Oh how the time flies

It's been a long while since I've been here. I'm getting even worse at blogging, not from not wanting to, more from not having the time for both good reasons and bad. This summer has particularly busy what with parties to plan and lots going on at work. Dad's party which was months in the planning went well. Not quite as expected as the weather let us down severely, however everyone seemed to have a great time and drank plenty (of tea and alcohol!) especially my soon to be sister in law who still managed a long charity bike ride the next day! Sophie and Mum made the most spectacular cakes of which there will be photo's to follow and Dad did really well from all our very generous friends, family and neighbours. This was followed by a relaxing few days in Shropshire, including a trip to Ippikin in Much Wenlock! a fab yarn shop where I wanted to take up residence! In between I'm sad to say, a lovely friend of mine Beryl sadly lost her battle with pancreatic cancer, and went to sort God out (if anyone can organise him, Beryl can!) She'd come to terms with it and went having made her peace, organised her funeral, thoroughly enjoyed her life and leaving a wonderfully vibrant family, something not everyone can say. See you on the other side Beryl!

I'm glad to say I've enrolled for my second year of pottery. I am really enjoying it and hope eventually to turn it into something more permanent as soon as my throwing (which I have real issues with) is starts to develop! It is rather frustrating that despite my wishes to go back to University to study ceramics, it is not financially viable. I already have a degree and so would have to pay fees more akin to international students and at £7,000-£10,000 per year it is just not realistic even though I'm saving. I'm going to have to find an alternate route, perhaps an apprenticeship as it is not something I'm prepared to give up on now. I watched the pursuit of happyness the other day, and although I'd rather not do the whole homeless thing and I'm not expecting riches, the whole thing did send the "don't give up" message.

Speaking of pottery, I'd better get back to work, I've a pot to plan by Thursday...

TTFN

S

October... already!

I’m not one for “conventional” shopping but by chance I briefly found myself in Liverpool ONE this weekend just gone, and I stumbled upon (or should that be into) Zara Home. I was taken aback by the lovely things why I had not seen or heard of this shop before before…? I’d been into Zara (clothes) a number of times previously with the lovely Steve who is a devotee of said brand. If anyone has one near them, I urge a visit! They have a website too.

Another exciting thing that I shall share is that apparently John Lewis has a new fabrics buyer, which means that we now get to see Amy Butler and Cath Kidston fabrics in their haberdashery departments. I’ve been in the Liverpool store and have bought a few metres already (big shock I know) For a long time I’ve been cross with the lack of variety of their fabric, it all seemed so… uninspired in its variations, I had to resort to El Kilo on London Road, which is great but inconsistent. Please go and visit and buy some, that way they’ll know there is a market for it, because as sure as eggs is eggs they won’t advertise the fact!

The pottery is getting better, I’ve now completed construction of my first “slab pot” and will finish decorating it next week. I might even take my camera to class and let you see it.
I said a while ago too that I was going to show you Beryl… My very kind Auntie Margaret sent Beryl back with Ma and Pa from their visit. I’ve put a vintage dress on her (to protect her dignity!) and I can’t wait to get started and make something on her! Thank you Auntie Margaret, I’ve wanted one of these for a long time!