♥ Three things that have made me feel heart-skippy happy today....
♥ Thing #1 :: on my table ♥
I've been browsing through my collection of Japanese crochet books today, thinking, absorbing and attempting to coax out a new design idea which is still maddeningly caught up inside the messy tangle of ric-rac inside my Creative Mind. I am so close to teasing it out (it's been there for over a year) and I am antsy-excited for it to show itself to me. It's a blanket design for the Summer months, something bright and floral and folksy and rather nostalgic and sweet. I can feel what it needs to be, have a good idea of the colour palette I'm after, but apparently it's not quite ready to show itself to me just yet. I will not be deterred!
I've been collecting these Japanese books for a good many years, I treat myself maybe once a year and they are the most fabulously inspiring things. I've just placed an order for another today, it tickles me to know that it will be flying through the air all the way from Actual Japan!! I buy from a very good Etsy seller called Pomadour24 - be warned, this is a giant sized rabbit hole, so please don't blame me if you take a tumble down it.
♥ Also on my table is a jug of pretty pink tulips which are making me smile. A sweet Valentines day gift from-me-to-me, and why not indeed? J is a lovely, lovely man, but not a romantic atom in his body. After 23 years I feel quite alright about buying my own tulips and having a little love fest with the colour of them.
♥ Thing #2 :: on my sofa/lap ♥
Awwwww, little Tilly, she is the sweetest thing. She seeks me out when I'm at home, sometimes perching on my shoulder if I'm working at my desk, but today she came to join me on the sofa for a while.
♥ I honestly can't think of anything more comforting - this afternoon I spent an hour snuggled up on my crochet-laden sofa, my feet all cosy in my hand knot socks, some very pretty stripes growing on my hook and that sweet kitty nestled into my side and resting her chin on my legs. It was so so so good. My heart was full.
♥ Thing #3 :: on my Mantel ♥
Amazingly, after just two days indoors, the first little yellow narcissus has opened on my mantel. My hyacinths are also in full bloom, and I'm loving the dose of floral Spring cheer they bring.
♥ I've got one of my favourite Pintail candle tins burning on my mantel right now too, and the scent of it is absolutely glorious. It's zesty and fresh and comforting, just the thing to give a little pick-me-up in these cold winter days.
♥ I hope you're finding some little things in your day to make your heart skip with happiness!
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ps I remembered I created a category for my 3Things posts, I have just re-read them all and have had such an unexpectedly lovely trip back down memory lane! They go back to 2009 - h e r e - if you want to see xxxx
pps if you look closely at some of the photos today, you might spot my new Hydrangea blanket just beginning.....more about that in the next few weeks xx
Heehee, I feel the same way you do about your Japanese shipment as I do about my shipments from England! Can't wait to see the hydrangea one; I hope I have enough pennies saved by April! xx
Posted by: Andrina | February 16, 2017 at 07:16 PM
A purring cat cozied up with you is so relaxing and soothing!
Posted by: Mary H | February 16, 2017 at 06:47 PM
Oh my word! I just took a tumble down that rabbit hole!! What wonderful Japanese crochet books there are! A whole new world as been opened to me...thanks for sharing! 😊❤😊❤
Posted by: Eleonora from Coastal Crochet | February 16, 2017 at 06:46 PM
I'm enjoying watching your love your little kitty.. I've always loved having pets and I know they're great for your children.. but it's cute how much you yourself are enjoying her. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | February 16, 2017 at 06:44 PM
Oh spring is in the air, I feel it and that's making me happy! I so love your happy things too...❤❤❤
Posted by: Eleonora from Coastal Crochet | February 16, 2017 at 06:41 PM
I love pictures of Tilly. She reminds of me of our cat that died last fall at the ripe old age of 17! She was a love and we miss her.
Posted by: Lori Wright | February 16, 2017 at 06:19 PM
How do you make their items if in Japanese? Do they have charts too?
Posted by: Faye | February 16, 2017 at 06:14 PM
Lately I've read often about Hygge, a Danish practice of being cozy in ones home because of little things. I think you have it down pat.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 16, 2017 at 06:11 PM
I clicked on the Etsy link... oh GOSH, it is a rabbit hole! But barely in and something caught my eye, and my mind is whirling with how to translate it into crochet.
Posted by: Misa | February 16, 2017 at 06:04 PM
Ah yes, love Pomadour's shop! Joy!
Posted by: Heather | February 16, 2017 at 05:58 PM
I know how you feel about presents in the mail. I got two yarn sets from you yesterday, England to the USA. I love your beautiful colors and patterns. Happiness abounds!
Posted by: Donna Underwood | February 16, 2017 at 05:47 PM
I was just thinking about you today as I can't find a good sweater pattern to work with my Coast colour pack. I was bemoaning the fact that you haven't published any sweater patterns...yet! xx
Posted by: Nicola | February 16, 2017 at 05:36 PM
Your blog always makes me smile
Posted by: Tracy Sutton | February 16, 2017 at 05:28 PM