tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85720116977710038182024-03-13T02:09:52.128+00:00my little red suitcaseHeather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-51833720908537437602017-12-19T10:15:00.003+00:002019-10-26T10:32:40.751+01:00Winter simplicity...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I've been thinking about simple. This post was going to have another name, but after hearing Dee Williams talk about voluntary simplicity during her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ghcqk5EVA&list=LLG7k0LExufqc499gfuJjMhg&index=1">interview</a> with Jay Shafer at the Tiny House Jamboree this year, I realised that simple is where I want to be. Something about adding the word voluntary in front of simplicity, wakes me up. I often create complex situations, when I could choose simple. But where some things can just be thrown off, others feel as though they need to be untangled and let go carefully.<br />
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As I look back on this year, I can see simplicity beginning to weave its way though my life. There are still some knots, and I made those myself. Especially towards the end of the year. For the best part of 20 years now, I have been talking about a creative business of some kind. I can't believe it's been so long. But it's true. Always feeling like it was just around the corner. That I somehow couldn't get to it. Perhaps I made it too complicated. Now I can't be sure what it is. I feel I maybe in the last throws of something that might need to be released. Maybe its enough to just be creative, and get on with life.<br />
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Right now, this winter I am off social media. I am here, and that feels enough. I'm not sure what to do with it yet. I'm trying to be more present in my life, have the attention to give the things I don't want to ignore or procrastinate over any longer. It's like wanting to show up and deal with knitty gritty, so it can get done and....then.... life can feel more simple ( I hope) I have a hit list, it's long. But at some point, you need to get down to it. Maybe it's the unravelling. Maybe it's just life ;-)<br />
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So this winter holiday I will try and choose simple. I've decided not to send cards this year. Big breath out. I had a great idea for making that will just have to wait until next year. Starting from today, I plan on bringing back in my daily stretching and meditation. Even just a few minutes. I will venture out at the quiet times. I will drink hot chocolate in the evenings and sit next to my tree in the candlelit mornings. I will give myself the time to reflect on the things I do want to choose next year. I hope to back here soon. I do like it here. Hope your week goes well.<br />
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<br />Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-21324762724993323612017-11-29T17:00:00.002+00:002019-05-28T13:42:21.495+01:00Hello again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello again... don't the months roll by? We were having this beautiful soft autumn and now there are only the last few leaves remaining, and it's cold, cold, cold. Winter is here. It felt quick didn't it? I've put grit on my drive-way and come eight in the evening I'm wondering whether it's bedtime.<br />
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I just wish I could remember what it was I wanted to say....I was so caught up in the photos.<br />
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Oh yes. I read a piece of good advice lately, from Tammy of <a href="http://www.rowdykittens.com/new/">Rowdy Kittens</a>, Tammy wrote a <a href="http://www.rowdykittens.com/2017/11/40things/">40 things to do before 40</a>, and number 40 was '<i>stay in my lane</i>'. To me that means, don't get too caught up in what everyone else is doing, trust in your own path. Sometimes, though, I'm not sure what <i>is</i> happening in my own lane.<br />
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I know I love to take photos and I've got a few things to say. I continue to look around me and wonder which part of my life needs my attention next. I like to be creative. I still harbour handmade dreams. I feel like I am beginning to come out of the fog of motherhood. Sometimes I think years may have gone by and nothing changed. I find myself trying to think backwards to try and remind myself of how I got to now. What were the things, that took up those chunks of time? Could I have done more? I tell myself to just be happy I landed here, now, somehow. It doesn't matter how I got here, only that I am here in one piece. Albeit, still a work in progress.<br />
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I stepped away from instagram a few days ago. I don't know how long for. I found myself trying to explain myself in increasing long posts, some changes I was trying to make with my shop and eventually I realised that I just needed to blog.<br />
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My teenager had been away several weekends ago and I had time to gather my thoughts enough to decide, that a name change or two, was imminent, a new shop name was <i>happening</i>, new/old ideas were about to fall perfectly into place. It all seemed so good.<br />
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I felt driven by the whole thing, then I felt uncertain. My self-care practices slipped away. I lost the alignment I had felt that weekend. Some kind of fierce momentum took over. Only instagram felt important. How does this happen? I think I may be someone who can't use social media, I'm not active on facebook either. Everything else falls away. What my own personal aims are. Whatever else I'm doing. The time to just look around me and see where I'm at. All gone.<br />
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So for now I closed the boxes. I will only use my phone for contact. A few days on and my mind is starting to feel expansive again, but I can feel it's pull. My awareness of what's happening around me is beginning to open up. I have some more time to think. I'm more available.<br />
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Perhaps it's just me, but I kept noticing how exhausted and driven some seemed as they felt compelled to post everyday. Some days ecstatic, and others vulnerable as they held on. A story of mulitiple accounts and scrolling at night while their family slept. It reminds me of one of those films where the hamster spins faster and faster on the wheel and you wonder if they're loving it or they just can't get off.....It's an addiction for sure. It's also a distraction.<br />
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I just need to remember that most creativity happens off-line, and if you are never off-line, it might not happen!<br />
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So we'll see what I will do about it. I yearn for simpler, for my own thoughts again. Also many people do have a website or blog, or newsletter so I can follow them in other ways.<br />
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So friends, be kindly, kindly, kind to yourself. Put down your phone. Take a deep breath. Do something else :-)<br />
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Heather</div>
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<br />Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-34364205294034302912017-04-10T13:33:00.000+01:002019-05-28T13:42:34.756+01:00Some images and thoughts right now.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring has arrived on the common, and the dance of the wildflowers has begun. One of the first stars of the show is the lovely Cowslip, waving gently in the breeze. This is the reason I carry my camera everywhere. It's a light camera and I have a special camera bag, which looks like a normal shoulder bag, it's padded and keeps my camera safe. It has room for my phone and purse too. So I am never without it!<br />
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The more I learn about editing, the more I realize I have to learn. Now a days, I only brighten the photo a little and increase the contrast a touch. Sometimes I use a filter, and sometimes, as in this picture, it's just fine as it is. The light and the moment I wanted to capture are all there. The camera I use for blogging is a <a href="http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/digital_slr/eos_100d/">Canon EOS 100D</a>. Now this is not a sponsored post in anyway, but it's a great simple little camera and I just wanted to tell you... </div>
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When you walk somewhere almost everyday, you get to see the subtle changes and feel the joy at new happenings in your familiar territory. A emerging wildflower is happy sight. Blossoms, spring leaves, meadow grasses, the colours of the sky. The moody greys and the bright blues. And the views...It's all so lovely. Clean air, friendly dog-walkers, good vibes, it's truly kind of addictive...and the dogs...it's just the nicest place for them.<br />
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Sometimes I find a sunny spot on the slopes, to sit, out of the wind and take in the view. I try not to sit on thistles.... Occasionally enthusiastic dogs will come hurtling down the slopes chasing a ball, before it's lost down the hill.... But a sunny, quiet moment, lying on the ground in the spring sunshine, is magic.<br />
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At home, I caught this shot, as the sun went down and shone it's pinky light across the valley, onto the trees. The cabin is there. The other day I saw my sweet cabin lady wondering around putting little twigs in the ground around the Cowslips, so the guys who mow the grass will see them, and mow around them.<br />
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The cabins were already here when I arrived. Probably about fifteen years old now, they are not well insulated, but they have woodburners and character. First I thought I would run them as a B & B....that was 10 years ago, and since then they have had permanent dwellers in them the whole time!<br />
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If one becomes available, I might list it as a Airbnb. I watched the tedx talk of <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/joe_gebbia_how_airbnb_designs_for_trust">Joe Gebbia</a>, the founder of Airbnb recently. I had a look through the 200 or so in my local area, which was slightly voyeristic,... but interesting to see what's out there.<br />
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Crafty and creative updates:<br />
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I have had to do some more visible mending on my jeans...the other leg decided to tear too. I thought I would catch it quick before it ripped all the way across. It's got a patch underneath now as well so it should hold up.<br />
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Talking of clothes, I recently got out my two bags of summer clothes. Seeing them in their see-through bags, all squashed together and old, leaves me feeling as though I might want to give the whole lot away and start again. I can see things which never really fitted right, or that never got worn for whatever reason. So I have decided to not open them yet and think about it.<br />
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Am I really brave enough to just let them go, without opening them.... And how will I find the new fresh feeling I am looking for? how do I want to shop and where do I want to spend my money?<br />
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Foodwise: I have discovered Papaya, and that it's very photogenic, and I love it. It's great for making smoothies, with banana, and almond milk, and for breakfast. Yum. I find myself just still wanting to eat warming, comforting food, like baked potatoes, every night... I need to feel full and fed. I've been reading about raw food and vegan food. But I'm not quite ready to take it on yet.<br />
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I've been walking by the canal. I feel drawn here now to have my dose of boats and water. It's very relaxing to watch the canal boats chugging up and down.<br />
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There has been some pink sunsets. <br />
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Some cloud wings appeared.<br />
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Some pink daises on the lawn.<br />
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I enjoyed the sunlight in my messy kitchen:-) haha...not so pretty, but look at the light coming through the curtain...The paintwork is a bit tired but it's homely in here and I like it..<br />
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And new makes: a pile of wristwarmers, just ready for the.... summer!<br />
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I am working with a new kind of wool. They were just gorgeous to make.The pattern is a closed shell stitch, which I had to work out how to crochet into a round. It worked. I'm happy with them. I used the gorgeous hand dyed wool made by the Indie wool company <a href="http://fyberspates.com/vivacious-dk">Fyberspates</a>. Each ball made two sets of wristwarmers, I'm pleased to say, and thankful because, oh the price...! The colours are incredible and you can read more about them in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/onthetinkatrail/">Etsy shop</a>, if you would like.<br />
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So I have to say that as I have written this blog post....stopped to walk the dog, eat breakfast, make tea, open and close windows, that I have felt everything opening up in my mind that I wanted to talk about. As though it were a concertina of things which were originally squashed down and now have opened up, drawn in some air and made a tune.<br />
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I feel better for having brought them here and shared them with you. Such is the mystery and wonder of blogging....have a good week :-)<br />
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-43485495360651036492017-03-03T12:30:00.001+00:002019-05-28T13:42:47.949+01:00a little clearer....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I was thinking about a friendship that for lack of a better word, I 'blew' up last year. Probably 25 years worth, here and there. I think I couldn't bear to watch this friend live out a choice she was making, a resigned one that seemed to come from a place of no action, or energy. And I guess I choose a subject which I knew would act as a trigger, to that end. I think I may have hoped that a new energy might somehow rise from that fire, there is a chance I may never know.<br />
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Yesterday I found and read this article <a href="http://www.soulhappy.life/blog/2017/1/15/from-destruction-comes-creation">'from destruction comes creation'</a>. I wanted to share it here. It's very well written. I can see the different phases at work in my life all at once. I like the line, '<i>and we sit on a fence and try to decide how not to destroy it. We bargain with god or ourselves and try to figure out how to glue it back together'.</i> Don't we just.<br />
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And the question, '<i>when was it complete? and how long have you been trying to breath life into it?'</i> we do know don't we, there are points when we recognize it's over.<br />
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Then to look for a new glimmer or spark to hold on to as you go through the destruction phase. That's so good. And the idea of giving the energy back to the universe in it's raw form to become your next creation. Clever.<br />
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I think there are phases to letting that happen though. They might involve learning new things, research, building up strength. Pausing, but still facing forwards. And yes perhaps acknowledgment that phase of life is over and change will have to happen. Unless you want to keep feeling like a cardboard cut out, who no longer wants to be doing what your doing.<br />
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I need to breath in a new direction. I'm looking for glimmers and sparks to see me through.<br />
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I found <a href="http://www.soulhappy.life/about-me/">Aimee Eoff</a>, through a podcast interview with <a href="http://christinemasonmiller.com/podcast">Christine Mason Miller</a>. I'll let you know a few podcasts I am listening to soon. I'm enjoying them.<br />
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Have a good weekend.<br />
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♥ <i> </i></div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-20508774086235936662017-03-02T14:20:00.001+00:002017-03-02T14:23:03.706+00:00right now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, I notice I feel all in a quandary. The sun is out and skies are blue, yet I find that I am sheltering and distracting myself from the energy that is emerging, as though all directions are confusing and over-whelming.<br />
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To be lost in the midsts of so much that is good feels concerning. How do I go forwards from here. A few stories in the news pulled at my heart in a new way this morning, the tears fell as I witnessed anothers' struggle.<br />
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How do I unravel myself from all that is blessed and good in my life, in order to find the direction that feels simple and honouring.<br />
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How can I find my own authentic energy again?<br />
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Where am I underneath all these layers of old self?<br />
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Why am I not prepared to settle?<br />
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Can I let go of what I have now, in order to find something else?<br />
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What do I need to do/not do to find my way?<br />
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Perhaps I just need to notice and acknowledge this moment and try not to escape it in so many ways.<br />
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I am just going to be here, with this.<br />
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.....deep breath.<br />
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♥</div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-76839601826910467142017-02-28T15:35:00.000+00:002017-02-28T15:37:04.251+00:00Spring (almost) making and cleaning<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink and yellow tulips</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue lagoon wristwarmers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I moved my desk to a new angle, so I can see out the window and in the room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocus wool and new tiny bunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I like my new eco cloth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick and easy lunch, mozzarella my new favourite</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocus wristwarmers. This wool is so lovely. I'm dreaming about it:-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So nice to have a clean window screen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took the car for a clean. That feels good.<br />
Blogger has decided in it's ultimate wisdom to not to let me add any more text into this post, only captions!...so I will leave it just with photos today and save the text for another day. I'm not going to stew about it being screwy with me, I'm just going to move on. Hope your week is going well :-) ♥ </td></tr>
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<br />Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-24701325382674501812017-02-24T21:49:00.000+00:002017-02-25T08:36:19.898+00:00purple and green<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this in the park today. What is it I wonder? it's beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunlight on a crocus patch, so nice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On my desk. A little mouse cup. Not sure where it came from, it belonged to my Mum. I love it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of focus rosemary. It smells good.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moody skies on the day of Storm Doris and the entrance to our local nightclub. I've never been in, it looks kind of scary! I'd be more likely to go in the launderette, but thankfully I have a washing machine, so I don't go in there either ;-) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarn bomb, not me...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pine trees and water drops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a new wool, it's called Crocus, it's a hand dyed, luxury yarn (wow) and I love this too :-)</td></tr>
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I've been taking my photos here and there, and I realise that although blogging does take a long time, I have to keep blogging. I always want to be taking photos and I need to have somewhere to share them. I'm very visual. I love words too. I don't think I could do one without the other. I also value story, even if I don't tell the whole thing here. I think you can read so much between the lines and feel so much in peoples images of life. Life moves on, that's for sure. I love to see a new energy or new step taken, showing through in someones work. You can feel it, things evolve. You just have to start somewhere. It's a process, love that. You have to be in it, to go anywhere! First step.<br />
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And maybe blogging is kind of old-fashioned, but just wait for the revolution!! It will be a cool new/old thing....anyway, here I am. Still finding inspiration out there, which always amazes me at how what shows up is just the right thing, for right now. And if you keep going, you gradually work things out. Even things which have bugged you for years.<br />
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And inspiration, guess what, it doesn't go away. If you step into the flow of who you are and what your doing, even if no ones watching, it does show up, especially if you do. Even if you are in the midsts of a post Storm Doris day fence collapse, and you see a great shot, you have to take it. That's why you carry your camera, for just those moments, and who knows where it might lead.<br />
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I found another blogger recently, who I think has blogged for years, possibly since the beginning, not of time, but just since blogging on the internet began. I might have read somewhere it was around 1994. That is a really long time. On this blog, I find the combination of great photography, little stories, a business made up of lots of crochet and other creative works, really inspiring. Living in Berlin, adds a whole other dimension to the photography. I find it so strange that I never came across her work until now, but now is really when I can appreciate feeling that inspiration. And this lady works hard at what she does. I admire that. Anyway I have been reading and am smitten. You can see Sandra Jutos' blog <a href="http://sandrajuto.blogspot.co.uk/">here</a>. Did you see the crochet?! I love that it brings me back to retro crochet too.<br />
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So, I have waffled here long enough today, have a good weekend. Take photos, make things, tell little stories, blog if you can. I know I hope to. See you soon.<br />
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♥ </div>
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<br />Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-59692903418146889922017-02-17T09:26:00.000+00:002017-02-24T22:01:59.963+00:00Bristol harbour on a Sunday and some thoughts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I love this image of balance and touch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Portishead Harbour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">boat traffic signals</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I wonder what it would be like to live on the harbourside?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice to have a yellow front door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/514/32126150753_5969fa28f8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/514/32126150753_5969fa28f8_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I like watching the lifeboat go through their manoeuvers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A hopeful February stand, outside the RNLI shop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">An interesting beach here on the estuary when the tide goes out. Lots of pottery and glass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2715/32097428174_f144553bf1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2715/32097428174_f144553bf1_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the old buildings have been converted into houses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">They do like their pastels here.</td></tr>
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I took these a few weeks ago. It seemed a shame not to share. I do love a day out. Takes me out of my normal way of thinking. I must do more. I love exploring. I'm enjoying my camera again. I haven't taken a single shot on my phone hardly this year.<br />
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I think I'm re-connecting with myself again. I'm blogging, taking photos, making things. Listing on etsy. I'm really enjoying flickr. It's so nice to see pictures again in landscape and portrait, I find so much inspiration there. My ideas of what I want to to do are beginning to crystalize.<br />
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I'd like to say it's because I'm not going on instagram. But I think that would be giving it too much credit. I've been cutting out a lot of other distractions as well. I'm trying to maintain a focus, which I didn't have before, or if I did it was constantly diluted by everything else. Sometimes I think I am just being solitary, but deep down I know I need this to touch on something in myself.<br />
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There is still so much inspiration out there. It doesn't go away, because your not scrolling daily through feeds. It reaches you anyway, and in other ways. I think it strengthens your intention. Now I scroll through a little list in my head of things which I have decided I want to make/do/learn and decide what needs to happen next to move me towards that.<br />
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I feel like I'm starting to follow my own path. And I have to weigh that up as more important than knowing what's happening else where. The important stuff finds you anyway. That's what I think. Sometimes I just get a prompt to go somewhere and there is something I was glad I didn't miss.<br />
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So I think I need to trust that what I need and what inspires me is going to cross my path anyway, and there has been so much inspiration over the last few years, I feel like it's time to assimulate some of it.<br />
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Some life stuff happened here over the last week or so, which threatened to tip me off down a slippery slope. Just some sad things which happen in our lives now and again. Without my new found structure of daily stretching and clearer thinking, I think I would have toppled into a kind of crisis. But I'm happy to say that I was able to see the warning signs and adjust my thinking accordingly, and make some decisions to hold steady in what's right for me, and what I can do. We don't have to be heroes. We don't need to feel guilty about what we can't do. We just need to find that place where we can be okay in our selves and all that radiates out from that point. I read a good quote this week: '<i>draw in to be able to beam out your light more further', </i>by Lindsay Mack on Alana Hellbig's Podcast, <a href="http://alanahelbig.com/untangled/">Untangled</a>. I like that.<i> </i><br />
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So here we are at the weekend. I hope you do some nice things. I will be out another teenage 'airsoft' mission this Sunday. In a new place, yay! Well a new old place, nearer to the outskirts of London, where I am from. So I'll see what that brings. I've got some lovely new wool too, so it could be lots of crochet somewhere. I'm kind of hoping :-) Enjoy.<br />
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-51621627696642405692017-02-10T21:09:00.000+00:002017-02-10T21:09:35.769+00:00Bloom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I found some gorgeous blooming snow drops, the full and round and look at me kind. Not the usual shy and retiring kind.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">My little dog is turning into a white haired snow drop herself. Me too :-) oh and I might be full and round too, but not <i>that</i> kind of full and round. </td></tr>
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I'm re-creating my Etsy <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mylittleredsuitcase?ref=hdr_shop_menu">shop</a>. A wine box and some chalk paint is helping with that, and a nice branch.</div>
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So far so good. I have a few more garlands in there, if anyone would like a look. And a 10% discount code LOVEFEB, to get the ball rolling, which lasts until 17.2.17.</div>
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I'm kind of excited...that is it now, my blinkers are on and it's straight on from here. She says with a big plug of her shop. Splosh! </div>
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Have a good weekend.</div>
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♥ </div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-23002003723725710472017-02-08T12:42:00.000+00:002017-02-08T17:29:27.754+00:00sunday coffee stop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Sunday: teenager playing airsoft in Bristol. I'm the driver. He needs the stress busting exercise. I need the self-imposed free time. To wander with the dog. Drink coffee here and there. Follow my thoughts and fall asleep in the car if I so fancy.<br />
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I found this place made of huge old containers from shipping, next to the harbourside. It was full of dogs and their peoples...I was happy I had followed my gut and walked the way I did. Who wants to leave their dog outside in the cold, when they could be lolling around on a rug in here...<br />
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There was a red suitcase on display....I'll remember to look inside it next time, maybe give it a little dust on top ;-)<br />
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I said no the gluten free cake because it had sugar in it and then I ate the fudge that came with the coffee, so I could have had the cake. I got toppled. I wished I'd eaten the date and cashew nut bar in my bag instead, but you know I am not perfect. My not perfect habits have changed a lot though.<br />
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Wishing you a happy Wednesday folks.<br />
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<br />Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-3652779936494725372017-02-01T16:59:00.000+00:002017-02-02T08:57:40.423+00:00photo diaryHello, hello....I thought I would make it back here before I did. The time slipped away. January slipped away, and here we are in Febuary already. But I have been using my camera, hurrah! In fact it's all I've been using. So the blogger that I aspire to be, I must bring the photos here and tell you a little of life around here.<br />
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This photo takes me back to my last post on instagram. At least several weeks ago now. Something happened for me around that time. My phone was threatening to combust if I took another photo. It was full and I found I just wasn't using my old camera, and I had begun to feel as though I had just lost a year on instagram, as wonderful as it is.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very strange gluten free muffins</td></tr>
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I had just made these blueberry muffins. I was really excited because after several months of gluten free eating, I was finally baking. On the first day of eating the taste was lost in a frenzy of coconut cream and jam and photo opportunities. The next day I realized just how awful they were and how much lovely ingredients I had wasted making them, and after eating them I didn't feel good either.<br />
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What has this to do with instagram you might ask?....I can't tell you exactly, but I wondered just how many more awful moments, crappy makings, dire recipes, were disguised on there! How easy it was to hide the truth, in just a photo. And I wondered why I want to lose time from my life, reading about them, and if I might have had enough for a while. I know it can be an inspiring and entertaining place, and I still think about the people I met there. So I won't say never.<br />
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But I was definitely addicted to my phone. I think most of us these days are struggling with an on-line addiction of some kind. Something else I realized was that I don't think it would matter if you had a million follows or 10. The addiction is the same. It's like you either smoke or you don't smoke. It's what you do to relax. Before you do that thing, after you do that thing, instead of doing that thing. Once you start using, it seeps into everything you do, every free moment. Instagram is shaping your life, you are not.<br />
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Really I just don't think I'm supposed to be there. I think I'm supposed to be doing something else. I'm not missing anything either, It's just that simple.<br />
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I just want to tell you that those first few days, I felt liberated. Like I had finally taken my day and my power back. That wears off of course, as you create the new norm. But I have been so much more productive. My thinking feels different. I occasionally just sit and think, allow thoughts to reach me in a way they couldn't before. I craft, I still take photos on my camera. I read the blogs I still follow, mainly through email now.<br />
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Things like instagram and facebook are used a lot, by people in business to drive traffic to their website or shop. It is the social media buttons for something else, their real work. That's how I see it. To just get stuck there, is not what I want. I know a few are there to just spread a little happiness around in that corner of the web, and that's fine too. I just want to do my real work. I'm still working on that ;-) and then maybe I will fling out a few ig posts, just to celebrate that. So I have planted a few flowers there and left them to grow a while.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">frost on the common</td></tr>
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Well okay, that was definitely a rant. Should I stop there, or just keep going?!..... I will lighten things up. So January, well it was cold! We had some frosty days, a little snow, some mist and fog. A cough which kept me of the common and walking in the warmer bottom of the valley. A whole load of soups, warmth and self-care has been the order of the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a gift of socks</td></tr>
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I was bowled over by a gift of hand made socks from an on-line friend on flickr. They are so comfy and special, and I must, must learn, how to make them!<br />
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There's been some lovely photo opportunities. I carry my camera everywhere, so I don't miss them!<br />
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Two hats have been made. I loved working with the pinks, and it's a fun hat. But I think 'slouchy beanie' is not quite the right look for me! I treated myself to some luxury yarn for my next hat, and oh my, what a difference, and I love it. I will show you soon.<br />
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Oh yes, spotted blueskies. Always noteworthy in Jan. So pretty against last years seed pods.<br />
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At home. Landlady duties here ramped up this month. A couple left and one was away for 6 weeks, so I found myself constantly checking heating and worrying about frozen pipes. But all was well and some changes are definitely afoot. I don't blog about everything of course, and there are perhaps some missing parts to the picture you see here. But I share what feels right. I often used to blog about how a situation made me feel, even if not all the details. Looking back some of my posts felt a little heavy I guess. And life is still not perfect, but looking up I think.<br />
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It feels good to be here. I hope your still here too. Give me wave. Onwards and upwards as they say!<br />
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-86306061163153085352017-01-12T14:48:00.001+00:002017-01-12T14:50:40.238+00:00denim repairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have these pair of jeans, they are faded, soft, stretchy, comfortable, boyfriend jeans, which I wear turned up at the bottom. They started to wear, but I just couldn't throw them away. Now thanks to all the great <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/myredsuitcase/japanese-style-textiles/">inspiration</a>, I don't need to.<br />
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I was looking through all the great ideas when the lovely <a href="http://onebuntingaway.blogspot.co.uk/">Giova</a> offered to send me some of her hand-dyed indigo fabric pieces! Um yes please :-) Giova makes exquisite fabric and stitch pieces, in her shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/giovabrusa?ref=pr_shop_more">here</a>.<br />
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I started by turning the jeans inside out and sewing a patch inside the jeans. I used some medium weight denim cotton, but you could use denim or any other material, especially if it's going to show through. Sewing it on with a running stitch around the outside of the tear. This gives the jeans some added re-inforcement.<br />
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Then on the front of the leg I tacked on the patches and sewed on them, by using Sashiko stitches. First you stitch all the stitches in one direction, using running stitch. Then the same again in the other direction. It helps to use a long needle if you have one. I used some cotton that I had but you can find some Sashiko thread available on etsy. It's finer than embroidery floss and has a mat finish. I found it quite tricky to get the spacing right, hence why I stuck with the same stitch. But there is so much you can do.<br />
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On the thighs, after patching on the inside I cut the shape I wanted from the worn sections, and just tucked under the edges, as I sewed around using a cotton embroidery floss. This has held up really well. (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rhomatt/">inspiration</a>) I think his work makes it even cool for guys too!<br />
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So what do think, will you try it out? No need to throw those jeans away again.<br />
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Ps. I felt I needed to re-word my aims for 2017 on my last <a href="http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/new-year-thoughts.html">post</a>, just to make it clearer and less like I was issuing a lecture! Sometimes just getting the words out, is the first step, and then putting it into sense and order comes next.</div>
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-81244949928355890722016-12-31T21:46:00.000+00:002017-01-08T20:16:24.434+00:00New year thoughts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/412/32010872785_fda36ac392_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/412/32010872785_fda36ac392_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the dog-walkers christmas tree</td></tr>
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Today I have the feeling I am ready to step into the new year. I've spent a few days clearing up at home and have been thinking about some changes, and new paths that call me. <br />
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Last year, the word I chose for the year was 'value'. Now I have to confess this was a word which I struggled with, perhaps because of it's usual use out in the world. I know that's not it's only use though. Over time I forgot which word I chose. Maybe re-evaluate would have been a better word, as I sorted and cleared. But that might imply some answers, <i>and</i> to some bigger questions, which I don't have yet! Everything could change.<br />
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So my loved ones, some treasured belongings, a few things I spend time doing. It's simple really. Some parts of myself I found again. I found out there is room for more.<br />
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My aims for this year:-<br />
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<i>Life</i></div>
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* To keep encouraging and supporting my son and building on our relationship.<br />
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* To honour his boundaries as a young adult, whilst looking after my own.<br />
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* To keep practising my own self-care and trusting in my own life.<br />
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* To model healthy eating.<br />
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* To stretch everyday. This is so good for me.<br />
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* To do some decorating and repairs.<br />
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* To finish the de-cluttering, especially photos!<br />
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* To think about how I want to live, what other options there might be.<br />
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<i>Creativity</i></div>
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* To add things to my etsy shop.<br />
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* What's happened to <a href="http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/today-is-good-day.html">Conchetta Conchetta</a>?!<br />
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* To take more photos with my real camera.<br />
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* To creatively repair and make more of my clothes.<br />
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<i>Inspiration</i></div>
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* To keep researching and exploring the whole tiny house, simple living ideas. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tibjKjn0Rkg&feature=youtu.be">inspiration</a>)<br />
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* To try and source more ethically made and produced clothes where possible.<br />
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* To share my inspirations where I can.<br />
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***</div>
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My word for this year is 'Truth'. It only came to me yesterday, so I hope it's right. I want to be able to stand in my truth. To follow my truth and to let people know, how I want to live in this life of mine and what's worth standing up for :-)<br />
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so a HAPPY NEW YEAR! to all.</div>
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♥♥♥ </div>
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-41958486378050703442016-11-26T21:26:00.000+00:002016-11-26T21:52:02.602+00:00Clearing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wanted to share this poem. Not my words but I feel, hope, want to make space for this. From my little held and safe space, of candles and <a href="http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/hygge.html">hygge</a>, I am waiting.<br />
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<b><i>Clearing</i></b> </div>
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by Martha Postlewaite</div>
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Do not try and save</div>
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the whole world</div>
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or do anything grandiose.</div>
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Instead, create</div>
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a clearing</div>
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in the dense forest</div>
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of your life</div>
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and wait there</div>
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patiently,</div>
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until the song</div>
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that is your life</div>
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falls into your own cupped hands</div>
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and you recognize it and greet it.</div>
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Only then will you know</div>
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how to give yourself</div>
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to this world</div>
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so worthy of rescue.</div>
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I feel each layer of my life which I stop to consider, my story, my possessions, how I live, and what I then might decide to discard or treasure, is bringing me back to myself. Now I just have to be brave enough to hold that space, without rushing to fill it. Trusting that what comes next will come if I allow it. </div>
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♥♥♥</div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-60508941317777679152016-11-15T21:57:00.000+00:002016-11-15T21:57:56.368+00:00hygge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This last week I have been hygge-ing, is that a verb?:-) Candles, baths and lots of stretching, sometimes even stretching twice a day. I've considered learning to meditate. I haven't felt good, and I haven't really felt as though I could 'speak' on social media really either. Everything felt amplified and as though my own voice would even boom back at me. (As this post might). This feels really uncomfortable, and like there is no boundary between my thoughts and the volume of what's happening out there in life. Like they are waves crashing together in a swell. And I do feel both worlds are linked. I think our inner and outer worlds do reflect each other, in the bigger scheme of things. What we see and notice is a reflection of what's inside us at some level, even if it's an outdated view or something buried in our layers of human consciousness or something we don't want to own. <br />
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I don't want to be cut off from what's happening either. We're all experiencing this together. Which is why I've found it important to consciously choose when I can, what to allow in. I stopped watching the long news articles a few weeks ago. The headlines find their way through anyway. For me it has been a case of riding those mass thought waves that are out there, that I cannot fail to experience, because they are out there and at the same time trying to stay peaceful and not add anymore vitriol to it. I think whether we live in the USA or not the powerful feelings arising are being felt by all of us, even unconsciously. Whether we agreed with the outcome or not, the stirring of energy is huge. The thing is whatever my present state is, very much affects how things roll at home and I need to keep things here as clear as possible.<br />
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People are feeling moved in big ways to make things different. This will be the beginning of an interesting time. There is still a lot of good out there and I think today at least, self-care is right up there in flashing lights.<br />
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So I just need gentle, gentle, gentle. This <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/book-Hygge-Danish-art-living-well/1785034464/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1479245843&sr=1-5&keywords=hygge">Hygge</a> book came at just the right time. I brought it in my local book shop, which I have discovered again. I had a real dilemma over choosing which Hygge book I would buy. I chose this one for the words, because I really did want to learn more about it, but I was so drawn to another, really just for the pictures, the kind of pictures that made my heart spark with that good feeling of some old and forgotten memory of people gathering together in warmth and joy. How can a picture do that?...reach right in and touch something inside, amazing. So I know I need more of that in my life, and you know I'm probably going to buy that book too....! I know I am all about the words and also all about the pictures too. That's why I like blogging:-)<br />
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♥<br />
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(ps. I've forgotten which the other book was, but I will show you if (<i>when!</i>) I get it).</div>
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-23533830117688120442016-06-04T15:29:00.000+01:002016-06-04T18:20:48.291+01:00Keeping on rolling...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7417/27368193376_ab81bcb41d_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7417/27368193376_ab81bcb41d_z_d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet smelling hawthorne blossom on the common</td></tr>
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I think I began my blog just after my birthday four years, although I have been quiet of late. I recently tried to get the process moving again, in a slightly awkward and different kind of way. It would be fair to say that my blog is probably going through some kind of personality crisis. Am I a crochet blog? will I be a creative maker? or a de-cluttering/simple living writer. Will I let go of most of my possessions, build a tiny house on wheels and roll of into the sunset, or to the sea? Will I go off on a midlife wildwoman adventure and live in my car or a van, crocheting wonderful shawls and breathing in the air at that awesome place where the land meets the sea? And what <i>will</i> I do about the teenager?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7355/27126093870_45ae9c748b_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7355/27126093870_45ae9c748b_z_d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the wildflowers are dancing</td></tr>
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Or is it about me and my soul searching, and how much <i>am</i> I prepared to talk about it? And if you had read my last posts you would see there was also a whole lot of blaming going on there too. One of my least admirable traits. Not pretty. I know. I also know that whatever we can see in someone else is a pretty clear indication of what's going on in us, so I humbly say that, yes indeed I have felt pretty stuck myself recently.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7336/27368191876_ccbfa38ff0_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7336/27368191876_ccbfa38ff0_z_d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the common is in it's sweet meadow place right now</td></tr>
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But I think I might be about to turn a corner. Just quietly you know. In a kind of no one else will probably notice kind of way. I tend to roam this green and lovely planet mostly on my own these days, with my little dog at my heels. In fact only this morning I thought to myself, I only want to be up on this common, or at home doing my things, or else down there on our lovely south west coast line touring around. Oh and if this is a wishlist of kinds then a few little European adventures, wouldn't go amiss, one day. And what would I do on this journey you might ask? well that is a good question and I can't answer that right now. Perhaps I would find some wares to make along the way. I would run my little etsy shop on route. Perhaps it would just be a spring to autumn time adventure. Or maybe the teenager, would need me around more than I think. So perhaps I will become a weekend adventurer!... Well a girl can dream can't she.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7365/27368187256_2c08797bbf_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7365/27368187256_2c08797bbf_z_d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my little dog on the common</td></tr>
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You can see my blog roll has changed now. It speaks to me more of the need to free up my life, reduce my possessions, live life a little differently. Open up the possibility for adventure. Let it out.<br />
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I'm very inspired by what <a href="http://www.amandasandlin.com/atwildwoman/" target="_blank">Amanda Sandlin atwildwomen </a>is doing, with her creative adventures, even though she is <i>so</i> much younger. So here I am at 47 and I still feel like it's all ahead of me, but in a different way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7091/26794789403_9dfb16bef0_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7091/26794789403_9dfb16bef0_z_d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">frothy cowparsley</td></tr>
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So until I work it out I will continue to wander and scheme about it all, and really that is the fun bit! So I won't be giving up this space any time soon. I need it to contain all my dreams and makings and some tough bits too. And yes there have been makings, I have a few things to show you soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7407/26940476212_46e5819528_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7407/26940476212_46e5819528_z_d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">butterfly wrap - my little red suitcase</td></tr>
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I imagine myself wrapping this shawl around me with it's soft chunky yarn to keep me warm while the sunsets and the waves lap at the shore....while I breathe in the fresh air and clear space that I am making in my life, and feel held there. Looking after my life in a way that works for me and for my son too.<br />
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♥ </div>
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Quick update on where I am around the web:-</div>
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<a href="http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/one-giant-leap.html" target="_blank">My blog</a> - here to stay! (see my first little red suitcase post!)</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mylittleredsuitcase_/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> - yes,yes!..but also no, no! in the way that it sucks life out of any other time to do anything else creative, needs mindfulness.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/woolgenie" target="_blank">Flickr</a> - I still love the photos here.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mylittleredsuitcase" target="_blank">My shop</a> - Just updated and plan on trying to make it happen.</div>
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<a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/myredsuitcase/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> - Surprisingly inspiring and useful, used with intention. </div>
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♥</div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-4313397035782289592016-04-04T09:48:00.000+01:002016-04-04T09:54:47.813+01:00the changing landscape<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3s1eJNY08Yc/VwIXzT6fgGI/AAAAAAAABKY/SPmSab3fVdsu78QhPu3e3NP_oS9ELZkIQ/s1600/IMG_2805%2Bresized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3s1eJNY08Yc/VwIXzT6fgGI/AAAAAAAABKY/SPmSab3fVdsu78QhPu3e3NP_oS9ELZkIQ/s640/IMG_2805%2Bresized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">moody blue skies from Portishead Marina Bristol</td></tr>
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Yesterday I talked about a changing landscape. An internal landscape. At least that's what I felt I was talking about. Our view of things begins to change but we still find ourselves looking at old ways and behaviours and situations, which don't just go away over night. We would like to just ditch them and run for hills, and may have just done in the past. And now know that running isn't the answer and that we are in it. In it for all it's worth. All the situations we can turn around into gold, if we can only find the way.<br />
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But still, yesterday I listened to a <a href="http://shemakesmagic.com/podcast-024-amanda-sandlin/?mc_cid=945f199389&mc_eid=a3102d6385" target="_blank">podcast</a> where the lady who mistakenly married very young, realized that her relationship was making her ill and that one day, she left that relationship. All the other elements in her life stayed the same, work, friends, interests. But leaving that one element behind, changed everything and her health return, almost overnight. Just by changing one thing.<br />
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This story speaks to me. Some elements of my life feel stuck. Like I'm not thriving. I'm stuck in situations with people which show no sign of changing. Truthfully I know life is always changing, because that's what it does, but which thing can I change? deep down I know it's the house I live in. I've had lodgers living here for the last 10 years, the whole time in fact. It's brought some great times and I've met some lovely people who have become friends. The financial aspect has been much needed. But for the last few years it has been waning. One situation there feels stuck, and although I feel I understand the reasons why and have worked hard to raise the vibration around it. It needs to change. On a personal level I find they don't completely honour who I am. It feels like looking at an old program which needs an update. And it could also be a mirror of some aspect of me which needs to change. I know that too. I feel like I am in stalemate. I start to feel myself shrinking and the walls build up higher. And I want to break free of them.<br />
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And then within our family situation there is one element that just won't change. I feel I've tried everything. Persuasion, force, therapy, modeling behaviour, I'm trying acceptance now. but you still know it's happening and your still collaborating. I can't change anyone can I and I can't save anyone else either. That's hard. That's a big lesson for me. I can only state my truth I think. Live my truth. Even if at times I'm still caught up in other peoples stuff.<br />
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So maybe at some point I will move. Maybe all the other elements will stay the same, and maybe some will change around that, we will have to see. Changes will be a foot eventually. Perhaps I will move to the coast. It's a process isn't it and we are all in it. </div>
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On my blog, I guess things have changed here. I've been absent. I don't read blogs anymore. I've enjoyed the freedom of that. I don't have a blog reader anymore. Although I had to scramble mine because, they don't actually let you leave. I follow by email on some.</div>
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I took my blog roll down this morning. Perhaps I will gradually re-instate it with a few people who are on my radar. I've been enjoying a few minimalist living blogs and I haven't given up on my creativity, which I hope to build my new life around in some way. This seems to be a time of shedding for me, and then looking more closely at what is still there. I'm enjoying instagram. My shop seems to have sat in that static place which I find other areas of my life are in. I'm not quite sure what to make of that, except maybe other people aren't as keen on the denim backing as I am! and do I want to keep making cushions anyway? I think I will take down my Etsy badge to, see who I am without that here. </div>
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So I may ramble here for a while. It feels like it's really just me and my waffle so far. But I like this space, always have and may waffle here some more. Like a journal perhaps. I can't do nicey nice right now. I have this piece of grit to roll around first and who knows maybe it will become a pearl, one day in the future. </div>
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May the day bring you clarity and strength,</div>
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Heather</div>
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♥ </div>
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-75549494749534049142016-04-03T10:34:00.000+01:002016-04-03T10:34:08.965+01:00hello again<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5W8QEzDT7Y/VwDbU4sfPzI/AAAAAAAABKI/6n7ShyPWwRI2_ncmKUtzL6hR8-LI_aWNQ/s1600/sunlight%2Boutside%2Bmy%2Bdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5W8QEzDT7Y/VwDbU4sfPzI/AAAAAAAABKI/6n7ShyPWwRI2_ncmKUtzL6hR8-LI_aWNQ/s640/sunlight%2Boutside%2Bmy%2Bdoor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">outside my front door - leaves in the sunlight</td></tr>
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It's nice to post a new picture here. It's a relief, I kept popping in and seeing the same picture, and you know what they say, that change is good. I hope I'm emerging now with the spring. When I go away from my blog, it's like going on a journey, even if only virtually. I take my little suitcase and explore high and low until I discover new things, and new inspirations. I find something new in myself. Probably something which has always been there, but I often need to see it in the mirror outside first. Sometimes it's something I don't like and often it arrives at the same time as a new and shiny impulse. Like being shown the new and the old at the same time. The urge to jump ship is huge. Other continents wave at me like sunny, beckoning friends. To find the new perfect life which surely awaits, just over there. The one where I don't have to try to untangle myself and burst out from places where I feel suffocated. I think we often arrive at the new, still dragging our old and worn out patterns and behaviours behind, like crazy tin cans on a 'just married' car. As we try and shake and kick them off, we realize that they were the vehicle that brought us here, and should probably be honoured. Indeed.<br />
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Happy spring friends,</div>
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♥ </div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-77903138503504472142016-01-02T16:27:00.003+00:002016-01-02T16:29:29.796+00:00I think I might have something to say....<div style="text-align: center;">
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My first coherent thought upon awaking on January 1st was 'I am so tired' my second was 'thank god I haven't got a hangover...'. It has to be the upside to having a quiet new year. Not drinking any alcohol has now become a bit of an ongoing theme, over the whole year in fact, and a few before that. A clear head in the morning is totally worth it, even if sometimes my life feels a little tame. I have some quite memorable and crazy new years eve's logged in my memory as well as some down right awful ones. I guess now I opt for safe, happy and relaxed, and hope that whoever is around me feels like that too.</div>
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So that was my new year. I spent the first day of the new year out of communications too with my phone firmly off and feeling what I can only describe as sheltered in the warm glow of a new years bubble. There have been no tears this holiday season, until Julie Andrews earnestly sung her way through The Sound of Music and reminded me of my Mum. It was her era you see. The hair cut and the singing and the handmade clothes, and the scenery, which no doubt led to some of our Alpine adventures, with cousins and friends whilst growing up. But well a few tears to soften us and open us to the new year ahead is probably a good thing.</div>
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I've found my way back to this space, I will talk some more in the future about who inspired me and why. I needed to feel like I had hit the refresh button, in terms of approach and style, and I think I needed to just hangout on instagram a while and experience the community there. The ease of taking quick photos, creating and connecting. For me it's an inspiration board. But I do value this creative space here. I've often been popping in to polish and change things around, and I do love to do that. It's a ever evolving space. Maybe one day I might jump to a new space, but not yet. I'm okay with blogger and I haven't tried all the different options yet! </div>
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So a new year beckons. I do have a new word for this year. A word that I hope will resonate and guide me. Last year's word was <i>REVITALIZE. </i>You can read that <a href="http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/my-word-for-2015-is.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and the previous year before that was <i>COMMIT</i>, you can see that <a href="http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/a-new-year-new-word.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <i> </i>Looking back revitalize was a big word to embody. Or perhaps that's how I saw it. Our lives <i>are</i> big aren't they, made up of many different elements. I suspect that's true even in the smallest of tiny living houses. Health, our relationships, family, our homes, our work, our dis-functions, all the little bits that make up the whole. There hasn't been an almighty wand swept through my life scattering fairy dust and transforming everything but suddenly I can see that just a little shake and flap <i>can</i> bring things back to life. I can see this in most areas, it's all on my radar now. I know I can't get past without engaging and making something of what I see. They are the very basics of self-care, self-worth, value and how we chose to live. Perhaps I'm rambling now, but this is what's emerging. I may need to make some bigger decisions in the future to really transform my life, and I will try and remember that sometimes things just need a gentle butterfly flutter to come back to life. <a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1493/23500373043_37c6b48bc8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1493/23500373043_37c6b48bc8_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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So this year I'm going to be looking for what I <i>VALUE</i>, and by value I don't mean ka-ching. <i> </i></div>
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<i> </i> I mean what do I value in my life. What are my values. Am I living them. If something is in my life, does it bring value, and if not, why not, and is there anything I can do to change it so that it does, or do I need to let go or move on. How do I value myself? How do I value the people in my life, how do we teach our children to value themselves. Important huh? I think if we care for something it's because we value it.<br />
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So I can ask myself, is this cared for, is it valued, and how do I show that? </div>
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So <i>VALUE </i>2016.<br />
<i>Bring it on!....</i><br />
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I'm going to enjoy my little tree and decorations for a few more days, then put it all carefully to bed until next year. I'm looking forward to finding some nice bare winter branches to decorate for January. Perhaps if I put them in a little water they will bring me some little green buds and new life, but for now I will enjoy the warmth and glow from this festive season. Hope you are too.<br />
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♥ <br />
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P.S if you would like to read a little tale about the dog-walkers christmas tree pictured above, you can read that <a href="http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/a-little-thorn-tree-on-hill.html" target="_blank">here.</a> </div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-60838498638417798112015-10-28T21:18:00.000+00:002015-10-28T21:18:35.200+00:00hello autumn world....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh here I am...back again, and it's Autumn :-)</div>
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How lovely. I've had a bit of time to reflect and review. </div>
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To work out what I'm doing and how I want to carry on.</div>
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I have two pages of notes, but I think I just need to sum it up instead and say,</div>
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I still want to be here.</div>
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Three and a half years on. </div>
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Two hundred and twenty three posts later. </div>
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A few strange what an earth was I thinking of posts, (all still there!)</div>
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I like it here.</div>
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But I can't step back into it in the way that I was.</div>
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I can't step back into the spiral of blog reading.</div>
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I find myself spending much less time on-line. </div>
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It's been a bit of a habit to break.</div>
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I feel like I'm getting to know me again.</div>
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Discovering blogs and blogging came at a time when I really needed it.</div>
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I always wanted to create a little business,</div>
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and I really want to put my energy there.</div>
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Which I guess means making things and doing shop things :-)</div>
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So this is what I plan to do.</div>
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I hope you understand.</div>
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I think there will be more tales to tell,</div>
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but it's definitely important to step back and watch the world go by now and again.</div>
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Blogging has helped define who I am, </div>
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helped me to see what was already there, with new eyes.</div>
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Helped me to see what I want to move towards, </div>
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and brought untold amounts of inspiration.</div>
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and I know that whatever that may be, </div>
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it will contain a little bit of everyone I've ever met and enjoyed something of.</div>
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And that's the beautiful thing about creative glimmers and life evolving.</div>
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Thanks for reading and commenting along the way.</div>
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♥</div>
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-65458476381668180232015-08-02T19:00:00.000+01:002015-08-02T19:00:32.838+01:00summer here so far.....Hello, I just thought I'd pop by. I don't want to leave my blog for too long, so here's a little update of some favourite shots from the last couple of weeks.<br />
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My breakfast. Yes all Japanesey style!<br />
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A delicate white rose in the garden. Soft and dreamy!</div>
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Watching the evening sun at the end of the garden with the dancing fairies.</div>
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Golden hour.</div>
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A beautiful rose in all it's stages.</div>
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Looking through the impossible tree.</div>
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Watching the pair of circling kestrel's every day on the common.</div>
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and enjoying the sweet meadow grasses.</div>
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A colourful Portishead Marina, Bristol, on a summers day. A fairly near home adventure.</div>
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The life-boat ramp, I just love this shot. Lets launch!</div>
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Simple treasures from the river estuary. So very lovely.</div>
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Just a simple summer wave here from me. I hope August brings some lovely things for you. Keeping this space simple feels like the right thing for me to do right now, I hope you understand. I'm just feeling a kind of warm happy glow about this simple blogging, so I'm going to go with that!</div>
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Sunshine smiles from me to you.</div>
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♥</div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-63329477001830393832015-07-01T19:16:00.000+01:002015-07-01T19:19:29.561+01:00crochet on a summers day....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well it's so hot here today that my brain has turned to mush and I thought it might be a good time to blog. Being that it has been about 3 weeks since my last post and perhaps the heat will melt any blocks that I seem to have. </div>
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Today is the hottest July day on record. 36.7degrees at Heathrow. There's talk of possible thunder storms on their way tonight. I'm doing my weather presenter thing again! The crochet was from yesterday, so far it's been too hot to crochet today.</div>
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The other day I heaved my old swing seat out from under the exploding bamboo plant it seemed to be supporting and decided it needed to be used as a seat. I had to find an old mattress, cover it with cushions and a nice sheet and put it in a shady corner. I realize you can't really see all that here. But anyway, summer with a swing seat will be good, especially as I think we really will mainly be holidaying here this year. </div>
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Although yesterday a bird dared to poop on my lovely sheet, whilst my back was turned, so leaving crochet casually strewn around is not a good idea. Thankfully it was not on the crochet!</div>
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This is my view of the climbing rose, so I can't complain! Isn't it lovely. Smells good too. I also have a rather huge and wonderful new bird table to show you soon, made for me by the teen as part of his woodwork lessons. We just need to varnish it and then think of some fun decorations, I'm sure he won't mind!</div>
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And the lovely common is truly in it's sweet place right now. All the meadow grasses and wild flowers. Beautiful. Like a painting. I feel very lucky to have this view. I don't feel so land locked I think because I can see the river in the distance, which is kind of coast line really being at the top of the Bristol Channel. I expect it's a little cooler at the coast today, perhaps.</div>
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It's been early starts this week, tying to beat the heat. I'm up walking here by 7.15 with the dog. By the time we're back at the car it's almost too hot. Although 2 and half weeks ago it looked like <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/woolgenie/19156271236/in/dateposted/">this</a>! </div>
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It always feels good to come back and blog....I don't know how the summer's going to go. I'm still really in the process of de-cluttering my life and also hoping to expand my shop and keep on making.</div>
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I have forever de-cluttered my clothes and my books. I've probably halved those now. The real job that I keep putting off is to sort out my photos, both in albums and on-line. I think I will feel considerably lighter once I've done those. And of course there's the daily dramas to negotiate.</div>
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I've decided to turn off comments, once I've worked how. We all have to try things out and find our happy place on here. I'm going to try it out, maybe for the summer. It's just to simplify things, which is really where I'm at at the moment. I need to step out from the spiral of expectation and hopefully things will feel simpler for you too.</div>
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So I am just trying it, following my intuition. I am quietly on instagram too. Maybe we will have a chat there, or flickr or facebook. So many choices!</div>
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Have a lovely summer, going to go and share the fan with the dog now.</div>
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♥</div>
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-34617873251599220162015-06-05T20:34:00.000+01:002015-07-08T15:15:35.927+01:00some summery things.....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/329/17867685433_2bf598df2d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/329/17867685433_2bf598df2d_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">summer flower garland</td></tr>
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I have been sorting out my craft/work space just lately. Actually I've been sorting out my whole house really. A lot of purging and clearing has been going on here behind the scenes. I think it might be never ending, I've been doing it for years. I'm also good at bringing it in though. But saying that, car loads have left, and it's beginning to feel like there's a little more space around things.</div>
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A happy discovery was this garland I found in my bag of crochet things. It's from a couple of years ago. I love it, it reminds me of when I first discovered the joys of crochet. I love all the different colours, you can see that can't you! Some I don't have anymore, lovely Rowan wool.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blues and greens on the common<br />
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In life, I feel like I'm getting ready to move into a new role. At home we are just beginning the last 6 weeks of school. After that I will no longer be a Mum of a school age child. It will be college and a whole new chapter. I feel like we are in a transition or getting ready for one.<br />
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I want to keep on blogging but I feel I need to wear it loosely.<br />
Really I just want to make sure my focus is where it's needed, especially over this next six weeks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a Peony saved from the mower</td></tr>
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So I stepped back a little from blogging, I kind of gave myself a week or two off. It felt good, to just relax and be a reader instead. <br />
I find it can take a long time to blog, or maybe it's just how I have been doing it.<br />
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By the second week I was starting to compose blog posts in my head!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fabric memories</td></tr>
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I was sent a lovely gift of this Greensleeves fabric, by Claire from <a href="http://www.poppysnest.blogspot.co.uk/">Poppysnest</a>, who kindly agreed to a little blog swap. My Mum had curtains in her living room made from this material, which I spotted on her blog. It's a very much now fabric with Honeysuckle and summer flowers. Thank you Claire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8861/18260283631_c8791756be_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8861/18260283631_c8791756be_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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There has been a bit of sewing recently.<br />
These blue gingham nets are a little experiment around where we eat. I was hoping to encourage my teen to sit here again, now it feels a little less like a gold fish bowl! I like it, it feels a bit cafe style, and a bit more private. Not that I want to shut anyone out, but the arrangement of people moving around here has changed thanks to a stuck door. Some of you might remember I have a couple of hardy cabin dwellers living here too. We share some parts of the house. There are some things you not allowed to build in your garden, without serious planning permission anyway!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7788/17636350044_244b77a783_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7788/17636350044_244b77a783_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lego vintage style caravan</td></tr>
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Well who spotted the cavaran?! This was a christmas present to me from my teen who found a long forgotten still valid lego voucher! The only things he would have ordered cost hundreds, and it wasn't going to happen. So I asked if he wouldn't mind me very much getting the caravan! I know, it's really childish. It took me about 5 months to make it. Isn't it sweet and why do they always put in extra parts?! I think it was the bunting and flowers on the window sill which sold it to me. Oh and the back opens and the sunbeds come out, easy now!<br />
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Anyway back to grown up things.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7699/18041318415_5df9b13c76_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7699/18041318415_5df9b13c76_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a little place for plants and crystals.</td></tr>
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I think I may be a bit more relaxed about blogging, whatever that means. Of course you will often find me and my photos on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/woolgenie/">flickr</a> and a little bit on <a href="https://instagram.com/mylittleredsuitcase_">instagram</a>, which I like as much as putting a nice sweet in my mouth and then forgetting about it once it's eaten! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7748/18255184422_5224ddae1c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7748/18255184422_5224ddae1c_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">widflowers on the common</td></tr>
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And you will always find me up here everyday with my camera, because this is my sanity and my breathing out, oh and my exercise!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the first climbing rose</td></tr>
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So until next time, go well, and enjoy the weekend.<br />
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♥</div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-74724797161383657172015-05-17T09:42:00.000+01:002015-07-08T15:15:54.850+01:00This weeks sights.....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7736/17717960131_c02aea0490_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7736/17717960131_c02aea0490_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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This is May's freely growing offering from my garden, I know I'm very lucky to have these out there.</div>
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The park is another space, enjoyable in a different way. A whole lot of planning happens here. I do like their choice of Tulips.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cowslips on the common</td></tr>
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On the common the Cowslips are doing their happy dance. Seeing them in the sunlight makes your spirits soar!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowslips and Orchids</td></tr>
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I always think it feels like the earth is wearing it's big flowery shirt.</div>
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The day I got rained on, I managed to catch these very fresh oak leaves, I noticed how quickly they changed colour.</div>
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At home I turned this already tube shaped piece of yellow floral fabric into a seat cover. It was very easy. I think someone else had done the same thing!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Severn estuary - Portishead</td></tr>
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There was a little jaunt to a new to me place by the river at Portishead, while the teen played airsoft. It's the river estuary at Bristol, I had several hours to explore and wander. This may become a regular two weekly thing so I'm not complaining.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The marina at Portishead Bristol</td></tr>
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I had a good wander around the harbour and watched the lifeboat doing it's maneuvers.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">estuary glass</td></tr>
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I found glass on the beach too. I was very happy about that! Lots of it and quite big pieces, not very worn. I think from the more modern day drunken sailors to be honest. A camper van would have been nice to pull up on the beach front and hang out for the day. I noticed a few folks doing this, especially nice in cooler weather. One day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wild garlic in the woods</td></tr>
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Back at home this Wild garlic growing in the woods is always a show stopper. I always forget and then come along to find it. So lovely with the bright green canopy. The Beech leaves seem to green up last.</div>
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The Horse Chestnut blossom is always a delight. Such pretty colours. This has to be one of my favourite trees, there's always a very special place underneath a Chestnut tree! I always have to go under and just be there for minute, a little spot of tree hugging :-)</div>
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So this has been my week. I've spent a lot of time thinking about this space here and what I want to with it. Also the idea of a creative business and how that might fit in with my life. A lot of research has been done about how people do that and what needs to be done, more officially than unofficially. It's actually left me feeling pretty frustrated with the labeling and brackets we seem to need to operate from in our lives, more so when we have families to consider. It's easy to discover how the bracket we want to be in doesn't exist, at least not as part of the system. </div>
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Overall I'm suddenly becoming aware of the ways that we do actually limit ourselves. It usually seems like the only thing to do, or even the right thing to do, but it still places us in a limiting situation ultimately. Where our life stays the same to meet that criteria. It doesn't open us to the full possibility. </div>
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I feel there are probably people everywhere this is happening to, even if they are not aware of it. Perhaps this is what happens in a society. It places them in a group, which is not without it's support and help of course. But it just becomes difficult to let go of that and move into a new way. It's a curious thing and like I say I've just began to notice how many ways it happens, even in our speech and assumptions we make about ourselves. </div>
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This may be the beginning of a life evaluation! I guess I feel the pull to move forwards but don't really know how to, just yet.</div>
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♥ </div>
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Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572011697771003818.post-59641724512983922902015-05-13T11:27:00.000+01:002015-07-08T15:16:01.422+01:00vintage sheet stash bundles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello, I thought we could do some collective oohing and aahing!</div>
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I have been chop chopping away and making pretty fabric pictures. I can't decide which bit I like best. The prettifying and photography or the making. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8712/17407238559_da7bf7349e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8712/17407238559_da7bf7349e.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">colourful vintage sheet fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7791/17593567135_c639b18d68_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7791/17593567135_c639b18d68_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vintage stash bundles at the ready!</td></tr>
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There's been a lot of chopping and then more chopping, and now I've finally just added these stash bundles to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mylittleredsuitcase">shop</a>. There are 15 different retro floral patterns. The squares are 10 x 10 inches in size.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7690/17591243402_c21d4b510e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7690/17591243402_c21d4b510e_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vintage fan!</td></tr>
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They are a good size to make a string of colourful bunting for the summer! or perhaps a small child's quilt or cushions. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/17405736958_ae11219a94_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/17405736958_ae11219a94_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of colour</td></tr>
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They are all washed, pressed and ready to sew.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/17593557481_1e242e952e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/17593557481_1e242e952e.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kiss - heartnote by my little red suitcase</td></tr>
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Of course each parcel will have a little dangly heart popped in it too.</div>
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No parcel would be ready without one!</div>
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Thanks for calling by, hope your week goes well.</div>
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♥</div>
Heather http://www.blogger.com/profile/16391490107612393396noreply@blogger.com10