Dolly's Dreamings

What a marathon month

I have had such a month of scrapping - which is amazing as two weeks were full of work. I have scrapped - thus far - 83 pages - 12 were digital and 71 were paper. That's a record even for me and I am really pleased with them. I have made loads for my Paris album, I have learnt new techniques and been pushed to try new things - it has been a terrific month and there are still a few days left! I might just hit the 90!

Without further delay here are some more new pages I haven't shared yet 

 

This was a colour challenge to scrap the colour that reflects you - Nigel has always called me his rainbow girl. I made a page about it some 12 years ago... not a great page and photo is so out of date ... well I was 12 years younger

 

 

so this is the version made yesterday using Shimelle's box of crayons

 

 

This was to scraplift a page from the wonderful Kirsty Frisby and records the amazing experience of hundreds of frogs at Versailles - the noise was incredible. 

 

 

This was using up lots of scraps and took an age but I like the effect

 

This was a colour challenge picking three colours from a tic tac toe board

 

 

This was using black and one colour - in my case pink. Look at the size of the door on that ballroom!

 

 

Another scraps page - rainbow scraps

 

 

 

and finally one of the digital pages using a new collection released today called Sea Story by Natali Designs

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• a wonderful scrappy time
• a hobby I love
• making memories
• A fab half term - as well as scrapping we have had a lovely time

 

 

 

A lovely sunday

The weather seems to have picked up again and it has been lovely today. I met up with an old friend for coffee first thing (bear in mind first thing for us these days isn't that early) and then it was lunch on the balcony followed by scrapping.

I think I am making the most of the last couple of days before work resumes. But then work is only for a few weeks and only for three or four days each week. And it pays for extra stash!

I have more scrapping to share

This was for one of the mojo challenges on Pickleberrypop. If you don't already play along do check out the monthly mojo forum here

 

 

 

This was the last challenge for the Hey Little Magpie group - and another for the Paris album

 

This is the daily prompt today on FTLOPP (I am realy chuffed that I have managed each prompt each day so far - that might change when workkicks in) 

 

I thought it was so funny to see the difference between our two plates when we went to the buffet at Trails End.

 

 

and finally another for the Hey Little Magpie group and for the Paris album which is fast developing into quite a huge album.

 

Today I am thankful for

• sunshine
• a lovely day
• the balcony
• old friends and good conversation

and finally - these merged pictures were very sobering -war and peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never has the phrase been more important - 'When you have plenty build a longer table not a higher wall'

 

Scrapping fun

I have had an absolute blast over the weekend making iNSD pages - and have managed 14 paper pages and am now going to start on some digi challenges.

We also went to the cinema today to see Greta which was just OK whereas Tolkien we saw Friday was fabulous. 

The knee continues to perplex. Yesterday I had no pain at all all day! Today it is bad! No idea. I hope the hospital can shed some light on it.

Anyway - some more scrapping pages to share

I had such fun with this one and a gorgeous cut file from Paige Evans.

 

I do love Minnie - I DON'T love watercolour smooshing on scrapbook pages - it was well out of my comfort zone and don't like it

 

 

 

Scrapping about sport was tough - thankfully Nigel adores his Angels so they made a good subject for a nice clean page

 

 

I made the heart stencil from a cut file from Paige Evans (her cut files are amazing) 

And finally for today a bouncy Tigger page

 

 

Today I am thankful

• that I am able to get into the bath again. I like showers but there is something lovely about a long soak in scented water. My knee was good enough yesterday

 

Happy iNSD

To all my scrapping friends - Happy iNSD ... International Scrapbooking day.

 

To my friends who are not scrappers, - May the 4th be with you.

 

I have had a scrapping day today and considering I didn't start until 8.30 am and it is only 5.30 now and I had an hour for lunch - I am amazed I have completed 9 pages - that is one an hour every hour.

That's fast even for me.

 

I won't bore you with them all but here are a few of them

This was a challenge to scrap a page from the '80s with a bonus if it was 1983. This is me in 1983 - a special picture of such a special time in my life. but oh my - look at those 80'sglasses. Wow. They could cover whole countries! 

 

 

This was a challenge to use multiple photos and also scraps my home resort of Port Orleans Riverside.

 

 

This was to scrap a first - and a Disney food page. Our first time eating at Chef De France which we absolutely loved.

 

 

And this was to use a star wars quote - Oh my friend, how I've missed you. And I do miss her. Every day. And at times it hits me like a sledgehammer that she has gone. Dawn Inskip - you are missed so much

 

Today I am thankful for

scrapping - it is more than a hobby for me. It is a creative outlet, a memory keeping miracle, a therapy and something I couldn't live without. I have been scrapping 16 years and have loved it. I don't care about what happens to the pages when I am gone. I just love the process. Oh and it has pretty papers and glue and flowers - what's not to like

 

• the friendships I made through this wonderful hobby
• the fact I finally have a hospital appointment but not until the end of next week

 

 

Most peculiar events

It's been quite a weekend and quite a day.

 

I have come to the conclusion that it cannot be a tear or rupture of my ACL as it keeps coming and going. There are times it is agony and I cannot walk on it and times it is not. I just cannot figure why but suspect that maybe the avulsion fracture caused a bit of bone which keeps getting caught. Or something else entirely. So I have been resting, using crutches and today saw the downstairs for the first time. Nigel has been brilliant waiting on me and looking after me. I am now just waiting to hear from the hospital to find out what the heck is the matter with my knee. I think the worst thing, even worse than the pain, is the fear. It went completely just in the simple act of sitting down so I think I am going to be scared for quite a while until I know it is 'safe'. I hope the physio will help strengthen whatever is weak too. 

 

Today was quiote a day for big battles too - no spoilers. But it was Game of Thrones first thing this morning and Endgame this afternoon. WOW is the only word I can use for both. Just WOW.

 

I have some new scrapping to share too

This was a title challenge on a Disney forum - I will be using his on a page soon but it has been a long time since I have made a title block.

 

 

 

and these were made for embellishment challenges - again I have chosen the colours as I have particular photos in mind 

 

 

 

And this was a sketch challenge over at Stash Busting

 

Nigel and the 'girls'

 

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• less pain - but more confusion about it all
• film makers, directors, actors, special effects people. WOW!

 

 

That cinema curse is getting stronger!

Those of you who are regular readers will know what I mean by the curse of the cinema.

 

In 2017 I went to the cinema on my own to see Guardians of the Galaxy and slipped on an unlit step (Truly - it was not my fault - I know I can trip over a shadow but it really wasn't my fault this time) and I fractured my ankle resulting in the wearing of the black boot of shame all summer.

 

In 2018 I fell down a hole where a seat had been removed and there was no marking, tape, lighting to show there was a hole (again - truly honestly not my fault and everyone said I ought to sue the cinema but we are not suing type of people) and I broke 2 ribs and spent the summer in agony.

 

Yesterday we were off to the cinema. I was going to see Endgame and was really excited. As you know my knee had been bad for about 5 weeks and I finally went to the doctor and had stronger meds and physio set up. Well, I got changed and sat on the bed to put my jewellery on and there was a noise like an explosion and terrific pain in my knee and whole leg. I screamed - a lot. and I thought I was going to throw up. Now bear in mind I was in the bedroom, we live in a split level house and there are even outside steps down to the car. It wasn't pretty getting me down to the car and in the car as I seriously could not put any weight on it at all. Now we are quite well prepared for my accidents. From 10 years ago we have a wheel chair (it was cheaper to buy one than hire one when I tore ligaments in my foot) and from when I had the boot of shame we have crutches and a walking stick. But I am no seven stone svelt beauty that my husband could carry down stairs and if someone had filmed it it would have been the sort of video that would have gone viral for its comedic value alone! Anyway, he got me in the car and to the minor injuries unit where they are always so fabulous. Yes - I am a season ticket holder!

Jamie who looked after us was fabulous. There was a bit of hysterical laughter as Nigel wheeled me into the treatment room and misjudged the doorway and rammed the bad leg into it. There was also real hysteria and tears when Jamie, being very apologetic that he had to do it, did various tests. It was agony. He suspected it was a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) but just to check everything else out he also x rayed it. That was another laugh as Nigel, helping me get undressed, helped to get my boot off my injured leg by pulling, hard, as I yelled 'it's got a zip, it's got a *%$%*& zip!' The x-ray revealed an avulsion fracture in the knee as well. He feels that there was a possible tear int he ACL five weeks ago and that when I sat on the bed - I kid you not that was all I did - it ruptured. But he cannot prove that. I have to see a specialist and possibly have an MRI but he said he was so sure he was going to treat me for that anyway. 

 

So I was equipped with pain relief, a rigid knee brace from ankle to thigh and a new properly fitted pair of crutches and wheeled home. I can safely say I was in agony.

We eventually managed to get me in and upstairs (and if I am honest it wasn't so funny this time just painful and scary) and we had a very disturbed night. When he said sleep in the brace I figured I wouldn't need to. I did. Any movement, any, was hell.

Today I have been mostly immobile. I did clean the bathroom - well I was in there so it seemed rude not to and Nigel was furious - but I have been largely sat, leg up, binge-watching Greys. I have managed now to stagger into the study but I can see that will be short lived.

 

So the cinema curse is very real and now - it is so strong apparently I don't even have to go there, just PLAN to go there! You have to laugh, don't you!

 

Anyway - I have not scrapped today but I have made this during the week

 

This was witht he new Paige Evans free cutfile - she is so generous

 

 

This was for a UKS challenge

 

 

and so was this - took me ages to emboss the globe!

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• pain relief
• our NHS
• my wonderful husband
• box sets

 

 

Happy Easter

What a beautiful day - Easter Sunday - one of the happiest days of the year and the weather has joined in. It is hot and sunny, not a cloud in the sky and we have just enjoyed being home and being together in the sunshine on the balcony.

Love it so much.

We had the balcony for 26 years and must have used it half a dozen times if that. It was pretty grotty with a poor floor and rusting wrought iron we had to rub down, rust treat and repaint every two years. Two years ago we had the balcony replaced with glass screens, new roof and new flooring and we live out there so much - from February until about October. It has changed the way we use the house completely.

 

Scrapping has taken place this weekend but some of it I cannot share yet as it is new for both digital and paper design teams.  These are pages I made earlier this month that I don't think I have shared - and apologies if I have

 

One of the things we like best about staying at Riverside is the quiet pool where we are often the only people and is just steps from our room. Perfect for us.

 

 

More for the Paris Album - a visit to Moulin Roue - but only outside.

 

This was a challenge to do a rainbow page - well it is certainly bright!

 

 

and another Paris page - bridges on the Seine cruise.

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• Easter - our Lord has risen!
• Time together
• sunshine
• our balcony - simple pleasures.

 

 

Family time and IT'S BACK!!!

It's been a lovely few days. Nigel's brother and sister in law are over from the US visiting with his Mom and so it has been nice to have the chance to catch up with them.

 

They took us out to dinner for our anniversary which was wonderful and very kind of them - we had a super evening and a lovely meal.  And we were pleased to host them at our home too.

 

My knee appears to be up and down - and I am convinced that there is something 'lose' inside as yesterday I could barely walk on it at all and then there was a pop and it was much better. Who knows. I have now made a doctor appointment as I knew if I went to early they would just say see how it goes. It has been 'going' for three weeks and will be four by the time I get to see the doctor so I hope they refer me for x rays or an MRI or something because it is now stopping me doing anything. It is stopping us going out, walking and even the supermarket is an ordeal.

 

Nigel took me out for a drive int he sunshine today and I did manage to hobble round hobbycraft and buy a treat for myself (I have been very mardy!)

 

But I also got a BIG TREAT. Can't remember the last time I bought anything new to wear. I really don't need new things. But I fell in love with these and they are wonderful - they arrived today and are comfortable and just gorgeous.

 

 

I have been catching up on digital scrapping for new releases coming up but I can share this one made for a challenge

 

 

and this one also for a challenge

 

 

and finally a paper page I made this afternoon for another challenge

 

 

 

And finally - you must be wondering what is back ... GAME OF THRONES. I almost got up at 2 am to watch it live but settled for watching it at 7 am on catch up. The eight and final series and I was beyond excited. I am a huge fan for so many reasons (and not just Kit Harrington!) I think it is beautifully crafted with great dialogue, awesome scenery and cinematography, a programme where most fo the strong characters are women and I confess I am a little bit infatuated with Emilia Clarke. I can't believe there are only 5 more episodes ever! 

 

Today I am thankful for

• family time
• painkillers - they almost work
• new boots
• Game of Thrones.

and these just made me laugh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lovely day but paid the price

I have been really good about resting my knee and it was starting to heal and be much better.

However, I walked far too much on it yesterday and it is back to square one.

 

However, yesterday was not to be avoided. We went up to Birmingham to see Disney on Ice.  I had always wanted to see it and so were pleased we had the chance.

The journey - normally 2.5 hours, was a long one, taking 4 hours due to sheer volume of traffic. Running the length of a very long service station to go to the loo didn't help the knee any (I say running - more like some sort of mutant limping oddity trying to go fast). Once there we were impressed with Resorts World Arena. Great parking at a reasonable price, great choice of restuarants and relatively close to the arena. Very close under normal circumstances. Tollerable for a hobbler. we were staggered by how empt it was. Less than a quarter of the seats were taken and the view we had was great. I tried photos - not good. I forgot my camera and the phone didn't cut it. The music was great and the skating good apart from a few falls, but we felt disappointed that there were not more technological effects - I guess we are spoilt by Disney USA. There was snow - but not like Disney snow - during the Frozen section, but it just seemed a bit 'cheap' somehow. I don't know if we have just been spoilt with what we have seen. Anyway we did enjoy it but were awfully late back and my leg is paying the price today.

 

However, there is a cyber crop on at Lottie Loves Paper and I have managed four of the challenges in just a few hours so I am pleased. Here goes....

 

My new photos from paris arrived this week so I was keen to use some. This is me stepping out of Sacre Coeur just after re-newing our vows to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary (can't believe we have been married 33 years next week!)

 

It was a challenge to make and use cathedral windows (the little folded circles) and I have never made them before so that was fun

 

 

 

This was a challenge to use tags and was inspired by finding a tag that someone made for me in a swap about 13 years ago - it is a gorgeous shaker tag and so it inspired me to get out stamps and stencils and distress inks and make three more tags and even use some fibres that hadn't seen the light of day in 10 years or more.

 

 

 

This was a colour swatch challenge and was just a bit of fun with the pink and blue and yellow

 

 

and this was the last one made today - a moody misty one with a photo taken on a gorgeous misty beautiful morning in February

 

 

Lots of machine stitching - it was a sewing challenge

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• a relaxed day
• a great show yesterday - a dream fulfilled
• safe travels there and back
• Nigel looking after me today so I rest my knee

 

 

What a bizarre mix

The weather the last few days has been crazy. From warm sun and sitting outside having lunch on the balcony to a hard frost, sleet and hail showers and then back to sunshine.

 

Well _ guess it IS April and it is living up to its name.

 

But it is also Spring and I couldn't wait to scrap the blossom using this 

Spring – A Berry Blends Collab kit by Dita B Designs and Mooscraps Designs

 

I also couldn't wait to use the Lighthouse collection (including a FWP) by Dita B Designs

 

 

The photo was taken on our WOW tour (Way out West) and is me at Big Sur. The colours were just perfect and it reminds me of the lighthouses we saw on the trip

 

 

I am planning a scrappy day today as Nigel has to work, although I have to work in short bursts. The kneee is much better but I cannot sit for long periods as it really doesn't like being bent plus I think rest is what is helping it. (I tried working it to heal it - it didn't work!)

 

I did make this yesterday

 

 

It is the last Japan page for the album of our most recent trip and used up the last of the gorgeous Kaisercraft papers.

 

And thanks to Facebook friends, the issue with my Silhouette is now fixed. I know social media gets a lot of bad press, but I love it and Ibelong to lots of very supportive - and fun - communities. 

 

Today I am thankful for

• healing
• facebook groups that bring me joy
• scrapping time - though I miss Nij when he is out.