The Old Quilt

Information overload

Well, I think all the emotional upheaval of recent months has been playing havoc with my blogging. I have loads to tell so I will get stuck in.

I did manage to make a few Christmas gifts. I made two draft excluders for my mother-in-law. Yes, I did check if she needed any and she said she did, (Just in case you are imagining a crestfallen MIL who was expecting a Crabtree and Evelyn giftpack). She had pleaded for very little as we had all got her a laptop with wireless broadband for her november birthday. I wanted to make sure she could take the covers off to wash them, so I made a lining, and in the lining I made a sausage shaped 'thing' filled with dried peas to weigh it all down. Then this was wrapped in wadding stuff used to upholster chairs etc (please excuse all this technical language, I'm sure if you check any comprehensive draft excluder handbook you will be able to look up 'sausage shaped thing' and 'wadding stuff'). They turned out alright, and were received well.

Doesn't it look like I was preparing to do some strange type of colonic irrigation! This is the middle bit and became the middle of the wadded excluder. then the cover went on top. I forgot to take a photo of the finished product!

I also made a hot water bottle cover for my friend who hosts the craft night, and runs the nursery my youngest attends. She has given me so many pieces of material, and knitted two jumper egg cosies for for me to give to my middle child. I wanted to give her something handmade to say thanks.

Finally I am mid way through a project for my friend who leaves for Australia in 10 days. I will perhaps blog about that another day.

This really made me laugh. I told my son I loved the paper chain he made, and later when I went to my bedroom, he had stuck it about six inches above my pillow. I have kept it there all Christmas, and miraculously it is still intact. It looks quite pitiful in many ways but the thought that went into him decorating my side of the bed, the place where he comes every morning for his cuddles. I should add, he is five.

Christmas was nice. As good as we could have expected given the year that we have had and the impending year without a dear friend (nearby). In fact I would say Christmas was better than expected, just tinged with anticipated sadness.

I did make a suggestions list, and since my birthday is two days after Christmas; I got most of it and some more. I am delighted with my Cath Kidston sewing box, and a friend bought me the needle case and pin cushion. I got a voucher for a lovely wool shop nearby, so I can buy some more wool when I finish my shawl.I love Aromatherapy Associates products, so I got a host of those. I also had fun at the sales, had two whole childless days and spent a wonderful evening out with my husband. There actually was more, but it feels far too materialistic to go into it all. The craft stuff just made me happiest!

Today was an important day. My friend and I had been planning a day out, before she goes. Two became four when two other friends head we were going in search of Troll beads. So off we went. Now Troll beads for those who haven't heard are a bit of an additive thing. Don't be put off by the name, this is not a gothic thing. They are like a charm bracelet but you put beads onto your chain. The beads are just stunning, and seemingly endless in choice (well not quite but there are loads).You choose a bracelet, then the clasp you fancy, then pick a bead for it. As they are expensive, one bead is a bone fide birthday gift from someone who thinks alot of you. We had bought my friend a Troll bracelet for her leaving gift, but as there was money left over we all got to traipse off for her to choose more. Because there are so many to choose from your bracelet becomes a really personal statement, that you add to over time. I ended up buying one with my Christmas money, and it is just lovely. I have no photos, but they are well worth googling for a wee look. Anyway, it was just such a lovely day. We had a good laugh, enjoyed lunch, pottering about, coffee and cake etc. Precious time.

Tomorrow night I will be bringing in the New Year with my family, my dear friend and her family. I do not generally like the new Year and I am ambivalent about this one . It takes us away from the loss of my Father-in-law (but that also takes us further away from when we last saw him), and it brings me closer to my pal leaving. I am just so glad to have the kids, my family, and my husband who makes everything  seem better. I am so thankful for all the friendships that surround me, near or far. And I also appreciate the creative community here that inspires me and makes me laugh.

I wish you all a very happy new year.

God love her....

Picture the scene. I made tea, got the kids bathed, hubby gave them supper. Hubby sits down beside me with t/coffee and biscuits. Small 4 yr old can be heard haring about. She is supposed to be brushing her teeth.

Enter stage left: Said 4 year old

Me: (In a cross voice) Emily, what have you been doing, you are supposed to be brushing your teeth!

Emily: But my feet just kept me running.

Mother tries to keep straight face but hears husband laughing, and dissolves into fits of giggles.

4yr old realises she said something funny. more fuel to her fire.

Winter of discontent?

Well I love Christmas, always have done. This year however it is tinged with sadness. We all know how the credit crunch has been causing such trouble and unfortunately in January my best friend is going to live in Australia with her family, to weather the credit crunch storm.

I have wanted to blog about this for a while, but whilst it was a bit of a secret I didn't want to risk it, and I have only told her about this blog (she is the only one who knows other than my husband). Basically I met this friend just over 3 years ago, and whilst we are different in some ways, we are similar in too many others. There is a warmth and beauty about her that is rare. People tend to gravitate towards her. She completely 'gets' me, and my black humour, and our love of shopping has been a joy. We love crafts, and it was she who introduced me to the Thursday craft night. There is a sense of uprightness about her, immeasurable kindness, and a great sense of humour. I am not trying to make her into a saint, or just suck up in case she is reading (to be honest it would be easier to write this if I knew she wouldn't read it, as I am conscious of upsetting and embarrassing her). My aim is to tell you what is going on in my life, as I normally do, and it is such a big huge thing.

There are several ways of looking at this. Firstly I know they are doing the right thing, and it is with a view to coming back in a few years. Secondly, nobody is dying. I know that is blunt but after this year, I have that perspective firmly in my mind, and I am thankful for it. Thirdly, it's not the other side of the world...oh damn it is. Sob! I am completely devastated. You know when you have something and it is utterly perfect, the thought of that changing is completely terrifying. I am selfishly sad for myself but also for her, and her dreams and plans here. I have to put my faith in the thought that things happen for a reason, and be thankful that I have lots of friends who know her, will be missing her too, and will let me wail into a coffee at their houses.

And I have to believe that she is coming back.