Somert I noticed...

Been doing lots of thinking recently. In the absence of doing a million and one things (which is what I used to do) I've had more time to think. It can be a scarey thing to do, thinking, it can be a bit un-ravelling and makes you assess what's going on in your life. But I think I have to stick with it.

One thing I did notice, is how your wants change depending on your circumstances. A week or so ago, I was skint. I was wandering round M & S and every isle I turned down I came across delicious looking food which I was longing to have. A few days later when my financial pressures had eased a little I went there again. This time, I couldn't find a thing that seemed tempting, even though I could now afford to buy it.

It's an odd thing. When you desire something, you put yourself through the mill if you can't have it. When you can have it, it losses its appeal. That's a big old thought - I think.

Ruskiboots.com

I've cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am - pride I know is bad thing. But I am beeming a little. I've been asked to be a God Mother twice in the space of 6 months. I've never been asked before and maybe it's more of a reflection of the passing years and greying hair that give me the credentials. But I do feel quite honoured. I have to admit that I'm rather more agnostic than perhaps a God Mother ought to be, but I think that it means that these new lives will have a special place in my life. I'm also to be an Aunty (my sister is pregnant!) - and I am over the moon about this too! It's gonna be a busy babysitting time for me. Can't wait.
Here's a picture of some baby foot gear knitted by a very dear friend and Mum to be - Alya.

Life in the open air

We had a expedition yesterday to the local country park with the Mind Blogglers. The plan was to take the cameras and make it a bit of a photo workshop.

Here are some of the rather fabulous results.


The day was perfect, great company, great weather. Thanks for coming.

Simple satisfying things

Sun
Snow
Long soak in the tub
Laughing
Having all the right documents when you re-tax your motor
Bagging up pennies and finding that they're all correct when exchanging for 'real' money
Doing a job that you've put off for months (or probably years) only to find it takes no time and is really easy
Planting seeds when you're meant to
Daffoldils
Snow drops
Blue bells
Sculptures (particularly if they've not been drawn on)
A satisfying sleep
Smell of freshly cut grass
Cooking something new that actually tastes nice
A good cup of tea
Answering two questions in a row on University Challenge (these are particular to me!)

How about you?

Bob, me and the Angel

Last night I travelled to Newcastle Upon Tyne to see Bob Dylan. I had been incredibly fortunate to have been given a pair of tickets by someone who couldn't go (people's kindness and generousity never cesases to amaze me).

The gig was superb - I really felt like I was watching a legend. It was great to see live music again, I haven't done that for a while. Bob played house of the rising sun as a tribute to the Animals who were natives of Newcastle. He's sold 100 million albums and is permanently on tour. He can't be doing this for the dosh.

Newcastle itself was a bit of a treat too - a city not unlike Stoke On Trent in some ways, but it's managed to re-invent itself. The Angel of the North greeted us when we got there. To have that vision and conviction and the courage to make something like that happen - well...(as purkul would say).

It was a great night - thanks to those who made it possible.

Erm...

Bit stuck at the mo to know what to blog about. Will get back to you.

Passion for service

I had to get some food yesterday and went to the supermarket. Whilst waiting in a short queue there was announcement over the tannoy which said 'We have customers with a passion for service' - it just made me smile.:-)