Who do you think you are?

It's an interesting question isn't it...we think we know who we are, but are we really true to ourselves and how do we appear to others?

The reason for blogging on this subject is because I have recently advanced into the world of 'dating'.

When you are in a long term relationship you bumble on along, content in life and secure. You take for granted the partnership you have, assuming (or perhaps not giving attention to the fact) that your partner will always be there. You share the responsibilities of life, of running a home etc etc. When that partnership dissolves for whatever reason, you have to re balance life...bluntly that's 'DIY' and it's not easy!

Back to dating.......

So it seems there are many options open to the single woman...(or man of course).

1. Leave things to chance.......this could of course take a long time and if you don't get out much your chances of finding Mr (or Mrs) Right, are seriously reduced.

2. Have a friend set you up on blind dates with their single friends.......sounds like a bad nightmare!

3. Join a dating agency......this seems to be what most singletons do these days.

So once you have established that you are going to go with the dating agency option, the next step is to decide which one? If you google the subject, ooodles of sites come up. I tell you choosing the right sight takes some hitting and missing too.

All the sites that I have so far looked at require you to register to have yourself put in the picture (it's a bit like selling your house), and you have to pay for the privilege to make contact and read messages from prospective lovers.

OK, so that established, one has to describe oneself....this for me is the tricky bit.

'Wild, crazy mother of three who has no income who cooks lentils and still does cartwheels at the age of 40'......

Ummmm

'Internally beautiful young lady with delightful dependents, loves crafts and living in the country'.......

Oh dear

'Buxom brunette, slim, likes to laugh (and joke around), dances in the living room, OK sings into the hairbrush (sometimes)'......

Arrrhhh

'Hippyish, home educating, vegetarian, earth mother, makes delicious dandelion quiche and is slightly bonkers'....

You could spend a lifetime planning and writing your profile and it is so important in finding the right person, get it wrong and the potential lover might just run a mile, or you may well attract some total weirdo...oh yes, they are out there!

Last weekend I decided that on line dating wasn't for me and that Mr Right was going to just turn up in my life, two days later, I have joined another website! A week later and I'm off again, having been contacted only by folk in their late 50's (not that there is anything wrong with this but I tend to like folk my own age)!

So it goes on.....thinking for now that there is a grand plan out there and that you never 'find' love when you are looking.

Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!

Wooohooo, Spring at last!

Ooooh, arrrrhhhh Spring, it's here at last!

Today was the most beautiful day, pure Vitamin D at its best beaming down upon the wet and cold earth at last and all day long too.

Having been hiding away and waiting for warmer weather to appear, it's finally here. At last the time has come to venture out once again and that we did.
I am really feeling the need for adventure at the moment and am determined to make the most of every opportunity to get out and explore this wonderful place in which we live.
For many years now, I have know about a little church that stands alone in a field near Burford. So today, sun shining and snacks packed, I decided to take the children for an adventure. It's taken me about seven years to do this!

The church I finally discovered is called St Oswalds and it sits in a field at a place called Widford right next to Swinbrook near Burford. We parked in the car park of the Church in Swinbrook and followed the footpath through the churchyard across a couple of fields to this amazing little place.

At a first distant glance, the church appeared Victorian. I was basing that judgement on the little bell peak that rose above the hills. As we got closer, it looked much older and once inside it look rather ancient!
The church is tiny (not the smallest I've seen), well in comparison to most churches. But what is quite amazing and mystical is the fact that it doesn't seem to serve any place. The church just stands alone in the middle of a field. Literature within suggests that there may have been a village in the area perhaps wiped out by the plague of the 14th century. Interesting indeed!

The literature also suggested that there were Roman mosaics beneath the flagstone floors, even more amazing! I don't think I can begin to imagine any further and will just take from this place a sense of awe and wonder and enjoy it for what is was, a place of peace, tranquillity and beauty.

A walk back to the car park through the village, was full of talking points and interesting things, thoroughly recommended as an adventure to fill a couple of hours, longer if you stumble upon the pub on the way home!

Oh, we could pass by the ford without a little play! (Well small boy couldn't...note how the girls just stand and stare). xx

The threads that bind

'Let go of the people who cause constant pain; let go of the negativity that colours a room more darkly then any coat of paint. Keep close the people you love, the ones who stay engaged and open to life, who bring joy and peace to the house and garden'.


I'm sooo excited! A teensy weensy display of sun flares and I'm dancing a jig.

This time last year I moved into my current house to make a fresh start.
The first few months were....tricky, to say the least.

The children and I survived a torturous journey worse then the most scary nightmare and then had to fight against the odds to belong in our new hostile surroundings.
Although far beyond the challenges we should have had to endure, we remained true to ourselves and positive and killed the negativity we faced with kindness.

Spring last year brought hostility and loneliness - this year it brings friendship and happiness :-)

I have been joined in my little community by a beautiful and honest family who share my vision, values and positivity. They are friends of old, yet bring with them new hope and new life.

Yesterday, said friends invited us over for Sunday lunch. Easter Sunday lunch. Not easy to prepare when you have five children three of which are under three years of age. What a treat!
I don't often cook roast dinners these days, the effort doesn't seem worth the mess and fiddling about that is involved. I did whip up a large trifle for dessert. Team work - true community spirit to which I am so grateful.

Following the meal we engaged in a discussion about gardening. These friends know all too well that I was born with green fingers and love nothing more then to wallow in beds of muck. They also know how upset I was when last year my circumstances didn't allow me to 'grow my own'. Before I know it I am being given permission to use their already prepared beds for the season.

I am thrilled!!!!

Last year I tried (very unsuccessfully) 'tub gardening'. The enthusiasm was there but I did embarrassingly badly. My garden is surrounded by trees and bushes, no sun = rubbish over damp soil and no crops.
This will be the first year I will have gardened (bed gardened) by myself, so although I have big hopes, I am going to work on  a small scale to ensure some success (I hope).
I am really excited about this (did I already say that?). My neighbours are too busy this year to run the patch themselves so this plan should work well for us all. I can do the main of the work and if my  lovely friends have a spare bit of time, then they can help should they desire. This is true community living!

'Quash negativity with kindness'

Now to plan what to plant and where to plant it :-)
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A taste of dance

It was only a matter of time before 'Wyld Woman' ventured into the realms of Pole Dancing!

It was in a moment of naughtiness that I came across a Groupon voucher to try out this daring pass time at a fraction of the normal price....well, anything's worth a go once!

Having turned up initially at the wrong venue (thought somehow that the karate class looked wrong), my friend and I floored it across town just in time for the start of the warm up.

Look cool....do not be phased by the room full of 20 year olds that clearly know what they are doing.....head up confidence soaring.

Warm-up....all good so far, all familiar ground, lack of fitness due to current circumstances not evident at this stage. In fact, try to mask incompetence throughout with girly giggles!

Attempt to make gliding and swinging look a breeze, shouldn't be phased by ten foot metal pole which is incidentally much thicker then I imagined and far smoother then previous marquee poles I have attempted to dance around.

Try desperately hard to look balletic and graceful and not to end up in heap on the floor.....

Exhaustion sets in mid class and realise that attempts to mask current level of fitness is waning slightly.

Silly moment of girly giggles and impromptu childish clowning behaviour set in and Wyld Woman turns energy lacking attempts into serious level of concentration.

New found skills are put together into short routine - performed like I've been doing this all my life.

Class ends just as I'm getting into the swing of things.

Wyld Woman staggers out of class nursing already achy limbs that I had forgotten I had. Enthusiastically continues walking whilst imagining self turning somersaults during next class!!

Never a dull moment!

'Patience is the key of joy'

It's that time of year again, the time of year when Winter is coming to an end and Spring is starting to show itself though the undergrowth. Today it felt amazingly Spring-like. The sun shone from late morning until dusk, what a lovely and much needed surprise!
A change of plans today meant that our wacky home ed group met at my house for a change. We're a group of like-minded folk who love all things a little, let's say....'untraditional' (I'll leave it at that)!
So today we thought we'd try our hand at tapping some birch trees to extract the sap. The sap of the birch tree supposedly has all kinds of health benefits, what a perfect day to carry out such a task and experiment.
So armed with a drill, hammer, plastic tubing, a collection container, drinks and snacks, off we trundled into the woods.
I feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place and although I came to be here by default, I still consider myself lucky everyday. Being off the beaten track and two miles from the nearest shop, wouldn't be every ones cup of tea or idea of bliss, but to me it is pure heaven and I am thankful that I am alive and receptive enough to be able to enjoy and appreciate it.

I am surrounded by woodland and farmland, I am connected to the seasons and the farming year. I have an awareness of where my food comes from and gain a sense of matters that affect their production. In the country you live and breathe this life instinctively, it's all around you so it's difficult to ignore it.....why would you want to anyway? There is much excitement to be had over 30 acres of barley!!
So off we trundled into the woods. Not a birch tree to be seen....some how I think I knew that!

So the focus of the day changed from tree tapping to simply being free to explore and experience the beauty of our surroundings. Home educating gives us the freedom to do that. I am ever grateful that I have chosen this path and the wonderful friends I have made along my journey. Some how the friendships that I have made with others doing the same seem so much deeper then any I made during our brief time of schooling. I liken ourselves to one giant family. We trust each other totally, we open our homes and receive each and every child as our own.

The other great thing about these regular meet ups is the amazing array of food we all provide to share. Everything is homemade (with love of course) and every single time we have an beautiful spread of varied delicious things to try. Today was no different to any other gathering with these friends. We took a slow walk back to the house with excitement at the communal picnic we had awaiting us. This is where the 'never a dull moment...' bit came into being. My lovely little dog, had decided to lock us out of the house. Yes I know, she's a clever little beast, she jumps up and flicks the catch on the lock and 'haha' we're on the outside, she's on the in........lalalala!!!

It is moments like this when I strongly rely on my wonderful neighbours for support. Five eager, hungry families all waiting patiently on the communal lawn for the delicious fare that awaits behind that closed door.

1 Hour
After discussing the options over my neighbours phone, it is decided that I should try to drill out the lock.....
I hunt for the so said tools in the maintenance store and set to work....who says I am capable of such a task? Drilling locks is not something I have much experience of!
Two broken drill bits later, I admit defeat!

2 Hours
We devour the small pickings that one family have stashed in their car......

3 Hours
I try to get another neighbour to drill out my lock...no luck!

4 Hours
My dear and lovely neighbour pulls up to aid our food rescue attempt.....
He attempts to drill out the already scarred lock and also admits defeat then tackles plan B, the window. Instead of smashing the window, we opt to try and chisel away the putty and remove the glass in the hope of replacing it. It broke!
Five of the children wanted to climb in through the open window to state their claim to breaking in!

So there we have it, a beautiful walk, a wonderful play and chat on the lawn, brilliant sunshine, a broken door lock and a boarded up window...but never a dull moment!!!

Love actually.......

Love actually........

I've been flitting and fluttering all over the place recently, I think it's because it's February.....Signs of Spring are emerging, the birds are pairing off, valentines day reminders are everywhere. Last year being on my own for the first time in 19 years, I felt a bit glum during the build up to 14th, I was fine when I got to the actually day, but genuinely felt rather sickened by the whole 'love' thing. I hadn't given a thought to those who were single at that point, it really rubs your nose in the fact that you're ALONE. Well this year I have felt totally different, in fact I am quite frankly having a ball....I am embracing the whole 'love' thing, it's everywhere. I am surrounding myself at all angles with love, lovely people and lovely things. Get this guys....if you are single it doesn't have to be a glum time!
So how did this all start? Well for years I've been 'Romancing the ordinary'...I've said it a million times I'm sure, but if you don't have a copy of that book....well, you are really missing something. It really is inspiring. I can see the love in sooo many things now. I think I did before reading it to be honest, but devouring little snippets everyday just brings a sense of realisation to the forefront of my mind.
A couple of months back I had a moment of inspiration (do you recall me saying??), well, that moment carried me through all that time until now, it gave me a little creative project to focus on.
Here's my journey:-

I crocheted this rectangle, a little wobbly I know but it works!

I covered my polystyrene ring and sewed it on.

Makes a lovely pillow Mum!

I spent many hours sourcing and creating flowers, hearts and more hearts.....

And even more hearts.....

Isn't this cute!

You've got to have love birds......

Then I attached all the bits and.......

Ta dah!!! Do you like it? It's going on my front door, my love to you XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

......IS all around.

A day in flight.......

Well, the door is well and truly open and today I took flight........

My lovely, wonderful, adorable friend (out of the blue) suggested she might have my children for the afternoon so that I could practise flying and ooooh fly I did!

As a single home educating mother with three children, I don't really get much time to myself these days, so when someone offers to mind the children for a while, of course I instantly become uncontrollably excited at the prospect. The only problem is, there are soooo many lovely things that I would like to do that I feel totally overwhelmed and can't decide what to fill my time with.
Anyway, yesterday was no exception, I dropped my little darlings off at lunch time and quite literally flew to my car to begin my afternoons 'Wyld' adventure. My first stop was the wonderful Lebanese take away in Summertown called Lb's. If you haven't stopped in there you are really missing a treat. They have a list of the most amazing sandwiches displayed on the counter and they make them while you wait. The main of them are vegetarian and all are pretty healthy.....mmmmm pure heaven in a sandwich!! Yesterday, I chose the delicious Moussaka. A combination of tomato filled roasted aubergine, houmous, crunchy thinly sliced salad and their yummylicious sauce (no idea what that is), then they conveniently wrap it up in a bread wrap and tuck it up in paper ready for you to take away. I also ordered a piece (yes just one) of baklava mmmmmmm!!!
Ooooh the love of it all, you have to treat your senses well just once in a while and this experience is sensual overload in the nicest sense. I had to give up my parking space pretty rapidly as you can only stop for 30 minutes in Summertown, which meant driving whilst eating. I simply didn't care about the fact that I enjoyed my lunch sooo much it went all over my face as I savoured ever last bit. Wyld women can do that!!

Next I took myself on a little drive to creative inspirational heaven. That's Mason's to the creative soul....Mason's is THE most amazing store ever ever ever, it is in fact three stores dotted around Abingdon town and is truely an inspirational haven for us creative folk! I especially like the fabric store, There really aren't many fabric stores around these days, especially not like this one. You really will not get what I am talking about here and will quite possibly think I must be completely off my rocker....(well you might be right there!)....unless of course you too are of the creative nature and can see the potential in all those hap-hazardly unarranged rolls of fabric of every kind tucked in every nook and cranny of that wonderful store. Well, I have lots of projects on the go so a trip to fabric heaven is just the kind of outing I need, for therapeutic reasons too of course. I am still working on Small boys shirt fabric quilt, his Power rangers outfit (this ones going to be good) and that lovely current project that I referred to a couple of weeks back that has really taken hold....I can rather excitedly say that everything was there :-) :-) :-) well that should keep me busy for a while!!
I paid up (inspiring the lovely ladies who work there first) and then skipped out on my next mission, refreshments!

 I can spot the wyld women when I'm out and about now....they're the ones smiling and holding their heads up high. I even got 'wolf whistled' at today, that hasn't happen for a looonnnng time ;-) hehe, of course you don't look back!!

Another indulgence only to be had when on ones own....a trip to Costa for a hot chocolate (with cream). £3 odd is quite a lot when you times it by four, but for one....totally fine!

As a final treat to my days adventure I called in on my lovely friend Louisa who has two very special additions to her menagerie of children and animals. Two very cute and extremely gorgeous Collie X Labrador PUPPIES. How totally adorable they were too.

So what a lovely afternoon which concluded with dinner (and a tinsy winsy glass of wine) with Kat...pure indulgence!!!
What do I mean concluded??? It marked just the beginning of my creative journey for a long while to come, no background TV to be had this evening, too busy working on these.......can you guess what I'm doing yet???

Fly little bird, fly.....

Today, this evening at 6.15 I removed my wedding ring.

Keeping it on was not only my link to the past but was a way of protecting myself and telling others that I am not available. That has been my intention, but this evening something clicked and made me realise that actually I'm okay, I don't need a ring to protect me, I'm a big girl now, I can protect myself, I am no longer married, I have been set free!

The past year has been a huge learning curve for me...
I have found myself. I was lost but now I am found, my soul dances like she never danced before. 

I'm alive

 I love life!  X
                                                                                                     

Little bird, the door of your cage is open, fly little bird, fly.........

Birthing wisdom

The ancient art of birthing - a skill we females all innately have, but one which has been suppressed over the years through medical intervention.

13 years ago, Miss P was consciously and orgasmically conceived within a loving marital relationship. I still remember that moment now and how beautiful it was. We had been married for about four months but had been together for over seven years, the time seemed perfect and having a baby was the natural next step for us.
I am naturally in tune with my womanly cycles and have been for many years. If you refuse synthetic birth control methods it isn't that difficult. You know exactly when you are ovulating and can feel and sense each stage along the way.
It is easy to be swept onto the band-waggon these days with regards to pregnancy and birth. Like so many areas of life the whole event has been prescribed, medicalized and opened up to commercialism. It's tough when it's going on all around you, but you don't have to follow 'sheep-style', you can do what you believe and follow your own path.

Follow your instinct.

Our bodies were created to reproduce, once the act of insemination has taken place we no longer have to do anything apart from trying to keep ourselves healthy (and even if you don't, the chances are you'll still have a healthy baby). Our amazing bodies do the rest without instruction. Even those of little intelligence can grow and give birth to healthy babies. It is truly a wonderful and amazing process.

Nature naturally created within us a mechanism that enables us to deal with the pain of labour. If left to our own devices we will not need pain relief, but will cope knowing that each contraction is a step closer to meeting your new baby.

Orgasm in - orgasm out

It breaks my heart when I watch programmes like 'One born every minute' when I see women strapped to machines and made to lie on their backs during labour, this is the most painful position to be in. Naturally women tend to want to squat or deliver on their hands and knees, makes sense when you think that gravity pulls down. No wonder the poor women are crying out. It doesn't have to be like this, we have a choice, although often this choice is taken from us and as first time mothers we are new and unfamiliar with what is happening to us so we put our trust in those around us. Years ago we would have lived in closer knit communities where the elders would have shared their birthing wisdom with us and been there to support us with what is right. We would have been surrounded by others who had tread the path before us who could help us and show us the way. These days families (in most cases) don't live close together and you walk the path alone.

Birthing naturally is such an empowering experience. I remember walking down the high street moments after leaving hospital and feeling in total admiration of every mother that had a child.

One of my good friends has birthed six children and ,many of those have been unassisted, meaning that she chose to stay at home during labour and has left things too late to call the midwife, by choice. All of her births
have been fine. Years ago this would have been the norm.

I have birthed three children now, all in the same little cottage hospital. I would have loved to have birthed at home but my husband was always put off by the smell! (Not something I have been aware of). I have always dreamt of birthing under a tree somewhere warm, where nature surrounds you and the fresh air fills you.
Each of my births has been with midwives present but with no pain relief. I feel truly blessed that it was possible to birth in this way.

I am probably at the end of my birthing road now being 40 and single, it has been a joyous road to travel and one which I would thoroughly recommend to others. Of course the journey doesn't end with birth....birth is just the beginning!

To my pregnant friends, good luck and feel empowered, YOU know what to do

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Some books I recommend:

'The birth keepers - Reclaiming and ancient tradition' - Veronica Sophia Robinson (Author of 'The Mother Magazine').

'Birth withough violence' - Fredrick Leyboyer

'The good birth companion' - Nicole Croft (Nicole runs Buddhabellies, yoga in pregnancy classes in rural Oxfordshire).

Crafty capers

I woke up this morning to find the snow had once again covered up my road to freedom. Oh the sheer disappointment of it after I had only just managed to get out yesterday following last weeks flurries. Big sigh!.....Oh well, another day of pottering....And then it happened. PING! My creative light came on. I got sooo excited! Oh, my mind has been bubbling with ideas all late morning. I busily got to work on Ebay (don't you just love Ebay) sourcing the things I need for this jolly little project. One find led to another and before I knew it I had spent £15 on bits and bobs with a 'to buy' list eagerly awaiting the next window of opportunity I get to experience freedom from the village.

I'm thinking I have enough items on my list to justify a trip to Mason's.....how I love that little store when I have a good idea!

There are so many things that I can do right now, oooh where to start...fabrics....it's so lovely to have a stash of beautiful fabrics. I must confess to having a slight addiction where fabric is concerned. I find myself purchasing small pieces just in case I should find some inspiration. It's moments like this when I rummage through that stash and find exactly what I'm looking for. It's as if the 'powers that be' knew such a moment would arise.

I can envisage this little project already, but everywhere I look (now that the seed has been sewn), I find fresh ideas, new inspiration, so who knows how it will turn out?
Right now I'm on the search for LOVE and HEARTS in what ever form they may be....does anyone have any small pink, silver or red baubles they don't want?

No time to share right now........
He he he, la la la - off to create! X

Release the kid in you.....

Friday the snow fell from the sky in large quantities and (it appeared) all seemed to land like a giant carpet around my house.
Beautiful!!
The children were of course delighted, as was little Jenny dog. I on the other hand looked at it in despair at the rapid disappearance of my freedom....

SNOWED IN!!!!

It happens every year. The thought of snow used to fill me with joy but oh, it really does put a damper on things. I totally loooovvvve living in the country, but there are somethings that do take rather a lot of getting used to. You do have to be prepared to STOP and ACCEPT. Being in the the middle of nowhere where the woolly ramilies graze, life is very different from that in the town. Power cuts are a frequent occurrence, often for long periods of time as the little chappies who deal with things fix the supplies of those in higher populated areas first, and Snow. Well when the forecast for heavy snow comes in, us country folk can forget life as we know it for a while - we ain't going nowhere!

My little motor breathes a sigh of relief at the prescribed period of rest that lays ahead.
I sense already that the world beyond our village is functioning pretty much as normal, the main roads are clear. Well that of course is great news...if you can get to the roads! For me, tucked away in a remote pocket of the Oxfordshire countryside, the sheer lack of passing traffic means that the snow carpets the ground until IT is ready to melt away, plus there are hills on every exit...so you see - no hope!
So what does one do?
Well firstly don't panic - there's not a lot you can do. No ones going to rescue you for fear that they will become stuck!

2. Befriend everyone who has a 4 x 4

3. Ensure the larder is well stocked. I always have a good supply of milk in the freezer plus veges and flour. That way you can whip up oodles of bread, soup and cake!

4. Kit yourself out with good warm and waterproof clothing and footwear - if you're warm and dry you'll enjoy the fluffy stuff!

In my previous life 'snowtime' was 'social time'. We used to drag out all the local families and congregate on the slopes for much fun and frolicking then return to ours exhausted and red-cheeked for hot chocolate, toasted sandwiches and a game of cards, gambling for pennies. This snowy period seems so far to be one for the kids, they've thoroughly enjoyed socialising with friends, so much so that I have barely seen them.

So what have I been up to?

Sorting - a bit dull I know, but today that vortex under the little lady's bed was cleared and tidied.

Jobs - I have re-sited and put up the shelves that the plumbers left propped up in my downstairs loo last week.

Cooked soup, bread and cake over and over....this evening I made a curry to warm the insides.
I rarely follow a recipe when cooking, usually the title, picture or a quick scan of the ingredients is enough to inspire. Tonight's curry contained a mixture of colourful vegetables mixed with spices and coconut milk and served with brown rice.....I have the usual 'Yuck, I'm not eating that'! I'm quite used to this reaction and do not bow down to it....'Ok, that's fine, but no cake to follow...' they always buckle!

Create - my life would be so dull without creative projects. This week I've started crocheting squares. I had intended to make myself a blanket but as I started I decided it had to be for my friend who is expecting her fifth child very soon. I have already managed 18 squares in the past few days so over a third of the way there.
These projects take time, but they are unique and lots of love goes into them. They are durable and ultimately beautiful - there is something really special about 'homemade', especially when that item is made specifically for someone :-)

 Miss P made a bed for the cat. She is thrilled when the animals use her craftings!

Play - Friday I didn't go out but yesterday I released the inner child in me and hit the slopes for a touch of fun and laughter. Prepared in all my many layers I enthusiastically joined the children on their mission but 'Say what'? I was the only adult out there. Have those around me all forgotten how to play? Or should I behave like a responsible adult and stay at home? Naaaa - life is far too short!

These icicles had formed beautifully yesterday and I waited eagerly to photograph them, so as you can imagine when I saw Small Boy lobbing Miss P's wellies at them I was not best pleased. He smashed the whole lot off! Thankfully today they grew once again and I managed a quick snapshot before he got to them - just!

Hope you are all having a wonderful, safe, snowy, holiday - keep warm and enjoy!

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Life in January

January.....the month when most of us are in a serious state of depression following the party season of Christmas and the New Year.......

Today was a beautiful sunny day, how I love days like this. We were at home today, not an event that occurs very often these days. I may home school, but being home and schooling is not something that happens much in our lives. We always seem to be 'not at home' schooling....is that confusing? Those of you who are on a similar journey will know what I'm talking about. We're always at work and schooling or at friends and schooling...blaaa blaaa blaaa, it happens and I am so glad we have the flexibility to do so.

Anyway, being a sunny day, I felt inspired to get out and clear the shed. The shed has been a serious dumping ground since I moved into this house back in April last year. It had just got to the stage where you couldn't get further then just through the door. I have an amazing shed. It was probably built as a washroom. There's a little fireplace on one wall and a copper in the corner. It would make a wonderful little workshop to get creative in....I can dream! Does anyone need any old jam jars? I collect them year upon year for potting up my jams and chutneys but when I went in today and looked closely I realised that I have wayyyyy too many. Perhaps they would be good for storing screws in for those of you who like a tidy well organised shed. In my dreams that little shed is decked out with a lovely wooden floor and shelves lined with jars containing brightly coloured buttons and ribbons, and a little table by the window with a lamp and cosy chair and I am busy creating beautiful things with the fire going in the background whilst I'm looking out over the pretty little garden. As I said I can dream! One day the urge will take hold and I shall disappear for hours to be found clearing out everything and painting her up......we all have to dream!!

My one and only resolution for this year was to improve my fitness. Two years ago I was really fit whilst training for the Moon Walk and Dublin Marathon, but these days having little time alone to train, that is no longer the case. My plans are to get the kids out too! They aren't so keen, but I thought perhaps I could get them out on their bikes or perhaps buy them some roller skates and maybe some for me too! (perhaps not for me!!). Being such a beautiful day today, I dragged everyone out for a stroll. It wasn't quite the stroll I have expected but it was good to walk the lake walk and to get some fresh air. I took the dog as you would expect and the cat decided to come along too. He's very elderly and extremely slow these days so walking at speed was not possible, the walk was one of those 'stop/start' paced jobbies. But he made it....just!
Our walk was just perfect for airing my wild side, there were so many beautiful things to spot. I spent the whole walk ooohhhing and arrrring at natures delights. I am so glad that I have time to stop and smell the flowers, there is so much that would be missed if I had a fast pace of life. I'm in such a bubble these days. My wild side is soooo loving shining, I'm thrilled to have found her.

I'm going to share some photos with you...enjoy!!

Blossom .......in January!

Amazing fungi

Small boy climbed about 20ft up to check the contents of a birds nest....took about 20 minutes!

That little black dot is my ancient cat.

 Happy January! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A time for adventure

So having recently turned 40 and deciding to embrace the decade as opposed to trying to deny the fact that I and everyone else is ageing....oooohhhh sorry! I decided that this year is to be one packed with adventures and random acts. (I possibly thought that this time last year too)! Already the soles of  my feet have started itching as I think about how utterly boring it is to remain in the same place doing the same things forever and a day. The sense of adventure is beginning to bubble within me. So what to do for the year ahead.......I'm quite fancying one of those Treetop adventures where you swing through the air at 30 feet attached to a rope and scream for your life....cannot imagine why that one would appeal but something about it does. Then there is volunteering at a local festival. I did this last year and it was a huge amount of fun, possibly more fun then it would have been had I actually paid to go to the festival.

 *Note to self......two man pop up tents are actually not really for two people at all, don't be lazy and take a bigger tent!!!

I'm in the process of booking the usual Summer home ed festival and hopefully the delightful Mother's retreat. Now the thought of somewhere warm is beginning to niggle at my insides....I am a little peed at the promise of an Indian Summer in this country that in fact never materialises....never....so this year I think I'll bite the bullet and jet off somewhere hot (do I take the children??). Rather fancying Italy...perhaps I'll contact my long lost friend who lives there and see if I can arrange something. Then closer to home I think I have to take myself out to dinner. Dinner for one...is that so odd these days? Romancing the Ordinary tells me I have to fall in love with myself before falling in love with someone else. Some people don't have a problem with this, but I don't think I have ever practised self love. Perhaps I could take a romantic break for one....wonder if anyone has ever thought to organise such excursions?

Last Friday my adventures  of 2013 began with my lovely friend Jenny and her team. We went to France for lunch! Yes we really travelled all that way simply to have lunch and then travelled back again. It was exhausting to say the least to drive alllll the way to Dover, hop on the ferry, walk around admiring the sights for a day, a bite to eat and then alllll the way back again. It was a great adventure though and very inexpensive too. Thoroughly recommended!

                                                                             Snails!!

Just a little tiny weeeny bit of me is wondering once again about buying a camper van and being a traveller for six months, then selling the camper van at the height of the Summer season, thus not (hopefully) making a loss. Yes I know what about all that debilitating  'stuff' that I own? Well I could hire a storage unit...! Isn't it sad how laden with 'stuff' we all become in this life. How sad it would be upon entering the gates of heaven to be asked why you never followed your dreams? Only to reply, 'well I didn't because of my 'stuff'....'oh dear, I have to do something about this.

 Our own New Years Eve party....well if no one invites you out you have to create your own entertainment......dress code PJ's and silly head wear......The little lady was indeed wearing knickers on her head!

Jen dog wore a wig too!

 Ummmm no comment!

Small boy throwing a few shapes.....

My 85 year old grandfather joining in with the 'chocolate game' on NY's day........he cheated like mad!

Belated Happy New Year to you all, I have a feeling this IS going to be a brilliant year!

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* This you tube clip has just planted itself on here....I have no idea how or why but I didn't put it on so view at your own risk!
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