Tuesday 25 November 2014

Where to start?


There's so much to say, I just don't know where to start. 
Once again I lost my way with everything to do with blogging. I haven't made anything with paper or fabric for ages.....but my love of photography, digital altering, iPhoneography, styling and moodboards has grown.
Over the past few months I have probably spent too much time on Pinterest, Instagram and FB; they are so easy to use.

Things haven't been great for me, health-wise, and when I'm struggling with those issues I can't focus on the whole process of blogging; the planning, composing posts, visiting blogs, sorting and editing photos,.......plus I don't feel I have anything worth saying (or showing). But I may be on the verge of finally getting a diagnosis (after almost three years). More of that another time. 

Anyway, I think I'm ready to start again....

Here are some of the things I'm  LOVING at the moment:
So what have I actually been doing? 

  • Going a bit crazy with Hipstamatic......


I think I like these dried coneflowers even more than the living ones....


  • Trying a bit of black and white

  • Making moodboards .......



 (Apologies to Instagram friends who have already seen some of these)

  • Planning Christmas projects .....  I have a tray of bottle brush trees in my art room awaiting transformation:


Last week we went to the Christmas Market at the Derby Roundhouse (organised by fabulousplaces.co.uk). 
It truly was a fabulous day and I was very grateful to feel well enough to enjoy it. 
I was mesmerised by the incredible setting, the attention to detail, the exhibitors (all from Derbyshire and many of them craftspeople), the food, the vintage tearoom, the decorations .......it was very special. And only a ten minute train ride away! The Roundhouse has a fascinating history; it's the world's first and oldest surviving railway roundhouse, built with the help of George and Robert Stephenson. If you click on the link you can see a 360 degree view of it.
We had VIP tickets which meant we received a bag of treats and samples plus we could use the private lounge and have free prosecco and cake. Brian was particularly grateful for this as he was able to relax and read his paper whilst I did a workshop run by Birds in the Attic.  It was so nice to meet Klara there (such an inspiring lady) and we had a lovely time making snow globes.
This was our view of the Roundhouse as we entered..... 



....and here are some other images from the day.

My little snow globe is bottom right.


I can't go without an Angel update........
She has two loves in her life at the moment (apart from me ;-)

  • The scratching board we bought from Zooplus for £3.99 (what a bargain....she's never off it!) She's decided its for scratching and sleeping.
  • Froggy (the green monster she's cuddling in the first pic). She carries him around the house in her mouth like a kitten.....then fights with him. (Maybe its a good thing she never had kittens ;-)

That's all for now......I'll try to come back very soon to show you more of my snow globes
(I'm currently tying little trees on top of cars). Oh the joys of Pinterest....... :-)













15 comments:

Marlien said...

adorable cat!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Bottle brush trees look fab never heard of them cool

Unknown said...

Oh my! welcome back, Linda! I enjoyed your post immensely ... all the helpful links, the gorgeous images, the mood boards are so inspirational (love IG so much, love your feed), and the tour of the craft market. I hope your health continues to improve ... and I'm humbled by your mention of me in your list ... oh my ... so humbled ... take care of your health, and just do what pleases you ...

ju-north said...

I can definitely agree with everything you say (apart from moodboards) and seem to do less and less blogging. Like you I love IG and Pinterest - I think I need to ration my time on them but on the other hand, when retired we can do what we want. Right?! Hope your health picks up soon - it's so wearing to have something dragging on.

Iz said...

Welcome back! I love your pins on Pinterest, so thank you for all the other links. Good to hear you may be on the mend soon, as well x

Heather said...

Lovely to hear from you again and to see all those beautiful images. I do hope your diagnosis comes with some treatment to help you. You have waited long enough.

Maggi said...

About time too! Your photography work is amazing and you have got to start selling it. Loved your new workroom and the Angel of course :)

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Oh what a feast for the eyes . Linda your work is so beautiful, and thanks for the mention I'm honoured. Your mood boards are so pretty. I know that illness can really sap the energy right out of you and one of the hardest things of all is to get pass the inner voice that is constantly nagging away. art for Art's sake is my new mantra (was that a 10cc song!)

Sandies' Patch said...

Hello Stranger!
I am sorry you are having not the best of health. Wishing you fit and well soon xxx
Your Angel looks so much like my Rosie cat, even the tail! (Rosie was put to sleep just over a year ago).
Love your photography as always and usually in my favourite colours too.

WendyCarole said...

Great to see you back. Angel looks sooo comfy. looking forward to seeing more snow globes.

Judy S. said...

Oh, Linda, it's so good to see your post! Angel sure isn't a kitten any more but a grown-up cat, a pretty one at that. Love seeing your photos as always and your various projects. Hope you're feeling lots better by now.

Zoe Louise Hooley said...

Welcome back Linda!! So happy to read a new post from lovely You! X
Your mood boards are so Amazing! I love them, you're so very talented with the tech stuff, puts me to shame! The three boards in the middle of your post are Beautiful, I love the pale tones and simple calming arrangement they're so peaceful xx

And thank you so much for mentioning my blog, so kind :) can't wait to come and see your new studio and already looking forward to the next blog post . . .
Much Love x

Rosie said...

I have missed you ... so glad you feel like blogging again, and all this is so lovely.

Anonymous said...

It all looks wonderful. Glad you are on the verge of that diagnosis. It's been a real struggle for you I know. Great digi of the figs. xox

Anonymous said...

Fabulous post and so good to see you back with some different interests. :o) Adorable piccis of Angel too!

Be filled with Wonder and Peace.....and Cosiness

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