Dolly's Dreamings

Mixed Media day

I have missed blogging a few days - had issues with my knee which means sitting - as the knee is bent - is painful. It is a tiny bit easier today but no idea what I have done or how I have done it.

Anyway - a quick catchup of life then some lushness!!! 

 

Yesterday I had the easiest blood test ever. Nigel pre-warned the phlebotomist that I always had problems and I think a phlebotomist doing it is always better anyway as they are the experts whereas doctors and nurses have to do so many things they are often not so good at taking blood. Apparently, I have tiny veins (she described Nigel's as tree tunks) and they wiggle and collapse. She used a butterfly needle and was straight in first time with no issues. I can't tell you how relieved I was. 

Last night we went to a concert at Leaf Academy and oh my goodness - the students were amazing. There were three group numbers but some 20+ soloists and they were all terrific. Some of them were truly West End quality. Such power, such confidence and three of the students had also written their own songs. It was a terrific night and we were both in awe.

 

Today I have been on a mixed media day and it was awesome. We could do whatever we liked and the other ladies made canvases. I chose to decorate a box and a mirror and I got to play with a lot of products I haven't used before - but will use again as I have now bought them of course!

 

I was really pleased with the box which is about 6" x 6" and made of wood not MDF.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can see me decorating a lot of things. I will post the mirror when I have finished it.

 

I have some new scrapping too

I have a rule that cats are NOT allowed in the scrap room but sometimes I relent and then THIS happens!

 

 

 

This was one of the gorgeous murals at ground zero that was so bright and beautiful and seemed to shout out HOPE 

 

 

and the birthday boy at Disney!

 

Today I am thankful that

• my knee is starting to be a little easier
• I had a fabulous crafty day
• new products to try and to play with
• Great nights out - at little cost

 

 

 

 

 

Well it's been quite a few days of celebration

We have had a birthday in the house and whilst the birthday girl wasn't up to much, she had a lovely time, quietly, spread over a couple of days.

We went to Southampton to pick up some frames at Ikea which was fun.

We had the most lovely cream tea in the New Forest at Holmsley Station tea rooms - an old station converted to a tea room. We shared a cream tea and a savory tea (I loved the savory best - cheese and chive scones)  They had the most beautiful hanging baskets everywhere, tables shaded by huge parasols so it was cool and it was just lovely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am not sure Nigel should ever be allowed a cream tea again though as it sparked that old English debate of jam first or cream first. Clearly he was wrong!

 

 

anyone who is anyone know it is jam first cream last!

 

 

Yesterday a birthday treat was a Powertex Journal class and I loved it so much. I think it will be a new addicition. This was my journal - not fab as it was my first time playing with the products and techniques but it is not bad for a first effort 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 and I thought you might enjoy seeing how much fun it is to try and take photos at my house of anything without whiskers in the way

 

 

 

We also went to see Mama Mia 2 which was really very good and out for a birthday meal at Prezzo

All in all a fabulous few days and the best news is Nigel bought me a pottery day for my birthday. I have always always wanted to have a play with pottery and have a go on a potter's wheel and so we have a class booked for the two of us. And before anyone else suggests it - no we are not planning on re-creating Ghost!

 

I have also been scrapping and these are a couple of my recent pages

This was another for #layeringwithshimelle and was quite remarkable for me as it involved paint and splatter and mess and I simply don't DO that

 

 

 

and this was for a fun challenge at For the Love of Pretty Paper and it had to involve flamingos. See I KNEW those pictures would come in handy

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• a slowly healing injury - it is a little easier. I think. But hard to be sure. It gets steadily worse as the day goes on and so by this time of day is pretty grim, but the mornings are much better. Nights are still hell
• a wonderful birthday weekend/week
• lots of messages from so many friends - thank you
• fun with new stuff