Live, Laugh & Love

There lies a story…

 

As I washed up my blue and white striped Cornishware teapot, I mused on the idea that a great deal of the stuff I own have stories attached to them, and that’s a good thing. I glanced around my kitchen, at the coffee cups inherited from my grandmother, the green glass bowls that originate from a family holiday home on the Isle of Wight. I wondered of the tales that these objects have to tell. Of conversations they have witnessed, fun days they have participated in and occasions they have shared with their owners.

There are the things that I have that have been given to me as well. The Cath Kidston mugs, loving gifts from people who know me and my tastes well. Every time I use the sharpest and nicest of my knives, I think of my brother who gave it to me.

I shall be bearing this in mind as I shop and make for Christmas. The things I buy and make will carry stories of their creation and be blank pages for creating tales of their own.

 

A Big Few Days Out

I am absolutely exhausted but the last few days have been fun. WIth a show that finishes at 11 each night, early nights have not been plentiful with a weekend of working at CFT. Couple that with a very long, 19 hour day on Sunday and you get a grumpy Helen. I really hate being tired, it makes me miserable and bad company, I hate that. 

Still... the Big Church Day Out was such a  good day. I loved talking to people on the 24-7 stand (despite the sweltering heat) and listening to some awesome bands in the background, even managing to sneak out a few times to watch. What I loved was standing at the back of the crowds looking down onto the thousands of people as they worshipped to such a variety of styles over the course of the afternoon and evening. The flags made it feel like a Narnian field as they billowed on the top of the hills. As I turned around 360 degrees, I was surrounded by worship, hills and beautiful countryside, some of my favourite things in the world, awesome. 

Today was just as good. lunch with my very favourite ladies, soooooo good to catch up after Carla's jetsetting of the last few weeks. Rounded off with Star Trek. I love half term!

Looking back

I looked back today over what is now several years worth of blogging. I haven't done much lately, mainly because I haven't taken the time, but also because I really didn't think anyone would want to read my musings. Actually, going back over events of the last few years reminded me of small details that i'd forgotten and it was quite nice to be reminded. So if for no other reason, I can blog to remind myself of the small things of life :O)

This time I really mean brrr....

Last time I got in the water outside the air may have been cold but the water was warm. This time neither air or water were radiating any heat. 

The UK Cold Water Championships are held at Tooting Bec Lido and attract people (read nutters!) from all over the UK and even further afield. My intention was to go and watch and see what it was all about. My Swim Trek buddies had other ideas! After watching several sharp intakes of breath as they lowered themselves into the water, I had no inclination to join these hardy souls as they made a mad dash across the 30m wide Lido. But, I somehow managed to find myself saying yes to being part of a relay team to make up the numbers where people had dropped out (hyperthermia maybe?) Before my brain had really engaged I was donning my swimsuit behind a beautifully brightly coloured door. I remember thinking " What am I doing?" but still carried on getting changed. I resisted the temptation to put my hand in the water to see how it felt. (If I had, I'd never have got in). Clothes stashed in a plastic bag, the next thing I know the starter is urging us into the water. OH MY GOODNESS... you actually hyperventilate when you get into water that is only fractionally above freezing. I had to force myself to breathe out. 

3, 2, 1 go...

Head down and just swim, ignore the burning pain all over your body, just get to the other side... quickly!

Despite having no feeling in my hands or feet and being the colour of a beetroot, it's actually exhilarating. Apparently this is the lure. 

Bracing it may have been but we legged it asap for the hot tub followed by the sauna. Utter bliss. 

My hot tub moment is currently adorning the outdoor swimming society home page... ah, fame at last!

Knitting Guru

This week I have had the dubious pleasure of CAOS in my evenings at the theatre, CAOS standing for Chichester Amateur Operatics Society  rather than a state of general disorganisation!

 While I drew the straw for these long nights, they have actually served to see my knitting skills improve. Why? A dear lady, forming half of the double act who act as their front of house team,has been my knitting guru as I've been clicking my needles through my latest project. (Can't tell you what it is-secret christmas pressie type things!) Everytime I've gone wrong (several times!) she's been on hand to get me out of the mess. She's such a sweetie, and brought me in a hilarious headband that she'd knitting out of curiosity after finding the pattern at a car boot sale! It was TOTALLY 80's and I can imagine it to be the type of thing you could maybe get away with on a trendy ski slope! 

Helen of Asissi

Today I have performed a good service. I rescued a blackbird who'd got themselves tangled up in the netting meant to protect our redcurrants from said birdies.

Poor little thing had obviously stuck its head through the netting hoping for a lovely juicy currant, and then got stuck. I bravely grabbed the flapping bird as it looked at me with huge eyes and carefully cut the net (sorry Dad) to let him go free. I don't know who was more nervous, I've never held a wild bird before.

Phew... that's enough for a morning!

Heel!

Missy may be adorable, but she certainly displays all the attributes of a small toddler when you try to take her out controlled by a lead! Today was day 2 of 'WALKIES' of said pup, and although better (marginally), her and I have still got a long way to go!!!

Gradients and Gardening

I can't put Carla's account of our walking trip yesterday any better, so please read hers!
Standing in the middle of nowhere in the Downs reminded me how much I love a good walk, and that it's equally enjoyable alone or with a whole crowd.
Not content with the fresh air of yesterday I wrapped up like a Michlein Man today and started drawing up plans for the chicken run in the garden. Spurred by drawing, Dad and I began to clear the area designated for our new flock (well if you can call 2 a flock). It's taking shape. All I have to do now is repair the old rabbit hutch and build a run. New skills to me, but it's a challenge!

Charity Begins in Chichester!

Since deciding to commit to buying clothes that were predominantly ethical, organic and otherwise good for the planet and people whenever possible, I have noticed that shopping is not as fun as it used to be. Going into each store is a mission and I wander round looking at all the labels and casting them aside with a sigh when a 'made in Bangladesh' sign faces me. But yesterday was different...

Birthday

Well, I'm halfway through the celebration of my naissance. And so far, I'm having a lovely day. Relaxed and enjoyable. Unwrapping gifts over coffee before heading to one of my favourite coffee shops for a light lunch, joined by Sam and Carla. This evening I am off for quiet drinks in town.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do. I always struggle to enjoy my birthday due to its proximity to Christmas, but I have to say, the last couple of years, things have improved. I think, and more likely, my attitude has changed and I don't get so wound up about it.

I have also decided to have an un-birthday in June when the weather is better! It's an idea that I have often considered and with the encouragement of a friend, I decided to do it this year. Celebrate a little on the actual day and then do fun stuff later! At the moment I'm wanting to do a high ropes course called 'go ape' (www.goape.co.uk) My brother's been there before and said it was a lot of fun. Sounds good to me, so start saving the £25 now dear friends!

Maybe birthday's aren't so bad...