Dolly's Dreamings

Finished Christmas journal and Project 365

Well - I have finally completed both of my other projects from this year and I love them.

I can't imagine Christmas without Journal Your Christmas - I love the focus and I always love the finished books, but this year is my absolute favourite.

It is the first time I have completed the class digitally - and I am hooked on digi books now. It was so much fun to make, takes up less room, created less mess and I am really pleased.

I know the class continues intot eh New Year but I usually end on 31st.

Here is the final daily page - a review of 2009 which really was a year of changes in so many ways. The biggest changes were Nij losing his job - which we have viewed positively as semi-retirement, both of us losing weight and getting fitter and major home decor changes.

I always do a summary page as well and this was my summary page this year

And this is the whole thing bound, finished and now proudly on display.

 

Thank you Shimelle for another fab year of classes.

Dawn has two new kits out - a really cute alphabet and some awesome stitches. I love digi stitching and couldn't wait to play.

This is a page I made this morning for my weight loss journey book. It uses the two new kits and also Dawn's inch Loss and Waltzing Matilda kits.

I have also just finished my project 365 - a photo a day. It has been quite an effort at times, but so worth it now it is all finsihed and i have an album with the whole year printed off - what a memory.

This is my last weekly page.

and - you know me - there has to be a summary page as well so here it is

 
 

Whatever you are doing to celebrate the New year I hope you have a wonderful time and I wish you a new year filled with health and happiness, love and laughter. xxxx
 
 

Almost the end

As the year draws to its close - and I will do my end of year page for my JYC tomorrow - it is a chance to reflect.

I am refelcting first on Project 365..... A Photo a Day.

When I started this in January it seemed such a fun idea .... and now it is almost over .... just one last picture to take tomorrow .... it seems like a fun idea.

The 364 days inbetween have been somewhat mixed. I have had great fun doing it and, by and large, enjoyed it, but Oh dear ... some days have been a heck of a struggle. Days when I have had nothing to take a picture of. Days when I have taken my camera with the specific idea of taking a pucture and then forgotten (these are usually food shots where I plan a picture of my meal but forget and eat it straight away LOL)

However, it is now so rewarding. I have a completed album - well apart from one last page to do tomorrow  - and it documents an entire year.

 And what a year it was. I almost walked out of my job. Nigel was finally made redundant. Our lives changed. Our bodies changed. Our views changed. And it is all there. recorded in photos and printed out to keep forever.

It is at times like this you think ...' that was so wonderful i am going to do it all again next year' ..... and then you come to your senses and accept it is a one off and it will cause you to throw said camera out of the window if you have to do it all again!

 
It is a real life album and although the pages were digital I printed each as i made it.

If you would like to see them all there is an album in the side bar with all the weekly pages in and another with all of the photos.

I ama lso reflecting on my year of reading. I set myself a target of reading 26 books - a book every two weeks. I way exceeded that.

I managed the following (and possibly a couple I forgot to add to the list)

A Thousand Spelndid Suns - Kahled Hosseini
The David Cassidy Story (Don't like him any more now)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J K Rowling
Thunder in the Sky - William Sarabande
A Charming Man - Marian Keyes
The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd
The secrtet Shoppers revenge - Kate Harrison
Dead man's Footsteps - Peter James
The Garden of Spells - Sarah Addison Allen
Twilight - Stephanie Myers
Toro Toro - Michael Morpurgo
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and others F Scott Fitzgerald
Percy and the Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
Do Not Disturb by Tilly Bagshaw
Percy Jackson and the battle of the labyrinth by Rick Riordan
Long Way Home - Michael Morpurgo
Dear Ollie - Michael Morpurgo
A is for Alibi - Sue Grafton
Remember me - Sophie Kinsella
Percy jackson and the Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan
New Moon - Stephanie Myers
The Verdict - John Grisham
Percy Jackson and the Titans Curse - Rick Riordan
The 19th Wife - David Ebersoff
Marked - K Cash
Dear Fatty - Dawn French
10 reasons not to fall in love - Lindsay Green
The Shadow of the Watching Star - William sarabande
Percy Jackson and the last titan - Rick Riordan
A Vintage Affair Isabelle Wolfe
The Shack - W P Young
Unsticky - Sarah Manning
Hold Tight - Harlan Coben
Nevermore - Linda Newberry
Eclipse - Stephanie Myers
Honour Thyself - Danielle Steele
The one you really want - Jill Mansell
December - Elizabeth Winthrop
Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer
Secret Scripture - sebastian Barry
The Face of the Sun - William Sarabande
Missing - Sarah Lewis
The Other Hand - Chris Cleve
The Bonesetters daughter Amy Tan
Incendiary - Chris Cleve
Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
Revenge of a middle aged woman
The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown
Disolution - c j sansom
Holly Starcross - Berlie Dogherty
The Host - Stephanie Meyer
Ice Fire - Chris D'Lacey
The Fire Eternal  - Chris d'Lacey

Fire Star - Chris d'Lacey
Paths of Glory - Jeffrey Archer
Dead Tomorrow - Peter James

56 books - more than one a week ..... I need to get out more

My photo of the day today  is of the new books I had for Christmas. It's quite a pile. I love to read and there is nothing like a brand new crisp book no-one else has ever opened. It is magical.

Finally my JYC page for today

The end of the year book

Phew - mammoth scrapping day today and one project completed and two more almost there.

I have finished - yes ... that's right finished .... my book of the year for 2009.

I loved making the book and based it on a  class by Clare Brown that you can see at ATDML (there are some fab classes there by people like Clare and Debbie)

I love the fact it is 6" x 12" and has lots of different sized and shaped pages, loads of tags and pull outs and that it documents what was a year of changes for us both.

It looks much nicer in reality .... honest!

The final thing I did today was make a summary page which also fits with the last of Shimelle's SLYMI challenges - to scrap 2009.

It was fidly to do but i am glad I persevered.

Now I just have to finish the last page of my 365 project, which i can't do until Thursday and then 2009 is done and dusted and I can tell you i am jolly proud of the fact i saw both projects through to completion.

Will I do the 365 again. Not on your life, alhtough .......

big news here

drum roll

I do have soemthing I will be making every day of 2010, in addition to my 5210 challenge. And I am really excited about it and will share later.

I also finsihed my JYC page for today which is tribute to the spoilt fur babies that share our lives.

 
 
 

Post Christmas sales

I am not big into the sales any more but it would have been rude not to go at all. we headed into town today, but actually so much had been reduced long before Christmas that the sales were not really that thrilling.

I bought four new tops - all size 16 i am pleased to saya nd one was even a 14 - 16. Then wrecked it all with a Starbucks treat. however, i have still not put weight on and am back on the diet soon to knock off a few more stones, so i guess a little treat doesn't hurt.

I am so thrilled that so many people are planning on joining in with my 52 in 10 challenge next year and I hope I don't disappoint.

I have some catching up to do with JYC pages and Christmas news so here goes.

This is my page from Boxing day. We had a lovely chill out day and then in the evening we went to my best friend's house and spent the evening with Jakki, Gary and Alice. Jakki and I were both 'off diet' and had a fab time. We were both in blingy black jeans (though hers were considerably smaller than mine!) and looked fab. We had a wonderful meal and it was just fab to be in their company and have such a nice time. I was princess for the evening as I had the little frog on my lily pad and I had some wonderful presents from Jakki.

So this is my Boxing Day page.

Yesterday was a very special day as we went to spend Christmas with my other 'family'. Pauline, sam, Chris, Emily and Elinor. Perhaps I better clarify that. They are no relation at all - but are very much my family. I grew up with Pauline being a surrogate Mum and spent so many of my school holidays staying with her back home in the Midlands. She is very much still my surrogate Mum. Sam is Pauline's daughter and my god-daughter. I became her god-mother when i was just 14 and Sam is a daughter and sister and friend all rolled into one. I count myself very blessed to have both Pauline and Sam (and of course Chris and the girls) in my life.

We had a wonderful day and the kids had fun with their rpesents. pauline cooked an awesome meal and it was just so nice to be with them all. I only wish so many miles didn't separate us.

Here is my page for yesterday.

Finally here is my page for today. Now I am off to make thank you cards

 

5210 Preparation time

 

 It is just one week until the class starts and I hope people are getting a little excited.

 

It is time to think seriously about how you are going to tackle the class and what you want to do. And, if you want to, to make your album or journal ready for class.

 

Hopefully this prompt will help you organise yourselves.

Download Preparation prompt

 

I have made my album ready. I decided to go with an 82 x 8" American Crafts ring binder album as I figured it would hold more. It was a bit interesting to cover, but I managed it and am quite pleased with the results.

I wanted very soft subtle colours, as those of you who know me well know that is always my preference. What i won't be doing, though, is limiting myself to these colours inside.

 

Happy Boxing Day

Happy Boxing day everyone. And for my non UK friends and visitors, this is a uniquely British thing I think.  THIS PAGE will explain a  little more about it. 

When I was younger I used to rush to the sales to snap up bargains on Boxing Day. When we were first married I still rushed to the sales, but to buy things for our home. Now, well Boxing Day is our chill out day. We are in a more fortunate position financially so I feel that my time and leisure is more important than snagging a bargain. There isn't really anything we NEED and we value the time just relaxing.

We enjoy 'trolly tea' on Boxing day. Not sure how many of you had torlley teas when you were growing up. It is something both Nigel and I shared when we were younger. On Sundays the afternoon/ evening meal was a trolly tea; so called because it was served on a tea trolly (those wonderful wheeled multi level trays) and it comprised of sandwiches, cakes (both of us remember angel cake and battenburg) and so on. We love out post Christmas trolley teas. fresh baked rolls, left over turkey, ham speciality cheeses, mince pies etc. Fabulous. Not very diet appropriate but who cares eh.

We had a wonderful day yesterday - our quietest smallest Christmas day ever, but lovely.

We woke early - as ever - and this year we didn't start with champagne. It was int he fridge chilled and everything, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. i know I was going to be naughty the rest of the day with food and wine and so on .... so i was very restrained. We opened presents in our jammies - well in my cae my snuggly new leopard print robe. We both had wonderful presents. Nij spoilt me as always .... and enjoyed spoiling him. I have so many wonderful books to read, a lot of keep fit and have fun things to learn how to use, a dance game for the wii which should also keep me fit,  my favourite perfume and so much more.

Here is my JYC page for yesterday  with me and my spotty boy. He is frowning because Kira was playing with something he thought should be his. I have never known a cat from before - but both of our bengals do it!

Nij fetched his Mom and we had a very late lunch. i am used to lots of people for Christmas either at our house or Gina's but Gina is off doing missionary work in Brazil, James is in bristol working and so we had none of Gina's family with us. However, it made for a lovely relaxed day and lunch went well .... and was thoroughly enjoyed. We went for a walk on the heath - not one of our better decisions. Taking a rather frail 84 year old who is waiting for a cataract op so can't see well even in bright light, out on the heath which was muddy and exceptionally slippery as the sun was setting so the gloom was thickening was not one of our better ideas.  But we all had a good laugh about it. Nij held her tightly so she didn't fall and we made it home safely and refreshed (and relieved!)

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas day, that you were able to share it with others and fill it with love and that you also gave and received some lovely gifts.

Enjoy boxing day, whatever you are doing.

Merry Christmas everybody

I  hope that you have a wonderful Christmas Day, that your homes and your lives are filled with love and laughter and the comfort of Our Lord.

 

'Twas the night before Christmas and in Bethlehem town,
All the Inns were so crowded, Mary couldn't lie down.
The baby was coming, all willing and able,
The only safe place to be born was a stable.

The shepherds were sleeping on a hillside nearby,
While Mary was singing her first lullaby.
The lambs in their sheepfold, all wooly and white,
Had just settled down on this clear starry night.

 

When an angel appeared, right there where they were laid,
While they rose in fright, he said, "Be not afraid."
The Lord's glory shone as the angel did say,
"Good News, I bring to you all on this day,
A Saviour in Bethlehem was born for you,
Now He lies in a manger, ragged cloths are the clue."

 

When what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But a sky full of angels singing loudly and clear.
God's glory they sang for all they were worth
And peace among all whom He favours on earth.

 

More rapid than eagles they all disappeared.
A shepherd then shouted to all who would hear,
"Now, Levi!  Now, Reuben!  Now, Isaac and Jacob!
On, Eli!  On Matthew!  On Simon and Caleb!
To the stable in town, to the manger of hay,
Let's go quickly and see where the Christ child does lay."

 

The shepherds could hardly believe what they saw,
Jesus lay in the manger asleep in the straw.
So, down to their knees all the shepherds then sank,
With their hearts full of wonder, their God they did thank.

 

And then in a twinkling to Joseph and Mary,
The words of the angels, the shepherds did carry.
As they drew in their breath, their heads spinning around,
From the stable the shepherds left without a sound.
Mary pondered these words in the depth of her heart.
She ne'er would forget how the shepherds took part.

A bundle of joy, Mary thought of her child,
And He looked like a pure lamb, so gentle and mild.
His eyes full of wisdom, even though just a baby.
"My Jesus, a Saviour? she wondered, "Well, maybe."
His soft, little face seemed to glow with a smile,
So their troublesome journey now, too, seemed worthwhile.

 

Soon after came wise men from places afar.
Many days had they travelled to follow a star.
They looked for a King who would rule over all,
After speaking with Herod, the worst choice of all.

 

Herod plotted and planned - a right nasty old king -
Who tried to kill Jesus and end this whole thing.
The magi came in and they kneeled at Christ's bed
And gave Him three gifts and then, thinking ahead,
They took a new road on their long journey home.
And Jesus and family to Egypt did roam.

 

And later He laid down His life for our souls,
Forgiving our sins, Jesus Christ made us whole.
He rose from the dead, to His friends gave a mission.
And we are now given new life with a vision.

So let us exclaim on this most holy night ...

Merry Christmas to all,
Jesus Christ is the light!

 

Twas the Night before Christmas

Well twas the day actually - but let's not be picky.

 

Christmas Eve here is always a cleaning day. I had quite gotten out of the habit .... today's housework  is the first i have done since the start of september. Nij has been doing all the cleaning - how spoilt am I. I have to confess I quite enjoyed it ... now that is seriously odd.

Once the cleaningw as done I sat and made my JYC page. It had to be about the fact that I read twas the Night before Christmas every year.

 

It is an awful photo - it has really not improved with age and so it has odd colours and way too much contrast. And before anyone says it .... no I haven't changed much! Just 45 years older really.

 

I opened my last present from my advent box today. I am so lucky to have such a fabby friend who fills my box with wonderful things .... and this year the box was one of the gifts too ........ and very lovely it is.  
 

I have used it as my photo of the day.

 

Well the house is clean, the preparations made, time to sit and enjoy my annual glass of sherry and relax.

 

I hope you all have a truly wonderful Christmas filled with love and laughter.

 

 

5210 intro prompt and a LITTLE Christmas

I have been up early again as I just couldn't sleep. Boushka jumping up and down on the pillow didn't help mind you! I have no idea how she has wheedled her way into the bedroom again. we were adamant no cats were going to sleep with us when we redecorated the bedroom and somehow it has sort of happened again. She is the only one and we feel sorry for her as she hates the CFH and they hate her so we have relented and she is back in her bed in the bedroom. She is as good as gold all night, curling up in her bed,  but by 6 am she is ready to party and lets us know it! Usually by leaving her bed and bouncing on ours, often on the pillow!

Consequently I made my JYC page before I saw the prompt. Yes I KNOW that was silly, but heck ... I will do stockings tomorrow .... or maybe not as I have done them before.

This is my page for today.

I would love to tell you this grand dining room and beautiful laid out dinner is mine. Well, it is ... sort of. It is the dining room in my doll house all decked out for Christmas lunch.

 

Now here is the introductory prompt telling you a little more about the project coming up.

It really is just a test prompt to make sure everyone who wants to can download the PDF OK.

I would love to know if you can ... so do pop a omment in.

Watch out for the preparation prompt on Sunday 27th  which will give you a week to prepare and get ready for the class starting in full on Sunday 3rd January 2010.

Finally I have another Christmassy page to share which was made for ATDML and it showcases my three favourite girls in the world, Samantha, Emily and Elinor. And I am counting down the days till we see them

 

 

 

Quite a day today

How can it only be 3.30 when I have done so much already today?

I guess getting up extra early helps. I was up and at it by 7 am. I just don't sleep as long these days. Good thing too really - I get more done.

Firstly I made my JYC page (off topic again I guess but something I wanted to scrap as Christmas candles are important to me.

I was really pleased witht his page as it looks so christmassy i can almost smell that cinnamon just looking at it.

Nij and I went for a walk this morning and within the first minute Nij had slipped ont he black ice everywhere. Fortunately he bounced quite well and wasn't hurt, but I have told him that at his age he needs to be careful! Yes I am THAT wicked!

Anyway we remained upright for our walk on the heath and very refreshing it was. That biting cold has gone now, thankfully.

The mist earlier - see picture of the day below - had disappeared and it was another beautifully sunny day.

By the way - I have stopped posting all of my photos of the day each day - as a lot were way less than interesting - but there is an album (see the side bar) that has them all in if you want to see them. very few left to go , thank goodness.

I coloured my hair today - nothing exciting - just brown - and we also went and bought a fab new cupboard for the bathroom, which i will photograph later.

I have sorted my scrap room out, organised my album for my 5210 project and done two new projects for Its A Creative World.

Finally I want to share this christmassy page of the ever gorgeous Emily with her grandad. It was made for ATDML this month.

I am so excited that I am going to be seeing them all soon.