Hello folks. Sorry for my silence over the past few days/weeks. I’ve been putting all of my possessions into boxes – well carrier bags. I’m moving house today which is turning into quite a sad (although exciting) event. I can’t wait to bombard you with pictures when it’s all complete. I’ll be back with news on the shops and new treasures all very soon – wish me luck! 19th September 2004 – 6th February 2010. sigh.

A friend I met on the way into work. I didn’t make him so I can’t take credit for that but he made me smile. We’ve had wonderful winter weather but alas it rained this morning and that wiped out most of the snowy wonderland we’ve been enjoying. I’ve got some new prints and projects on the go. I’m looking forward to sharing them with you, some sooner than others :)

Hope you’re all enjoying the snow and using it as a good excuse for mulled wine, hot chocolate and corn on the cobs.

Christmas is on it’s way, well and truly on it’s way. This is just a quick note for those of you hoping to do some Christmas shopping this week on etsy. My cut off point for international shipping is the 9th (THIS WEDNESDAY) and for local shipping is the 18th (A WEEK ON FRIDAY). So be quick! I’d hate to miss the Christmas deadline :(

Also another reminder – my online shops will be closed during Christmas and until the new year. Panic not I will return :) With even more prints to share. That’s all for now folks!

ps – Etsy shop is now kitted out with a lovely seasonal banner, woop!

Here’s some pictures from the last 3 days , which were spent in the chilly outside promoting pictures and other pretty things. Me, Eireann and Hollie shared the space – and the hot water bottles – in central Nottingham. Above is the Kiosk. Below are some of the treats I took with me.

We had cards, prints, badges, handmade beauties in all shapes and sizes. It was good fun but VERY cold. We survived though!

Above are some gorgeous mushrooms made by Eireann. I did treat myself to a handful of her original prints – which I will share in the future ‘for sure’ (sorry, private joke).

This evening I have RELAX TIME planned. I might even start making myself some new socks. I have chocolate biscuits, soup and omelettes planned – not to mention TONS of buffy… I heart buffy. But before any of that can begin it’s time for a second trip to the post office – go team! ‘Aw jeez’ hehe… sorry…

Well I did as promised and brought back a post card :) or maybe 500 of them… I love postcards and nothing quite beats finding a shop with an old shoe box filled to the brim with beautiful old battered pictures. I thought I would share this one with you.

Everything’s slowly falling back into place, although I’m filled with guilt because I’m sat at the computer and not outside! (although in this weather, I’m starting to feel like it’s acceptable to stay indoors) In those short 3 days I got so used to getting up and out. Plotting routes on the metro, seeing some beautiful places, getting stopped and asked directions by the locals (which was followed by my  “I’m not French! I don’t know what you’re saying, ah!” speech). The weather was amazing, no rain, sunshine, blue skies, 17 degrees… I’ll shut up now.

Rather than bombard you with every picture taken I thought I’d construct a little montage summing up some of the 3 days: 1. I had a bit of a pilgrimage to visit Oscar Wilde’s grave in Père Lachaise. Beautiful place, massive too so be prepared – buy a map. 2. Some beautiful painted on windows we found on the last day as we were heading for the station (sniff). I’ll dig out some better pictures of them all, the colours were to die for. Love lovely. 3. Autumnal Pere Lachaise once again. 4. Chocolate – masses upon masses of chocolate… mmm. 5. Lovely rocking horse we came across in a beautiful Victorian arcade filled with shops and boutiques. The horse was situated outside a dolls house themed shop. 6. Slightly creepy window display from one of the many beautiful antique bookshops located in the previously mentioned arcade. 7. A painting I noticed as we left Pere Lachaise on the first day. 8. View from our hotel window one morning. Lovely golden light, blue skies… sigh. 9. One of the many many many coffees we drank on our travels. I liked the yellow cup.

This picture works better alone. An amazing display of mushrooms varying in all shapes and sizes.

We arrived back around 7 ish local time. I spent the evening colouring in some new illustrations (talk about diving face first into work related activities), I’ll do most things to avoid having to unpack. Unpacking is rubbish. Anyway, the reason I brought this up is because I’m too impatient to wait so I thought I’d show you a sneak preview of what is to come over the next few days!

What do you think? I’m very excited :)

I’m sat drinking vitamins by the pint and cold cups of tea. About 30% of me is still in denial but it’s starting to sink in that I think I’m getting a little bit poorly. What a rubbish way to welcome November. Yesterday was Bonfire night and this morning it smells soooo good outside. I love it when it smells of damp fires and wood burners…. mmmm a real wintery morning. It’s nippy too which makes a change. As much as I admire Autumn I’m not a fan of the transition between hot and cold seasons. You never know what you’re supposed to be wearing. You look out of the window and see grey and think “cold” when infact it’s humid as hell. Sometimes you see brilliant sunshine but then you think “hot? no it’s October” – whatever. I like Winter. It’s a dead cert. You know exactly where you’re at, it’s going to be bloody freezing. None of this faffing about doing laps of the house grabbing and dumping items of clothing. You may have noticed my ranting turns up a notch when I’m full of lurgy.

Anyway, I figured since I hadn’t posted in a while I would take this time to do a ramble and dig out some random pictures that are cheering me up and share them. I think I’ll start with this one:

I went round taking pictures of signs while in Egypt (I can’t believe that adventure was nearly a year ago). This one was by far the best. Compared to the others which were make shift lumps of wood and cardboard. I called it the Elvis sign, which is quite unfortunate actually :/ ah well. You can’t really make out very easily but the letters are indeed sparkly. I can’t explain it, I liked it. It made me chuckle.

The next picture I’ve probably shared with you before on the old blogspot site – but I couldn’t remember exactly. It’s another one of the beautiful things afternoon light brings to the house:

There’s nothing quite like sticking a camera in a cats face. I’m sure she’ll get tired of it but for now she doesn’t seem too bothered. Although looking at the picture I’ve posted you could easily imagine her saying “get awaAAYY FROM MEEEE!!!”. Cat’s yawning, I can’t resist:

That’s it from me and my poor picture taking skills. My plan for this morning/ afternoon is sitting, knitting, reading, nibbling, more sitting, more reading and then possibly venture into town to return yesterdays retail therapy…

Oh dear, I just sneezed on the cat :/