:: enjoying the sunlight after some heavy rain. Our weather here has been very changeable with lots of short sharp rain and and hail showers interspersed with golden sunshine ::
:: trying to appreciate the rain as our landscape is looking incredibly lush and green as a result. But still. Rain mostly sucks in May ::
:: during a rare spell of blue sky this week, I went up the road to walk beneath the blossom trees. It was/is glorious. I'll share more pictures of it in a separate post I think, as pink blossom definitely deserves its own moment of glory ::
:: coming through a very tricksy spell of challenging behaviour with our Little B at the moment. Pushing the boundaries and asserting his own quite forceful personality, well I'm sure all you Mums out there remember this stage. Crikey, it's been tough ::
:: lots of coffee moments in my week. Coffee is always good ::
:: grabbing up my basket of Rico Essential merino to go off to the pub on Monday night ::
:: drinking strawberry beer and crocheting with friends at the pub, I love Monday nights. I'm working up some double crochet stripes which will eventually become part of a yarnbomb style covering for an old Ikea lamp ::
:: enjoying a quiet soak in a hot bubble bath ::
:: love love loving the origami phase that the Little People are into at the moment. Every morning before breakfast, the table becomes a hotbed of concentrated creasing and folding. Here you can see Little B doing his own version of origami which involves folding combined with copious amounts of sellotape, glue and creative scissor work ::
:: my flopsy tulips have made me smile this week. I do do that pin-through-the-stem thing, and I do keep the water topped right up, but tulips still have such a way of contorting themselves! In the bowl, lots of little balls of leftover Stylecraft which I'm using to make granny bunting for Yarndale. More on the bunting very soon ::
:: love gazing into these amazing blooms, I spend many delightful moments loving my flowers ::
:: iced buns made with Little B. They didn't rise very well for some strange reason (I usually pride myself on my light and fluffy well risen buns), but they still tasted delish ::
♥
Moments from my busy, rather stressy week. Moments of calm, love, happiness, beauty and peace which I have been searching for amongst the chaos of a busy life.
Lots going on here. Lots of strong parenting, seeing my Little People through a week of tests and trying hard to keep Little B on the straight and narrow.
Working at the studio (shelves are up!) as we have now set a date for our first Open Studio event, I'll chat to you about that a bit later in the week.
Working on Yarndale projects which has been really exciting. Starting to make bunting triangles and planning some thrilling yarnbombing for the event. I wrote a blog post for Yarndale with lots of inspiring yarnbomb pics, do go have a look.
And finally, I've been trying to drag number 24 into some sort of order as I have my Dad and Lady B staying in the Attic for a week.
Hoping you are all well and happy, wherever you are and whatever you're up to. I'll be back soon with 1. blossom celebrations (pretty pictures) 2. bunting triangles (a pattern and a request) 3. studio news (I've got shelves!)
See you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi love reading your blog. I was wondering where you got the polka dot candle that you have in the blog about taking a hot bath? I love that candle.
Posted by: TallGirl | May 31, 2013 at 12:32 AM
That first pic, what a view! Your town seems so lovely and cozy. And the green around all the houses. I'm more and more itching to not live in a big city. As soon as I have a job (graduating uni this summer) I'm gonna start saving up for some day buying a house in the countryside. Ah the dreams :)
Posted by: H | May 23, 2013 at 02:38 PM
Oh my sweet Lucy the challenges of parenting are unlike any other in our entire lives. And so are those rewards !~! The Studio delights and intrigues me; I eagerly await the Open House. Tulips are grand, aren't they? I will try the copper penny trick mentioned above to see if it really makes a difference for me-will you let us know if it works for you ?~!
Posted by: Lynda M O | May 21, 2013 at 05:21 PM
I love your blog, the wonderful photos, and the snippets of information about your area! One day I hope to visit your country. It has been a dream of mine for quite some time. In the meantime I have bought you a coffee (not sure what a coffee costs in your part of the world) as a thank you for your patterns and blog!
Laurie in Minnesota, USA
Posted by: Laurie | May 21, 2013 at 01:13 PM
You're definitely not alone with the challenging times. My Little F is pushing the boundaries these days. Mostly he's sweet and happy but there are flashes of frustration that are so tricky to deal with. Luckily Little H is the happiest of babies at the moment(long may that last!) so I only have one tricky boy to deal with. Looking forward to seeing more of your lovely studio. Fiona x
Posted by: Fiona | May 21, 2013 at 08:53 AM
Fresh spring greens...they are so refreshing to the soul for sure. The woods are alive with new greens right now. In my neck of the woods, :) the rhododendrons are in bloom in fantastic color everywhere and seem to be down every street. http://moisbloggingit.blogspot.ca/
Looking forward to hearing about the studio opening day!!!! Isn't that exciting!!!! Hugs, MO
Posted by: Marylin | May 21, 2013 at 06:17 AM
Hi Lucy I'm sure loads of people have already suggested this but put 1p (a copper coin) in with your tulips and this will keep them up I promise. I discovered someone doing it on Instagram and it's magic!
Love your ramblings as always.
Helen xx
Ps I'm having the same kind of time with my nearly 2.5yr old. Testing the patiences of all the saints and all the angels (as my mum used to say)
Posted by: Belmont Yarns | May 20, 2013 at 09:40 PM
The good news...it's just a stage, it will pass. The bad news... it comes back again when they hit 15! Hang in there, additional coffee and cake may be required!
Posted by: Sue | May 20, 2013 at 08:07 PM
I make my tulips very short when I buy them. Almost too short. In a few days time they are of normal length and standing proudly. What can make a differce is letting them stand wrapped in paper for an hour after you brougth them home.
Posted by: Edith van der Bol | May 20, 2013 at 06:55 PM
This post has really struck a chord:
-- tricksy behaviour from my own 3yo
-- loving lush green leaves
-- treasuring tulips brightening up the place
-- desperately wondering whether the sun will hold long enough to hang out washing/go to the park/do a school run without a waterproof...
Think I'll take inspiration from you and have a candlelit bath and maybe even pop down the pub, with or without yarn stash!
It's good to know we're not alone in these challenges. Thank you! x x x
P.S. Amazing picture of simultaneous bright sunshine and brooding rainclouds - just brilliant.
Posted by: Morag | May 20, 2013 at 06:25 PM
Do I detect a hint you may want help with bunting for Yarndale ? Please count me in if so. Xx
Posted by: Nicole | May 20, 2013 at 05:50 PM
*grin* On my crazy days with my three monkeys (9, 8 and 3) I take deep breaths and remind myself always that with parenting, "the days are long, but the years are short"! :) Much love, Naomi, Singapore.
Posted by: Naomi | May 20, 2013 at 03:14 PM
Such sweet and happy little moments, Lucy. I'm very much looking forward to seeing your yarn-bombing!!
Yes, I know exactly what you mean about the boundary-pushing phases from little ones. When it stops and they go back to "normal" it's like - oh, I forgot how lovely you can be and what great company you are!!
I replied to your questions about the fairy light colours in the comment feed, by they way. :-) Have a great week lovely. xx
Posted by: Gillian | May 20, 2013 at 02:31 PM
Lovely photos.. Thanks for sharing.. Yes, I do remember those challenging days of child-rearing! You will do fine tho, I am sure.. Blessings..
Posted by: Brenda B. | May 20, 2013 at 02:10 PM
Strawberry beer! That's a new one to me, and sounds just right for a Mom's night out. I so love these little peeps into your cozy life--tantrummy little boys and all!
I worked in a flower shop years ago, and the florist would put a penny in the tulip water. He swore it would keep them upright. He also conditioned them first in tall containers in the refrigerator, which seems like a lot of headache all of a sudden. Actually, I like them flopsy. :)
Posted by: Kristen | May 20, 2013 at 01:51 PM
Yes, little people can be very challenging, but also very endearing and mesmerizing in their creativity, right? These ARE lovely moments, and thank you for sharing them with me!!
--Chris xx
Posted by: Chris Stachura | May 20, 2013 at 01:09 PM
You are one busy gal with a lot on your plate. Sounds challenging, but fulfilling. Little B is growing...I see his sweet dimpled hands, but they are not as plump and he appears to be getting leaner, which means he is less baby boy and more big boy. They are so sweet at that age in spite of the growing pains. Sounds like he is in the 'terrible two's' stage or there about. Mom's have to stay strong--soon things will improve. Loved all the colorful pics of all the moments! TFS.
Posted by: Dinahsoar | May 20, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Marvelous! I love your pictures. Hugs from Tatiana, Rome, Italy
Posted by: Tatiana | May 20, 2013 at 12:11 PM
Love your little moments. Lovely. I remember the "testing the boundaries" all too well-I actually don't think it ever ends! Mine are 9 and 12 and still test me! But it's all worth it!
Posted by: Bonnie | May 20, 2013 at 09:16 AM
I really love your first picture !
Posted by: Sonia Petitpoint | May 20, 2013 at 08:24 AM
hmm yes I have a 21 month old and a nearly 14 boy and a 15 girl.....whilst challenging and frustrating sometimes the little person makes up for it with LOTS of wonderful moments of loveliness.....teenagers.......uughhhh!!! I think its just so painful to see them going through the angst, I am very understanding, mostly, but really, it is very very difficult to know how to deal with a very sensitive, non communicative boy..I hope my once happy funny and daft boy comes back one day, I miss him....deep breath and more crochet (thank you LUcy for inspiration - am in the middle of wonderful array of colours, a work in progress - stripey blanket - the best therapy - and the little man doesn't seem to mind too much. Thank you for your lovely posts xx
Posted by: Paula | May 20, 2013 at 08:09 AM
che belli e intensi questi scatti di vita......
Buon inizio settimana Lucy!
Posted by: simo | May 20, 2013 at 07:47 AM
Ohhh Little B.....mine was little once and just as fierce and independent. He's 11 now and nearly as tall as his mama! He'll make you bonkers but is so worth it. <3 We just finished testing here in the States so I know how that feels....whew! Love the floppy tulips; so cheery and carefree!
Posted by: Andrina T | May 20, 2013 at 04:54 AM
Hi Lucy.
Love your pictures and your blog, it always makes me smile and appreciate my happy moments. I´m very familiar with what your little one is going through, having three of my own :) Hang in there :)
Have a nice day.
Jensína in Iceland (rather cold here now) :)
Posted by: Jensína H. | May 20, 2013 at 01:40 AM
Strawberry beer? You are talking to an Australian here Lucy! :o
Posted by: Rose | May 20, 2013 at 01:16 AM