One Last, Lovely Smile?
The American poet and journalist William Cullen Bryant once said that Autumn was the “year’s last, loveliest smile” and even though I adore the season’s vibrant colours, collecting horse chestnuts, the fallen leaves and the welcome appearance of the humble mince pie, I haven’t really had much to smile about lately.
Since September I’ve been tormented by the ‘Tooth of Autumn Present’ and although the pesky molar and I finally parted company last week, I’m now haunted by the ‘Tooth Ghost of Autumn Past’ which has had a severe impact on my daily cookie fix and has also kept me away from the studio lest I scare off any of the fellow artists with my wild look!
And as I’m still confined to barracks for a few days yet, I’ve been working on some exciting 12th scale projects while trying really hard NOT to feel sorry for myself particularly when I think about all that I achieved this summer over at the Mouse Town of St M’s when the weather was so much nicer… Continue reading One Last, Lovely Smile?
A Tears For Fleurs Tutorial!
After the celebration of All Hallows Eve, the first day of November is one for remembering the dearly departed with the festivals of the Mexican Day of the Dead and All Souls’ Day and with this in mind, I designed a unique teardrop tribute of flowers for display inside the design room of one of my favourite flower shops.
However, given that my photographic skills appeared to have deserted me when I set about capturing some more images of this floral spray perched on a table – I was relieved to discover that the results of the outdoor shoot were something of a compensation!
And if you would like to discover the tale behind the creation of this teardrop floral spray then please read on!
That’s ONE Crooked Hen!
If the author of the enchanting tale of Peter Pan is to be believed then Sir James Matthew Barrie will not doubt be reassured to discover that there is still at least one faery that can be found skipping about within the stone walls that surround the ancient City of York, although at first glance, she may be mistaken for just another conventional human; appearances can be deceptive!
For those of you who have known me since childhood, it will be of little surprise to discover that the return to my hometown of York has reawakened those mystical qualities of my character and with the opportunity to acquaint myself with the inhabitants who reside at the bottom of my new garden – my fascination for all things fey has taken flight as it were…
Wake UP! September’s Over!
It’s probably something of an understatement to tell you that I’m rather glad to see the back of September and that of the month before when my father died suddenly and even though I had walked away from our painful relationship some time ago, these last few weeks have been rather challenging to say the very least!
He died of heart failure in the morning of an early August day at the age of 68 and now when I think of our relationship from my earliest memories and what has been revealed since his death; I really believe at least in the emotional sense that his heart failed him many years ago and as my intention had been to share my story and then leave the man to his rest; I shall say no more about it.
Now, can I have a drum roll please? For, wait for it; my websites are FINALLY published… Continue reading Wake UP! September’s Over!
Please Handle With Care!
Once upon a time as I rattling on to a good friend about my plans for the summer, she shared a childhood anecdote with me when she too had been busy regaling her grandmother about her plans and to which the grandmother had replied: “If you want to make God laugh Susan, tell him of your plans.”
And, yes after the summer that I have just had, I have had cause to reflect upon this conversation with Sue as I witnessed all of my carefully thought out plans evaporate with as much brisk alacrity as that of my New Year’s Resolutions… Continue reading Please Handle With Care!
Desperately Seeking Clarice!
Many years ago as my Grandmother would regale me with the tales of the elegant Dalby family from York and the Tibbett clan living, loving and squabbling within their adoptive land of Scarborough in North Yorkshire; I recall that it was at the first mention of the story about ‘Poor Clarice’ that my interest was really piqued.
For as every family history sleuth knows, there is usually always at least one ancestor that ignites curiosity and which leads to an irresistible urge to discover more about a life that somehow holds a peculiar affinity for you and it was hearing of the story of ‘Poor Clarice’ that ‘did it’ for me so to speak and I’ve been desperately seeking her through the mists of time ever since… Continue reading Desperately Seeking Clarice!
