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!

How to make a mess...

Well... I had the first lesson of my pottery course yesterday. I had great fun, got VERY messy and mucked about with Terracotta for three hours. We made some tiles which we will decorate next week, and cut out some slabs for a "slab-pot" (mine will most likely be a "big" ashtray!!!) which will also be constructed next week, so we can experiment with different slip techniques.

So far it has been rather like baking - ie necessitating the use of a pinny, rolling pin and kneading. Hopefully next week I won't have to be told by a lady on the bus "excuse me love... do you know you've got something brown and blobby in your hair" ahhhh... so that's where that bit of clay went.....

In other news, all the new students started this week so work is madness again and has us all praying for our Christmas breaks, plus Sophers and Steve the Roman are moving... which means... another housewarming.... Sophers... Steve.... what say you......

Last Night of the Proms

Last night of the proms is a big night with our family, causing much singing and laughing at me knowing all the words to Jerusalem. I thought I'd leave you this to watch, with Sir Roger Norrington giving an excellent speech about Classical Music. I often wonder if this is THE reason why people think us Brits are a little odd...

... don't forget to join in now... at the top of your lungs if you please!!!




and if that wasn't enough, sing along with Bryn!!!

In flight

In flight
Originally uploaded by sln1977

Well, Sophers, Ma and I enjoyed our last day of holiday with a trip to Crosby Beach to see the Anthony Gormley Figures. It was lovely, we all love the beach and I got plenty of photo's, head over to flickr to see some more! Plus, next post I promise will be about Beryl, it's late now so only a quick post tonight!

I'd better do this before August has come and gone

I seem to spend my blogging life apologising for not blogging! Well no more of that - new Academic year - new rules

I've been on leave from work which has been brilliant, I feel like I've caught up on some sleep and it has been Dad's birthday again, which always means the start of a new term to me!

Before I go any further, I must acknowledge the lovely Sandi for the lovely award she bestowed upon me, I apologise for not having done it sooner!

The rules: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**

Well I'm going to say there are so many people who's blogs I love. Sandi of course, I love your mad stories of shootouts etc! Papoosue, because you live in Scotland and we are scarily alike AND she has been very clever and creative this year and passed her OU exams and well, I'd actually like to add everyone on my blogroll - the reason you are there is 'cos I like you very much.

Thanks Sandi!

In other news, I'm starting to get very excited for the start of my pottery/ceramics course that starts on 9th. It should be brilliant! I'm hoping to get past the ashtray and paperweight stage and with a bit of luck, perfect the art of the ultimate teapot very soon... watch this space....

plus.... in the next installment.... news of Beryl.... (thanks, Auntie Margaret!!!)