought you for Christmas."

"Hurry up then because you're blocking my view of the rugby.."

Now there's a man who knows what he wants..

:Anthony Week: Day 1: Who's that sleeping in my bed?

            

Late last night, long after Anthony had retired early to bed with a headache;  I tiptoed into our bedroom and was greeted with this sight. If you look closely you will see that another lady had taken my place - and a thinner one at that!

Now, he hadn't put Mary#2 in the bed next to him as that would be a little odd wouldn't it?  No it was me in my usual mad rush that morning.  I had moved her to get in to my jewelery.. (umm is it a box or a cabinet?) and hadn't put her back. So there she lay nestled on my pillow, next to my husband. My lovely, hard-working, headachy, exhausted husband.

Though looking at his sweet face I'm sure that there's a trace of a smile - so perhaps Mary had worked some magic in my absence. And yes, upon waking his headache had gone. Hmm, wonder if that would work for me..

Back tomorrow with some more Anthy love.

Finally finished

     

Yes, this morning at approximately 9.15 am, (whilst still in my pyjamas), I sewed the last flower on. In fact I would have finished sooner, much sooner had it not been for a Parents' Evening at Alice's school (how inconsiderate!) and those pesky little flowers. I've been making flowers and leaves all week. First I tried the ones from the actual pattern but I don't think I did them correctly because they looked odd; so I made up my own. Then I couldn't choose the colours or how many I should do (I ended up making 7). After that it was the leaves - should I or shouldn't I? Also whenever I picked up my hook at school the bell would go signaling the end of playtime/lunch.

 

As you can see, in the end there are no leaves, 3 flowers, 3 colours and obviously no ringing bells. I even made the actual cushion pad inside because (a) I couldn't find a round one (b) I remember when I had seen round pads they were crazily expensive (c) I was concerned that a white pad would show through the stitches (d) I found some cheap, almost identical in colour, plain chintz which I then cut and sewed together 2 circles and then stuffed with filling from a cheap pillow..so much cheaper than the proper stuff. I would have preferred a feather pad but hey, we have a credit crunch going on here and I have to show Anth I am doing my best to spend less., well, trying anyway. 

So there we have it. I have really loved making it, and I would go as far as saying that it has been one of the most enjoyable projects I've ever done. But alas, I'm not holding out on it looking like this for very long given what treatment our cushions get and Alfie does this weird clawing,padding thing on our cushions before he sleeps. So I think I will just have to start another one..now what colour shall it be...

P.S In honour of my darling husband, tomorrow I will be doing a series of posts called, 'Anthony Week.'

He doesn't know it yet..ha!

The birds have got to go

 

 I could see it about to happen.

And it happened.

 

They have to roost elsewhere.

Shame.

My inner 4 year old

"What on earth are these?" exclaimed my husband as he looked at a pair of sequined shoes casually tossed on to our bed.

"Oh they are mine." I reply.

"You cannot be serious. Can you?" He stared at me opened mouthed.

"Well they weren't very much money and I thought, well I thought they would look nice with my jeans. You know.. pretty and sparkly."

"How much money is 'not much money'?"

"Two pounds."

"Oh. I can't believe you would consider something like those; they're awful!"

   

Mmm, it certainly seemed a good idea at the time even though Lucy and Alice agreed with Anth and thought they were not very nice.  They stayed in my wardrobe until yesterday when I was reminded of sparkly things by the winter sun shining into our bedroom and catching the crystal drops on our chandelier (Christmas decorations from 2 years ago!) So I went and put them on.

    

I had envisioned them being worn with straight, dare I say skinny, jeans but those who know me will know that that I would never ever fit into a pair of skinny jeans ever again. In fact I can only just fit into the one pair I own - stretch bootleg jeans; but get so fed up with my tummy hanging over the low waist band and having to hoist them up every time I sit/stand/move/bend over; that they don't stay on me for more than 5 minutes. Then they get put back into my wardrobe with renewed vows never to eat anything fattening - which lasts all of 10 minutes. "What if I meet Chris!" I wail at pinching at my tummy..!

      

Anyway, I lay on the bed and looked at my shoes and it dawned on me that they were the sort of thing a 4 year old would love to wear. But I knew exactly why they appealed to me. Since I was really small I have always wanted to wear a sequined dress. As a child I used to watch ladies dressed in beautiful sequin dresses on TV. They shimmered and sparkled under the spotlights and their dresses used to give out that star burst as the light bounced off their sequins and it would almost make your eyes water. I just love it. And talking about spotlights, I have always wanted to be on a dark stage and have a spotlight follow me wherever I move. So much so that when I was 6 or 7 I used to make my brothers stand on something high and shine a torch on me as I moved around 'the stage'! Poor things.

    

But back to the shoes. They were surprisingly comfortable (which is more than I can say for the jeans which were soon taken off!) and I let my inner 4 year old wear them for the rest of the day.

"How much were those shoes again?" asked Lucy.

And this morning I realised why they were only £2...the sequins and the sole have come apart. Oh well, thought my inner 45 year old, perhaps it's for the best.

I love crochet. A lot.

      

I do. I really love it. I look forward to doing it. I dream about doing it. I spend too long thinking about doing it and spend too long actually doing it wherever I may be. But it hasn't always been like that as I used to make lace; knit; cross stitch and embroider. 

  

I can't quite remember what enticed me into trying crochet for the first time (I think about 6 years ago. 6 years?!) but I remember my first crochet book...

           

and my first project, a covered coat hanger.

 

I found learning how to crochet really hard as it is so different to knitting and it took ages for it to click. I still don't hold my hook the correct way but that's nothing new as I don't hold my knitting needles the right way either! The book I found the most helpful was a simple vintage children's Ladybird book. It has very simple diagrams and helpfully telling you to that the first thing you should do is wash your hands.

                

     

How sweet is that? Anyway the big news is that I am now on to my lace edging of my round cushion and I am overcome with excitement at how well it is turning out.

    

I have been wondering this week if my obsession for crafting is ..well, normal! There have been a couple of incidents that have got me thinking.  The first being a conversation I had with a colleague when we were discussing what we looked forward to during the day. I said rather too quickly and slightly squeakily, 'lighting my fire and doing my crochet' and she just stopped and looked at me in disbelief, totally not getting it. Then the next day I heard a man on the radio ask a folk singer what she did in her spare time, 'I knit,' she said and he just couldn't believe what he was hearing and it totally freaked him out for a minute or two. It was if she had said she murdered people!

My crafting has been a huge part of my life for many, many years and I can't contemplate life without it. It gives me enormous pleasure to look around our home (and some of my friends' homes) and see the things I've made adorning the walls and chairs. So my apologies if you are waiting for an email from me this week but every spare second I've had I have been grappling with a lace edging and being in perfect bliss.

Sip

 

It didn't work...

Things I'm loving this week

New magazines:   

                                          

that plop onto your door mat catching you by surprise. Also when checking the 'What's coming next month' part (usually the first thing I do!) noticing that there is a wonderful picture of my beloved Caroline Zoob in her sewing room. Oh the joy to come.

 

Hot chocolate:

 

Not very chocolatey mind you, as chocolate can sometimes trigger a bad head; but a perfect after school treat.

Lavender scented washing up liquid:

 

I get teased at school about my love of this. But a girl can't help her love of fragrance. Never mind how it works - it's got to smell good. Grocery shopping takes so much longer when one has to smell every liquid cleaner; and as for the fabric conditioners? Well...let's say it takes a little time to get round every bottle.

Kissing my gorgeous husband:

 

Sometimes we forget in the business of our day, to make time for kissing. There should always be time for kissing.

Being back at school:

 

(bottoms provided by the above gorgeous husband and the gorgeous, orange boy-cat) I've had a lovely week at work. I actually felt a little nervous about going back after Christmas (don't know why) but it was so lovely seeing all the children again. It is such a rewarding job and I have gone on for hours this week to various family members about what a privilege it is to have such input into ripe minds. I have to mark all these books about their New Year Resolutions (we are learning about setting goals and how we learn, this half term) and I can't wait to read each one.

Our family of Blackbirds:

 

I just love blackbirds. I love their sweet orange beaks and fat black bodies. But most of all their sweet song on a long summers evening.

My Blog Ladies books:

  

My bedside collection of books is growing by my blog ladies. I'm so pleased for their success. I got Niki Fretwell's new blurb book for Christmas and have been blown away by the pictures in it. It is so rich and velvety you can only take small bites at a time. I also have Alicia's new one but that resides downstairs as it is larger. (Did you notice the Christmas Eve pillowcases are still in use..well I couldn't add to that enormous pile of laundry could I?)

My crochet:

 

This is my first cushion side with the proper instructions. I'm on my last round and then it's onto the second side. And then it's the lace edging and flowers. Can't wait for those parts.

 

Checking my Chris out:

 

Can you see how close we were? This is slightly zoomed in. I still can't look at Matthew's photos without feeling giddy; they're a bit like Niki's book - a little bit at a time. Aww, I do hope with all my heart he heard me shout. Sigh.

My new birds:

 

Bought before Christmas. Only put up today. 

And lastly, something I'm not loving that happened this week..

Burnt carpet and rugs:

 

 

That's what you get when logs fall out of the fire..

Mmm.

Do share with me what you are loving this week. 

Sparkle

 

My second favourite gift this year was from my Mumma, but chosen by me. The most beautiful sparkly bracelet with my all time favourite stone, Aurora Borealis. I stand in the kitchen under the halogen lights waving my hand around and stare transfixed by the eyewatering glints. Oh my. And as I was trying to take this photo with my left hand (no mean feet for some reason!) I thought you might be interested by the orange blur at the top of the picture.

 

Love him.

But there's another reason I called this post Sparkle. I was going to post this on New Year's Eve but as you know, it, along with many other things didn't get done; but I really wanted to share it with you.  Our school Christmas play this year was the Nativity with a twist. It was called Sparkle and it was about a little star wanting to be special. In the end he was chosen to be the Christmas star but before that there were some lines in the play that never failed to give me a lump in my throat how many times I heard it.

When the Maker made the stars, he wanted some to be big, some to be bright and some to be smaller stars. They are all important to Him. Go back to the place where the Maker has put you - shine your best and shine your brightest, even if it is in a very dark corner. Show the Maker that you can shine well, even if your light is small.  Shine your light just for Him. Never forget the Maker knows all things. He knows that you want to be important, but He needs to know that he can trust you in little things. Do not let Him down.

Oh that lump is back again...

Happy New-ish Year

  

Belated New Year wishes to you all. I had very good intentions to post on New Year's Eve but we were on to our 2nd lot of visitors, (er,no make that the 3rd lot of visitors before the final visitor) and it just didn't happen. But there are many things that are just not happening around here at the moment. The biggest being the above picture...yup, we have NO SNOW - that is not really me standing there with my camera. Yes, it may be absolutely freezing here in the UK but still this coastal, south west corner of England is totally free of the wonderful white stuff. The above picture is on the cover of Country Life magazine, which I bought just so I could just wander down that snowy path in my imagination! I can almost feel the snow crunching under my feet as I wander down that path in the fading, watery, winter sun.

Well, can you blame me? It's such a lovely photo and the magazine has many, many beautiful country mansions to drool over late into the night.  But snow is not the only thing that's not happening around here.

There is a gigantic pile of laundry (this is only some) which was so out of control during Christmas (would you believe me if I told you there were 2 huge mountains of dirty washing which kept falling over and scattering over our bedroom floor when Anth had to trample over them to get to his side of the bed?) I kept the bedroom door firmly shut terrified that our visitors would see them but I think all thoughts of being another Nigella went out the window when I served them that non-alcoholic, year out-of-date Bucks Fizz!) But even since Christmas it has barely shrunk. I've got thank you letters to write. Decorations to put away. Tidying. Sorting. Ironing. Gardening. Blogging. Answering emails. Planning for school. But I just find myself sitting beside this

 

doing my crochet and playing with my iphone. I've been so lazy but I am so loving my floral crochet cushion, in fact thanks to Nicky I now am doing the correct version of the round cushion (yup, I unraveled all that I had done before) and it looks so much better. Oh yes, I mustn't forget my beloved iphone. I alternate between crochet and my iphone - such a time waster.

But all that laziness has come to an end as I went back to school today. It was lovely to see all the children again and enjoyed my part of the class 'Christmas show and tell' session. There were many children that had expensive gifts and yes, I did show them my new all singing all dancing iphone but I also showed them my favourite gift..a gift from a very kind reader of this blog..and I explained to them that this lady had never met me and lived far away in America but had chosen something for me that was just right. A never seen before (at least by me) Cath Kidston diary. (Thank you again Laurie for that and the other thoughtful things.)

 

I'm just so touched. And this afternoon when I was teaching R.E I needed to know when Ash Wednesday was and a little voice piped up, "I know Mrs Goble, you could look in your new diary!"

And I did.