Viv's news

Its been so long......

2011-08-14T11:28:00.002+12:00

Life has been rather shattering for me and my mind has not been in a space to blog. i have been "lurking" every day but just could not bring myself to put fingers onto a keyboard and write!!

Yesterday we had a teaparty for Amies birthday and everyone said they had a good time. It is ages since I drank tea out of a fine china cup and it was very enjoyable. The tea tasted so much better.

Will try and post some photos on here.

Today

2011-05-18T18:45:00.003+12:00

I have been at my friends kitchen today playing! She is a caterer and I have been helping her make some desserts for an evening at her church. I had a great day and made lots of goodies. I love it.

I have started making a few things for my Christmas stall at Dunkleys Craft Show at the end of August. I am making a quilt with Christmas words on it of things that are important to me. I will try and get some photos on here. And I hope to post a bit more often.

Sunday

2011-03-06T10:53:00.002+13:00

Some days are up and some are down. We had lots of aftershakes yesterday and I think they have gotten to me. Today I feel very flat and it is hard to get motivated to do anything. for two pins I could go back to bed and watch DVD's all day but I can't let myself do this. I need to tidy up in my living area, it has become such a mess.

hope you are all having a great day. :))

Earthquake

2011-02-22T19:58:00.002+13:00

Well its happened again. It was less in size but much stronger as it was closer to the surface. I am one of the fortunate ones in that all my family are safe and there has not been damage to my house. Mum's unit has some problem with the sand and water but it will be ok. Just when it will stop flowing is the question. They say 65 dead its awful

Back writing

2011-01-31T08:55:00.002+13:00

Time has gone so fast. For a long time I have not done much sewing for myself. Have been making clothes which has been taking up my time. My Mum has come to live in a unit on my property and life in general has been intersting!!!

I am making a quilt for a retreat that I am planning for Hamner this year. I will make a few examples and then hopefully they will be inspiring for other people.

I have been spending lots of time browsing around other peoples blogs and being inspired. There are lots of wonderful and talented people out there in blogland.

Will post a photo of bubble gum and jellybeans soon when it is a bit nearer completion.

Its going to be fun

2010-06-06T09:16:00.000+12:00

Well here I am back again. I have been browsing around blogs and have got excited about the chance to get a bit more organised for Christmas presents. And I have even worked out how to link back to the lovely Creative Studios blog and to put the button onto my sidebar!!!!

I had planned to start early on some sewing as my granson stayed here last night and I dropped him off at 7am to be a participant in the kids programme at What Now. But look at my cat. He loves to sit on my fabrics and can I disturb him? No. I will work on something else instead.

My Postings

2010-04-28T10:33:00.002+12:00

I am finding it hard to beleive that feb was the last time Iposted. time is just drifting by.

My head is in a fug these days. I am in a mess in my home and so is my mind. i love to blog but it is in the too hard basket these days. I am still floating around and looking at my favourite blogs but these words don't flow like they usually do.

I am in that time of starting things and not finishing them.

Be patient with me and I will be back.

Its 500!!!!

2010-02-27T22:58:00.002+13:00

Wow, 500 visitors, amazing.

I have a nice giveaway planned. please leave me a comment from now until Wednesday and I will do a draw and send out my gift.

I am looking forward to reading some comments. what fun!!

495 hits on my blog!!!!Nearly 500

2010-02-27T18:38:00.002+13:00

I often roam around the blogs that I find and love to do that. It has been really interesting to see how many people have looked at mine as well!! Mine has been a bit boring lately. I cannot seem to get the energy to do alot in the craft scene. I have been reading lots of books, so I can't do everything I suppose.

I do have some goodies for the 500th visitor, i don't know how I am going to see who this is so maybe I will do a posting when it gets to that number and get peoples comments and then choose some one from there.

I have a batch of scones in the oven, a marshmallow cake half done, a 4 1/2 year old grandson here to share the evening with and the sun is shining outside. How good is that! It has been a wonderful sunny day, so warm, and I had a friend come to visit who I have not spent time with for over 20 years. It was really enjoyable, we lost touch when I moved from my hometown, Nelson, to Christchurch.

Now Josh and I are going to get stuck into those scones, Yum

Lazy Sunday!!!!

2010-02-21T09:47:00.002+13:00

I am so enjoying watching the Olympic games. I had planned to do some prep work for a quilt whilst watching them but I cannot seem to get in the groove of doing that. Its a golly quilt by Lynn Hyland which I am going to make for a friends grandson for her to have at her house. I am going to do it with the raw vliesofix method and buttonhole around it. I have always used the turn under method as I have not been too keen on the wearing ability of this method. So this will be the test one.

My head is feeling really fuzzy and i cannot seem to get interested in doing anything much. I am also halfway through typing my recipes into a book format which I plan to make into a little book. Why? I don't know, just felt like something I wanted to do. I have bought a Zutter binder and it binds books. A great little tool.

I have noticed that there are over 450 visitors to my blog so I have decided when it gets to 500 I will giveaway a surprise.

I have not been too good at blogging so am going to try and do this at least once a week.

I have started putting some of my fabrics and patchwork books on trade me. I have so many and will never use them all so it is time for some to go.Its just a matter of sorting them out and then listing them.

We are home after a wonderful camping holiday

2010-01-12T10:25:00.003+13:00

I am very blessed to have wonderful children and grandchildren. We went tenting to a camping ground called Hamner Springs, about 2 hours drive from where we live, and apart from the weather we had a great time. There were lots of swimming, dam building in the river to create a swimming hole, games, bicycle riding and family time. I had a new tent and itlived up to all expectations.

The camping ground we stayed in is wonderful and after talking to the owners I am going to run some Patchwork retreat weekends there. I have talked to my daughter Amie and she will look after the catering for me. Exciting.

I am starting to get excitied about getting into my sewing room and sorting it out, itis such a mess. And I want to start a new quilt. I have not felt this urging for a while so maybe I am starting to feel a bit better?

My new treat

2009-12-13T20:17:00.004+13:00

I am so happy!!! I finally have two things which I have been longing for for ages. The first is my water fountain which is still not working 100% but it will do. I will work on it and it will be great. And the other is my swing seat. My daughter , Amie has one exactly the same as mine, and I have loved sitting in hers. It also goes down to lie flat so one can really stretch out on it. I have been so tired lately that it will be a real blessing to go and relax on it. My eldest son, Mitchell, has moved back to Ch Ch after many years of being away and he is converting my studio into a small apartment for himself. He put the seat together for me tonight and I have already spent about an hour sitting on it with a cup of tea and enjoying the pleasant evening that we have tonight.

He is at present taking a small wall out and he will be putting in a bathroom tomorrow. Its all go around here.

Here are some pics, you can't see it but I can hear the gentle fall of water from the fountain, but it is not loud enough!!

My address

2009-11-16T09:08:00.002+13:00

I am having trouble with my computer and cannot send emails. Several people wanted my address and so I will list it on here for a short time. It is 8 Harker Street, Barrington, Christchurch 8024.

It was a long week end here with the holiday being Friday. I had Jake to stay and we spend another wonderful morning at Mona Vale doing all our usual things on Sunday. He stayed Sat night. It was a glorious day and was really nice walking around the flowers and feeding the ducks.

I am going to do some work on my sewing room today. My eldest son is going to live in my studio and it was his idea to make the big room into my room. At the moment it is a big mess. I am going to sell lots of things. I have found my smocking mags and the quiltmaker and quilters newsletter that I have kept for years. I have the early editions of those and maybe they are worth more than $1.00. I shall do some research.

More photos.

2009-11-09T23:33:00.005+13:00

These are some photos of my children and grandchildren.

I'm back!!!!

2009-11-09T22:57:00.005+13:00

It is amazing that the time has gone by so fast since I last wrote on here. Things have been happening, I have not been feeling to great and my computer has not been feeling well either!!!

Here are some photos of my munchkins. The boys were here for breakfast recently and one of the traditions here is too have candles with our meals so of course we had them with porridge. Then I managed to get them to pose outside for me. Jake and I have been having fun planting seeds and plants and watching them grow.
he has grown Silverbeet seeds and this is his Strawberry plant. He so enjoyed that Strawberry. Joshua and Bradley have also grown some seeds as well.

I am changing my studio. My biggest bedroom in my house will now be my sewing room and it is a total mess. I am sorting through lots of things and I will be having a major sale soon. Over a hundred magazines and many of my fabrics.

Home Now

2009-09-02T21:54:00.002+12:00

We arrived back in Christchurch last night around midnight and Mum flew back to Nelson today. She said that she enjoyed the holiday but she is very tired now.

I will post some photos tomorrow when I get some time and will write some more news then

Wonderful weather

2009-08-24T12:46:00.002+12:00

Its so nice here on the Gold Coast today. I would love to find some patchwork shops over here but have not done so yet. We are off shopping in Helensvale today. Alls great.

I left all my sewing at home, I am knitting babies cardigans and bootees. Its relaxing.

Australia

2009-08-21T17:00:00.003+12:00

Having a great time in Oz. Staying in Southport and am with my Mum. We have been shopping and enjoying the great weather. Tomorrow we go to a show at the Casino of Irish Dancing. Will post some photos when I can.

I am feeling so much better from being on holiday and also I had a tooth out last week which was making me feel miserable and I did not realise.

Giveaway.

2009-06-03T07:10:00.003+12:00

There is a new website going to start on 8th June and there is a party!!!! Part of this is a huge giveaway. If you would like to receive my giveaway please leave me a message and I will get a parcel away to you if you are the lucky winner. If you would like to leave me a comment, and your email address I will draw a random number to be crowned the winner on Monday the 8th of June.
There are over 100 people participating so far so if you want there are lots of giveaways if you want to spend time blogging. The link back is to Sarah's I will try and put her logo on my side bar but I am not very fgood at this!! Have fun.

Lazy Sunday

2009-05-17T17:36:00.002+12:00

I have my grandsons with me. And Luke , my middle son, has been living here for the past monthh or so. He leaves on Monday 25th May to live in Perth, Australia for a while so I shall miss him very much. I want him to go but.........

This is a photo of Luke and the boys playing a game. They love this time together and usually Luke wins but the look on their faces is priceless. I seem to be permanently weary just now, I love having the boys but I am not as yound as I used to be. I got my sewing machine out the other day and did a sewing job for a friend, in exchage for a cooked crayfish, yummy, and have fabric to make things but the energy is just not there. Maybe tomorrow.

Anzac Day 2009

2009-04-27T13:41:00.002+12:00

I went to the dawn parade with Mitch on Saturday and it was a moving experience. I have been to another with Mitch and it is amazing.

I am now home after having a wonderful time with Mitch and his girls. Today is so hot here, it is hard to beleive that it is Autumn. I think winter will come with a rush.

Mitch let me take some photos of him in his uniform. He looks so handsome and smart. Of course no bias here!!! The right hand medals are his and the left hand ones are my Dads. He is allowed to wear them on occasions such as Anzac Day. It is quite special to see him wearing them.

With my family

2009-04-22T08:42:00.001+12:00

I am in Palmerston North at my sons home. I have come up here to look after my grand daughters during the school holidays while their oarents are working. we have had some good times, but its nearly time for me to go home. time has just flown by. they have a 4 month old puppy, very cute.

More wedding photos.

2009-04-05T10:17:00.005+12:00

We got the photographers photos the other day. Some really good ones there.

At Mona Vale with my Mum and Jake

2009-04-04T12:54:00.001+13:00

Jake stayed last night and my Mum arrived from Nelson to stay for a few days as well. We all went to Mona Vale this morning and had breakfast then we fed the ducks before going for a stroll around looking at the gardens. It is a tradition with Jake and I to do this and I really enjoy it. He takes his bike and zooms around on it.We went to Mc Donalds this morning and got some food from there and ate it in the little summer house that is there.

Amie and Luke's Wedding Day

2009-03-29T12:11:00.006+13:00

Well its been a long time since I posted. I have been recovering from my daughters wedding and had 2 grandsons staying for 2 weeks. They went home on Thursday. I loved every bit of it all but am tired.

The wedding was everything I had dreamed of for Amie and I know that Luke and Amie had a wonderful; time. Here are some photos that I have finally got sorted to post. I have been having trouble sending these to people in emails so I hope this works. These are my photos, I should get a CD of the photographers today, can't wait. I am very excited.

My new addition to my family

2009-02-22T19:58:00.002+13:00

Harley Firecat has come to live in my home. He is now 9 weeks old and is very cute. Amie had been talking to me for a few weeks about cats but I did not think about it too much. 2 weeks ago she and Jake arrived with a black little bundle. I have always wanted a cuddly cat and it seems like he will be that. There was a lot of debate about his name, in the end I decided Harley, as I had always wanted a Harley Davidson!!! and Jake wanted his name to be Firecat, so hence he now has 2 names. He is Harley for short!!!

I have been so busy doing stuff for Amies wedding that I have not been doing much else. I am now caught up, cake is all but finished, 2 bridesmaids and the 2 flowergirls dresses are made, tablecloth and runners all done and some of the food for supper is in the freezer!! I have loved doing it. So today I was going to play and make a quilt but as soon as I got the fabrics out Harley decided that they would be his bed. So nothing has been done!

The last few days

2009-01-26T07:16:00.003+13:00

Life has been very busy here the last few days. I do not seem to get time to just sit.

On Saturday we went to the car show that Amie and Luke stay at each year. The photo is the car that Harry made for Jakes uncle and this year Jake was able to drive around in it. He loved it. It has scooter engine in it and he looks so cute driving along in it. Mercedes has been staying here most nights and Joshua was here last night. Today if it is hot we will take a picnic and go to the river for a few hours. Yesterday was really hot, too hot to do anything really, so Mercedes and I went to the movies and watched the 3D one called Bolt and it was really good.

The other photo is of Mercedes and Jynaire trying on their flower girl dresses, as you can see, Jynaire was not being helpful!!!The wedding is coming up very quickly but mostly everything in under control. It will be a great day.

Grandchildren

2009-01-11T09:56:00.004+13:00

On Thursday and Friday night Jake stayed here, Friday Joshua stayed , they went and then Bradley stayed last night. Joshua and Bradley will be staying tonight as well. The days just whozz by. They are such a blessing but wear me out. Bradley is int he bath just now and is having fun there. We will be going out soon to buy him some shoes.

Jake and i had fun going to Mona Vale , he took his bike and raced around. He and Josh enjoyed their time also in between the fights!!

My teeth

2009-01-08T09:46:00.002+13:00

I have just spent ages writing a post and then it all disappeared!!! I have had another root canal done yesterday, the 2nd in 6 weeks. Very expensive and painful. And I still have lots of work to be done. It hurts and i don't really want to eat so mabe that is a good thing.

it was 32 degrees here yesterday and it looks like it is going to be hot again today. I had my cool air on yesterday and was amazed how hot it was when i went outside.

I have nearly got 2 bridesmaids dresses done and will make a trial for Mercedes one today. I will also have a look at how the cake is going to be, and will try and get that sorted in my head as well.

Lots to do but life is good.

PIF

2009-01-05T11:23:00.002+13:00

Have a look at the lovely Narelle's blog. I meant to put the link in my last posting.

PIF

2009-01-05T11:06:00.005+13:00

Here I go again, would anyone like to play? After all, I have 365 days and lots of ideas. So if there are 3 lovely new or existing friends out there who would like to join ...

... here are the rules and I'd love to have a comment from you.

I will make you a handmade gift and send your gift to you within a year.

By joining up, you are agreeing to PIF with 3 others as well...

This means you will put the logo on your site and ask 3 people to play with you and make them all a handmade gift....and so it goes!

If you would like to PIF with me, please leave a comment,

My New Quilt

2009-01-04T08:34:00.003+13:00

I have had a satisfying 2 days. I have put together the christmas Quilt that I have been working on over the year. I needed to make a couple of the blocks as well and did those too. I am so happy with it and will go today and get the backing fabric and then get it quilted. I love the richness of some of the fabrics and it will go on my new wall next Christmas.

I have a taddy pattern that I want to try out. I just love little teddies and will get it reduced by 75% today and see how it goes. I shall have to rummage around and find the teddy box now that has the fabrics in it.

I have just seen my dog on the couch. He knows he is not allowed there!! He tries to shrink inside himself so I cannot see him!! How could I shift him.

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T07:37:00.002+13:00

Its 2009. I hope this year will not go as fast as the last one but no doubt it will. It is good to be busy and have things to look forward to. I am unsure of what this year will bring for me workwise, I will continue with my classes but I may end up getting a job and just teaching at night, or will I go the whole way and open my shop? I will work on the 3 bridesmaids dresses and 2 flowergirls and get Amies wedding over with before I embark on any life changes I think. I am looking forward to this time, I hope this will be a large family gathering, and we all have an awesome time. She has picked her dress and looks like a princess. I cried! y little girl really has grown up and I am very proud of her.

If anyone should read this I wish for you an awesome 2009 and I hope that all your wishes and dreams come true.

Christmas Day

2008-12-26T09:34:00.002+13:00

Well its over for another year. We had a good day, starting with going to churchwith Frances in Rangiora and then going to her home for lunch. Mum, Mitch and I were there. Amie spent the time with Lukes family and Luke with Caseys. We had an awesome luch as can be seen by the photo and then returned home around 3 to meet up with the others. Amie did not arrived until 4 so we filled int he time until then. We had great fun opening the presents and Jake and Joshua got some big trucks which they had great fun opening and playing with afterwards. They were all going to have tea with me but everyone was so full that did not happen, maybe today we will use the food.

Today we are off to the Boxing Day sales,my vacuum cleaner has died and I need to buy a new one.

Its great having Mum and Mitchell here. Family is great.

Its nearly Christmas

2008-12-22T19:26:00.002+13:00

I had a wonderful surprise today, Mitchell, my eldest son, has come home 2 days early. It was a lovely surprise, he was here for dinner and has gone to stay at his Dads house.

The other day there was a huge sale and Amie and I went and got the suits for the little boys for the wedding, they just loved it and look so cute. They are little tuxedos, they need to be taken up but that will be done closer to the day.

Mum has arrived and Jake and her shared some special moments the other day. So now nearly all of my immediate family are here for Christmas.

My baby is getting Married

2008-12-06T22:45:00.002+13:00

Amie is getting married next year, March 14th. They decided a few weeks ago and because of timing it was decided to be next year and not 2010. She finishes her studies next year but we all decided it was too far away to wait for the wedding.

This morning we spent a few hours making the wedding invitations and they are looking great. We did not get enough paper so shall have to go back to the shop and get some more.

It seems like only a few years ago that it was me planning like she is but..... it is many years ago now and my marraige did not last.

Today I met 2 lovely ladies while at Borders bookshop. they invited me to share their table while having a coffee and it was so nice talking to them. They had won a night at a hotel and they were having the works. A manicure this morning and then shopping plus movies etc. They were so happy. I hope they are still having a good time

I had a huge discount coupon so I have treated myself to 2 new books, one the latest Nora Roberts book out and Jo Seagars new recipe book. I am off to bed now with some new reading material. I think I love books as much as I love fabric!!!

Pay it Forward

2008-12-04T20:07:00.002+13:00

I was so excited recently to discover that I was one of the lucky three to sign up for a Pay-it-forward exchange. Thanks so much to the person organising for doing this exchange.
I have visited Dees blog, Make sure you visit her blog. I love it.

I think this is such a wonderful idea! This is how it goes : it's the Pay It Forward exchange, based on the concept of the movie "Pay It Forward", where acts of kindness are done without expecting anything in return, just passing it on, hoping that the recipients will do the same and pay it forward, like a never ending chain of kindness... How to proceed ?I will make and send a handmade gift for the first 3 friends who post a comment to this post, requesting to join this exchange, and promising to pay it forward to 3 other persons, etc.... I don't know what my 3 gifts will be. Your PIF won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent within 365 days (ample time) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. I'm more than happy to send something internationally - so everyone can be involved!!!

What better way for everyone to join hands around the globe and share our crafty goodness!!! So, who wants me to make them something - then you go and get to pass it on?
Have fun crafting!

I have cut and pasted this from Dee's blog as she said it all so well.

regards, Viv

Yeah after 3 tries I did it.

2008-12-04T11:42:00.002+13:00

I will try again

2008-12-04T11:38:00.002+13:00

Linda

I will try again

2008-12-04T11:38:00.000+13:00

A link to the lovely Linda

Links

2008-12-04T11:24:00.001+13:00

Thank you Linda, lets see how this goes. She has sent me instructions on how to link up with other bloggers. She said if I do this , add her name and do some stuff it should work. Lets try it, Linda

The lovely chaos in my life!!!

2008-12-04T06:35:00.002+13:00

I had such a busy day yesterday. I took my student onto the bus exchange in the car, Luke got here at 7 am and I was able to use his car as mine is still in Nelson. I got home at 8.20 and needed to be at my catering friends at 8.30, was later there and then it was full on all day. I am losing my voice but it does not seem to be affecting me or maybe that is why I am so tired!!! Amie dropped me off in town and took the bus home for my student to orientate here and then will do the same this mornong. Had a quick meal and then out in the classroom. Luke has done a fantastic job inside, he has nearly put the wall up and I am so happy. I as worried it would not look right but it does.

Also Mitch is in Dubai and will be home on the 8th. I am looking forward to that even though I won't get to see him until after Christcmas. He phoned last night and I had a bit of a talk.

my voice has still nealy gone and my ear is still not right but its promising to be a lovely day and maybe today I can figure out how to add bits and pieces to my blog.

Today......

2008-12-02T22:03:00.002+13:00

Luke has done some fantastic work for me. He put the door into the sunroom and installed the wardrobe and some cupboards. It is soooooooooo good. Then he did some work in the bathroom and installed the vent so that when i use the dryer I just switch it on, no having to open the window and streeetch the hose so that the steam will go out the window. And he made a cupboard to go in the bathroom to make it tidier. Tomorrow he is going to put the wall in that I want between the lounge and my hall. It will seperate the bedrooms and the bathroom area away from the houses. It is so exciting. Photos tomorrow.

I have a sore throat and my ear infection is still there. I am feeling shattered and I have a lovely student arrive today too, so its been all go.

Tomorrow is another really busy day.

At Waters Edge

2008-11-30T07:44:00.002+13:00

I spent nearly all of yesterday sewing. My house is a mess but who cares!!!

I had got most of the flowers ready the day before but finished those in the morning, the ric rac was rather fiddly to put around and I did not like the effect at first but it has grown on me. I was going to make this into a pillow, it shows it like that in the book. but it is huge and I would not use one like that. I will change this into a lap quilt and it will be all mine!! Applique is my love and I will enjoy today sewing the flowers onto the back ground and then may look at it for a while before going onto the next step.

My sewing machine

2008-11-28T10:08:00.002+13:00

I am missing my Bernina. I had to leave it in Nelson over a week ago and as I had to fly home due to an inner ear infection and not being able to drive the car I could not take it on the plane. My very special friend has lent me her 2nd machine and I appreciate that so much. I had a class the other night and I was amazed one girl does not own a sewing machine!! Another friend has a machine for sale, an old Husqvarna, and I may buy that for some classes that I want to do and she has lent me her sewing machine as she never uses it. Jenni and I looked at eachother and both said it would be like a limb missing.

We are all different. She would feel the same way if her oven went, she is a caterer. Soooo, now I am going to do some sewing on my new project and also do something for my Secret Santa swap for Dee. I love being involved with these sorts of things again.

My new project

2008-11-27T20:51:00.003+13:00

At last , the new book that I have been waiting for has arrived. Its In full Bloom and I love the patterns and the colours used. I am making 2 pillows that is shown on the front page.

I bought some fabrics when i was on holiday in Australia earlier this year and will use those. This morning I cut out my shapes and tonight and tomorrow will get ready to sew them. It takes a while to prepare the peices but then it all seems to come together really quickly.

I want to do some other projects as well but family have been sick and life gets too busy sometimes. But they will happen.

update!!

2008-11-27T07:15:00.003+13:00

While the weather seems to be improving every day it has been a tough week healthwise for the family here. I started off with an inner ear infection when i was staying with my Mum recently and had to fly back to Christchurch and leave my car at her place. Mum has not been well and I went up there to help her and also celebrate my brothers 60th birthday. I caught up with family and we had a wonderful night together. I also helped Mum out with her garden, its looking great, Then the next morning I came down with this ear thing. Jake and Joshua started witht the stomach bug, passed it to Amie, their Grand dad, then Luke and now today me. They have been very generous!!!!!Hope fully the warm sun will drive all these nasty bugs away.

I am having fun with some new material that I have bought and want to work on it today but am not sure if the brain will allow me!!! I seem to have a very short attention span at the moment.

my wonderful neighbour

2008-11-24T22:47:00.000+13:00

Today has been amazing.

My neighbour makes glass beads and I just love them. They are so beautiful. All shiny, pretty and most romantic, some more chunky and madern.

Wellllllll, a few months ago I won a necklace and matching earring set in a raffle and then went and lost one earring. So the saga begins on sunday when I mentioned this fact to her. She gave me another set and I love those, then she showed me her stock and wow, I fell in love again. I bought a bracelet and asked her to make me some matching ear rings and a necklace which she has done. And they are beautiful.

AND then tonight she came over with the above and also THESE.I had told her of my plans to make sewing items based around a cup cake theme and she so surpriased me. I am so floating on air. Its the nicest thing anyone has done for me in such a long time. I have been dreaming of jewllery and its so yummy.

I'm off to do some work now and also think about what i am going to make for my Christmas Swap. Janet from Wildcraft Farm is organising this swap and its the first time in a long time that I have sdone anything like this. Its fun and I want some more in my life from now on.

Fabrics, oh so many fabrics

2008-10-16T16:30:00.000+13:00

Today some friends and I had the most awesome time!! Spotlight are having a stocktake and reduced alot of their patchwork fabrics to $2.00 per meter and some at $1.00. I bought material for new curtains for my lounge and dining room for $1.00 per meter, I am so happy. The photo is of some of the fabrics I bought. Aren't they yummy. I had fun when I got home getting them out of the bag and drooling over them again. I am addicted to fabric, could be worse!!. I want to make some bags and kits out of some of these and hopefully will make enough money so that I can buy more fabric!!

Yesterday

2008-07-31T10:39:00.000+12:00

We took the bus too Surfers paradise and enjoyed a time sitting onthe steps looking out at the waves and the beautiful beach. It is a real tourist area and I would imagine a great night spot. There are lots of bars and eating places, reminds me of the strip at home.

I bought a wee hat for Jake at the Billabong store, I could have bought lots in there!!.

We are having a great time, playing lots of upwords when we arre in our unit. Its a good way to pass the time and we have lots of laughs.

Shop hopping

2008-07-30T11:14:00.002+12:00

Yesterday I went on a shop hop, on a van from 8.30am to 5pm with 18 other women and we visited 5 patchwork shops and had a great tour around the place. I spent all my money and had a ball. I have lots of lovely fabrics and will have fun creating things with them when I get home. Last week they went around another 5 shops. They do this about 3 times a year and it is such a good idea. We went to a huge mall for lunch, I could have spent much more time there looking around but another time.

Shop hopping

2008-07-30T11:14:00.001+12:00

Shop hopping

2008-07-30T11:14:00.000+12:00

Beautiful Day

2008-07-26T11:08:00.000+12:00

The rain has gone and the sun is shining. Its going to be a great day.

25/07/2008

2008-07-25T13:11:00.000+12:00

We spent the afternoon at a a concert yesterday and it was quite good. It was too wet to do anything. I got soaked walking from here to the club but over the afternoon dryed out. We won a raffle which was quite funny. Tommorrow night there is a show , A tribute to the Bee Gees so that should be ok, we will go and see that .

We are off to a huge shopping complex this afternoon. Its all factory outlets so maybe I can get some clothes there. We will go to this club and get a meal first, Mum likes to have a cooked dinner in the middle of the day and it is very cheap there. But I cant face another roast today, it will be salad today I think. We have played 7 games of upwords this morning. We both had had enough of that game at the end.

When the weather clears up we will go to some of the attractions but its not much fun in the rain. But we are having a good time and enjoying each others company.

Australia

2008-07-22T20:31:00.000+12:00

we are here. Today we went to Australia Fair and had a great look around. Mum bought a jersey and looks good. We went to the supermarket and had a good spend up and had a lovely dinner. Tomorrow we may catch the bus and go to the outlet stores. Will write more tomorrow.

Mama Mia

2008-07-20T20:24:00.000+12:00

This afternoon I went and saw this movie. I loved it and it will be one that I will purchase when it is available. I laughed, I cried and I envied their memories of their teenage years. It was a great movie.

My Photo

2008-07-19T17:32:00.000+12:00

I got Luke to take some photos in front of a quilt to go on my business cards. I will work on the wording for these while I am away. Which one should I use? I will have to decide.

Joshies Haircut

2008-07-19T17:24:00.000+12:00

I took Joshua toget a haircut yesterday and now he looks extra cute. His hair was so long it was getting in his eyes all the time and it was all straggly. But I may be in trouble with his Mum, but what the heck, I am leaving on Monday for 2 weeks!!!!!

Mitches Birthday

2008-07-19T17:21:00.000+12:00

On the 14th July it was Mitchells 27th Birthday. Where have those years gone too. We had a great night, another good old kiwi roast of lamb and of course Coconut Pudding with Chocolate sauce.

The Pied Piper of Hamlin

2008-07-19T17:19:00.000+12:00

Earlier this week we went to see this production. I really enjoyed it but there were no comments from my kids and their kids, so, we won't be doing that again!!!!!!!!

Websites!

2008-07-03T13:07:00.000+12:00

I am trying to set one up for my new business that I want to do, and it is not so easy. I found someone but that will cost around $1500.00 and I don't want to spend that much. A lovely lady who may design it for me , if I can wait 3 months,and she has suggested looking on the web and apparently there are ones that can be downloaded and I can customise. So thats my task for tonight.Fun and games

Only 2 more sleeps and Mitch is here with his girls and we will all be at Hamner together for a week. Lots of walks, talking, games, crafts, and those hot pools. Can'
t wait.

Sunday

2008-06-29T11:57:00.000+12:00

Winter, what is there to like about it apart from the fact of being able to be warm in my house and able to sew!! The snow must be down low as the wind is very cold outside. Its raining and very dull. I have to venture out to the shops later and Simba needs a walk, I do hope it clears up for a wee while.

My me day

2008-06-27T20:10:00.000+12:00

after working a 14 hour day yesterday it was my day! Last year my nephew and his wife gave me a voucher to have a massage. I did not realise that it had an expiry date on it, I have been saving it, looking forward to one day having it. Well I realsied last week that it expired last month so I phoned the place and was able to use it still. Whew! So today I had a facial and a pedicure. it was so wonderful. 2 hours i spent there. Then I treated myself to lunch and then went and saw the new Narnia movie and thoroughly enjoyed that. I came out of the mall to the dark and then home to cook dinner. What a wonderful way to spend a day, I would like to do more of these!!

Its been a busy week

2008-06-26T07:46:00.000+12:00

Amie was 21 on Tuesday. Time has flown, seems like only yesterday she was a little girl. She was not well and had spent most of the day in bed but we had arranged for the whole family to go out for a meal and we still did that. Jake was on high form, overtired and very excited. Not naughty but racing around.

Special friends

2008-06-18T12:13:00.000+12:00

My cousin posted this in her blog today and these are my thought stoo. So I have copied her words and want to pass these thoughts on my friends and family too.

It is very rare in life to meet someone you can call a real friend. a soul mate you can trust and confide in!

You may have know them a long time and been through the good and bumpy times together, or you may have met more recently, have travelled similar roads, can share loss and trauma that you have in common!

This kind of friendship is really precious and has to be kept like a very expensive jewel and cared for and looked after.

I feel very fortunate , as I have very good friendships

Thank you Tree Frog.

Loves and kisses to eveyone who reads this, Vivien

Another Beautiful morning

2008-06-14T07:57:00.000+12:00

There was the most gorgeous sunrise this morning. jJake stayed here kast night and we were up early and we captured it. I hope this does not mean that the day will not be good but we are enjoying it now. we are going Garage saling very soon and we shall see what bargains we can get.

The Sawmillers Daughter

2008-06-13T22:54:00.001+12:00

My business is happening. I went today to WINZ and may be able to get some help for a year while I build it up. On Thurs next week I will go to a seminar and then will go onfrom there. Its sounding good.

Quickquilts

2008-06-13T22:50:00.000+12:00

A few nights ago a special friend and I were talking and he came up with this idea and I am looking forward to working on them. I will make a kit with full instructions for a cot quilt. Today I went to the dentist, another story!, and the assistant is pregnant and so I have asked her if she will try one out. She is learning to sew and so will be perfect. I have another dental appoinment next Friday so will take one ready for her to sew and see how she gets on. Thank you Chris for this wonderful idea.

Baking

2008-06-13T22:44:00.000+12:00

This afternoon I had a relaxing and fun time baking these pies. I have not made individual ones before and they turned out really well. My student eats pies rather than steak and so I am making them for him. I love to bake them but not to eat!! This lot consists of beef and vegetables, and then the others are savoury mince pies. Amie and Luke tried one each and said they were good. Tomorrow Jake and I are going to make some chicken and cranberry ones, but those ones might come to Hamner with us!!

At the beach, and shopping

2008-06-11T17:15:00.000+12:00

Ihaka was sick today so I did not work this afternoon. I "kidnapped" Jake from pre school and we took Simba to the beach. We spent about an hour there and had so much fun. It was a lovely day and there were not too many people. we found this big stick which Jake insisted we bring home, and he has enjoyed bashing things with it!

His beloved Waddles was rather tatty so we went to the mall and treated ourselves to afternoon tea and we found a new Waddles in the shop and he said he wanted to come home with us so we bought him. Jake loves them very much.

My Tuesday

2008-06-11T09:47:00.000+12:00

Yesterday I had a great day. Went to a shop called Spotlight and they had all these little things for 75 cents etc and I got some fun things that I can do with the Grang children when we are away on holiday at Hamner in July. I am so looking forward to it. I got some stitcheries, suncatchers and window pictures that they can colour in.

I got 2 DVD's as well, Death at a Funeral which was so funny, and Atonement which was the opposite and was sad. but I loved them both and did one of my favourite things, I sewed on a quilt and had these going at the same time, I think this is the best and I had an awesome evening. I feel so much more relaxed today.It was good for my soul.

Joshua's 3rd Birthday

2008-06-09T21:38:00.000+12:00

It was Joshua's 3rd birthday today. He and Bradley came around for tea and we had a great time. Amie and Luke got a ice cream cake for him and the children loved it.

Winter is here

2008-06-08T08:27:00.000+12:00

Yesterday it got so cold and then around 4 pm it started to snow.Not much settled around my area but i know where my friend lives in Kiapoi there is about 5 cm of snow. I washed the childrens car mat and it was outside and this is the picture I took of it just now.

Mums Quilt

2008-06-06T22:11:00.000+12:00

I am enjoying creating a quilt for Mum. It has a Hebrew verse in the centre and then I will embroider the words in English around that in the white border. I have had this panel for a few years now but have really got enthused to finish it this time. This will be for her birthday on 6th July.

The verse in English is

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious unto you
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Jake Staying

2008-06-06T22:07:00.000+12:00

Today Jake spent most of the afternoon here and is now staying tonight. We had lots of fun today. We went exploring down the back behind my studio, and we fixed some things that were broken. Jake did not want to go to bed tonight so he is asleep in the lounge on a couch. Simba is keeping him company.

Lukes Birthday

2008-06-05T09:57:00.000+12:00

On the 1st of June it was Lukes 25th birthday. We all went out for a meal at a place called Willowbank. We had a pleaseant evening with very nice food. Ray and his wife Jacqui were there as well, and it still feels strange socialising with them and having converstations but it is great to be able to do it for the family. I feel strange for a few days afterwards though.

This is a pic of some of may favourite people, taken at Willowbank on 1st June. I love them all to bits. I can't beleive they are the ages that they are, and that I am now over 50!!!! Time is going too fast.

My Studio

2008-06-05T09:49:00.000+12:00

In the week end my sons Mitchell and Luke worked soooooooo hard converting my garage into my studio. Should be a capital there I think, my Studio!. Its very exciting. I had hoped to have last nights class in there but it will happen next time and then there will be a wee party too. I have the plasterer coming this afternoon and then I can paint it maybe this week end. I still find it hard to beleive that it has really happened, its been so long. My Mum has said that she will pay for the materials, etc, so that means that I can buy a decent car. My Mum is so good to me.

Some photos of the boys in action.

A Great Day

2008-05-29T20:21:00.000+12:00

Today I treated myself! I bought some jeans and a new top and then went and had my hair done. I also collected my new glasses. So I am feeling very special!!

My Studio

2008-05-27T20:12:00.000+12:00

Its so exciting, this week end will see lots of progress on converting my garage into my studio. It is sooooooo exciting. Mitchell is coming this week eknd and will do lots of work on it and so will Luke.I have been busy enptying all my treasures out and sstowing them away in various places. I do not remember how many times I have shifted those boxes and I am going to have to box up my books once again. I am so sick of doing that!!! But it will all be worth it.

Today I spent 2 hours at the hardware type shop and ordered all the stuff Luke thinks will be needed for the weekends work. There was so much to order. Its a bit scary, I had no idea what most of it was.

This afternoon I went to work and Ihaka crawled about 4 leg movements. Its so exciting. It is the 1st time that he has done that. Hope fully it will be the start of much more movement for him.

Ginger bread Men

2008-05-25T22:52:00.000+12:00

This is the 3rd time I have tried to add some words and each time my message has diappeared. The photo is of Jake baking Ginderbread Men. He stayed last night and we mad those and Savoury Muffins as well. He is a great helper and we both have so much fun, and its great to be able to eatt as well.

gi

2008-05-25T22:50:00.001+12:00

Gingerbread Men

2008-05-25T22:43:00.000+12:00

Friday, 23/05

2008-05-23T23:40:00.000+12:00

well, winter is well and truly here. It has been a cold and miserable day. I have not kept up my daily update here. Life just seems to be so busy. I have 3 jobs and my teaching and it is out of control. but its Friday and I have the week end to have some time to myself. I will finish cleaning out my garage in preperation for Mitch coming down to do some work on it. Its so exciting, my studio is finally happening!! And I have some one lined up I think to create my website. And then in September I will really launch my classes at a big fair here. I need to get some quilts and then made to advertise myself. I am working on some quilts and tomorrow I will try and put some photos on here of them.

My friend Jenni wanted to see the film the Veil and I went with her and her husband David this afternoon. We then had a yummy coffee and something to eat afterwards. I enjoyed being at The Palms Mall and after they left I did a bit of shopping and really enjoyed myself. Why is shopping so pleaseurable. I gor some real bargains at one shop and bought some magazines at another shop and have spent a pleasurable time tonight browsing through them.

Now its nearly midnight and time for a few pages of my book and then off to bed.

Wednesday, another day passed

2008-05-14T21:43:00.000+12:00

This little quilt I did a while ago and still like very much. Tomorrow I will take some photos and put them on.

I had some friends around here tonight and we sewed and had a great time. There are some talented people around. I will put on some photos soon of some of my quilts and things, I was going to post on here every day but I do not know where the time goes.

Thoughts

2008-05-11T10:48:00.001+12:00

Its Mothers Day here today, Amie brought me down some lovely patchwork fabric and it was very special. One of my nicest presents ever. We had a hot drink outside and wathced Jakey try and ride his bike. He and I went garage saling yesterday and we found this bike. It is just the right size for him.

I have not written for a few years,I fell like a light is missing from inside me and it is hard to push the button to go again. Now I have realised what is happening I realise that over the years quite a few lights have gone out and they don't seem to get lit again. I shall have to work on that. There is a poem or a quilt will vcome out of this when I have the energy and understand better.

It is a lovely day here today and I have my french doors open but will have to close them I think as my neighbours have lit a stinky smoky fire and as there is no wind it is drifting over to my place. It is a smkoy haze as I look outside.

Simba is missing Chelsea , we are going for a walk soon, that will be great.

My wee Chelsea

2008-05-07T22:55:00.000+12:00

Tonight Chelsea got out of the section and was hit by a car. I was so upset as she was still alive when I got to her. A car was going very fast down my road and she did not have a chance, but she should not have been there in the beginning. I rang Amies Luke to help me as I could not bear to pick her up as I thought I would have to take her to the vet but she died before he got there. Luke and Amie were a great help to me and I am very thanful for that. Chelsea used to get under the bedclothes and snuggle up next to me in bed and it will feel strange for a while. The main thing I have to remember is that she did not suffer and it is better that she died quickly.

As I said the some one the other day life sucks sometimes!!!!

Jake, a very special wee man

2008-05-06T21:36:00.000+12:00

I worked again today at the pre school. It is so nice to be working at the same place as Jake. His face lights up when I walk in at lunch time and there is a big welcoming "Nana"!. All the kids call me Nana.

Then I get to bring him home. Today we stopped at the Library and it is a ritual now that he puts my books down the slot and then goes and plays games on the TV's that they have there. He soed not know how to play but is happy to sit on the bean bag and twiddle the knobs on the controller.

He fell over as we left and got most upset. We had big cuddles and then an ice block seemed to help and then it was home to his Mum. I love spending time with him and don't want him to grow up too fast.

A Winters Day

2008-05-05T16:58:00.001+12:00

Winter is well and truly here. I am about to take my dogs Simba and Chelsea for a walk but will need to wrap up warmly first. There is no wind and that is a real blessing as the wind in Ch Ch gets so cold, it cuts right through to the bone.

I went to work today and looked after Ihaka, who is nearly 3 but has severe physical and mental problems. We are now hoping that he will walk but he may not progress much past the 8th month old mentality I have been told tha the has. He knows me now and gives me a huge beaming smile when I see him. He is a gorgeous wee boy and his Mum is terrific. He attends the pre school where Jake attends. Its at the school for young Mums and Ihakas Mum is 19. She is so amazing though and he is very fortunate to have her. All the kids at preschool call me Nana as that is what Jake calls me there.Its really cute.

The photo is of Simba with Jakes special toy, Waddles. Waddles goes every where with Jake and he has more than one!!! And of course I could not leave Simba out.

My First Post

2008-05-05T04:09:00.000+12:00

My cousin started a new blog and I thought what a great idea. I like the idea of doing this, kind of like keeping a diary, and putting my thoughts and what I am doing on this site. I shall see how it goes.

My son, Mitchell, has been in Christchurch for nearly 2 weeks and it was wonderful to see him. We did lots of great things and it was great to spend the time with him. Some one crashed into the back of my car and I found out last week that it is a write off so that means the insurance will pay out and I can buy another car. Mitch helped me too look at other cars and to sort out something that I would like. We found a neat wee car and so I will see what happens. Mitch, Luke, Amie and her partner Luke and myself went out for brekfast yesterday to a place called Drexels in Ch Ch and it was so yummy. I have not been there before and would love to go again. Will have to save some extra money first. I loved the food and company.

I am going to convert my garage into a studio as my classes are getting too big for inside my wee house now. Mitch has sort of helped me sort out what I want out there too. I find it so hard to make decisions these days!!

It is just passed 4 am, I have trouble sleeping , and my computer is great to pass some time. I have just had a warm cup of milk and will try and go back to sleep soon.