It's very sad to see lots of broken trees, (after the storm)  particularly the big, old ones that have up 'til now stood for years.  These two photos show broken branches in the local park.....but maybe we'll benefit in the long run - lots of lovely logs for our fire!!

Way back in the summer I had a bit of a passion on beach huts....yesterday, amongst other things, I started to play around with stitching on paper....so the beginnings of a new sketch book.......  Now our renovation is almost complete, it's a joy to be able to access my art shed once again.  I've still got to paint the inside- but I guess it will happen one day(when I'm in the mood)!  Have a good day x

I'm still reeling from the dizzy success of selling one of my jackets (refused to sell the other one!!) I'm now well on the way with my third one.  I never really thought I would sell one of these whacky creations.... but by all accounts there is a market out there.  So....I shall make this one, then then see how the mood takes me.  One thing I have realised is that I sell some of everything I make -- cards, scarves, bags, buttons, flowers etc. etc.  I have always thought I should really concentrate on one thing , but it suits my personality better to have a lot of things on the go  - so for the time being I shall continue carrying on as normal!!

These photos were taken with my colour camera at 2.0pm yesterday afternoon......the storm is now almost passed.  I must admit I've slept through most of it - but I believe there has been considerable disruption and damage.  This morning there is travel chaos but I'm going nowhere!! In fact someone is supposed to be coming here to learn how to make felted knit bags - wonder if she'll make it??

Looking at these scenes up on the South Downs, it's hard to imagine that in a few hours' time ferocious winds are forecast....in the next few hours we shall be battoning down the hatches and then keep our fingers crossed that the hurrican type winds will not be too bad.   Of course living right by the sea, we are always aware of the elements in a very special way.  Apart from that I am going to have a chilling out day after the 'busyness' of the Lewes Exhibition.  I had a fantastic time - have met so many different people - and have had lots of very positive input with lots of exciting possibilities for the future.....I am on a roll.......Have a good weekend x  (not sure what's happened but I notice today that my computer seems to have got the date right - it's usually a day behind.  Maybe the change of clocks did something amazing??   )

Had a brilliant selling day at Lewes yesterday.  But the best thing by far was meeting a whole lot of old friends.......I felt quite hoarse at the end of the day after hours of talking......but it is so inspiring to be with like minded people. who are all slightly obsessed with fibres and textiles!!!  Off again in a minute , so we shall so what today brings....If you are in the area, do come along.  There's so much to see, and also lots of demos x

Just to prove it works....we tried out the log fire!!  It is gorgeous - and so we are now looking forward to snuggling up in the depths of winter.  It is so long since I lived with a 'live' fire I had forgotten the wonderful crackling sound and of course the smell........I did stipulate at the beginning of all house renovations etc. that I would not be cleaning out the grate!!

We had a spare half an hour yesterday so had no alternative but to visit  the no. 1 favourite teashop!!  This time I had plum sponge.  Honestly.....it was to die for!  As light and airy as a feather and it melted in the mouth...yum...very buttery and gorgeous! It certainly did me a power of good....

Two very happy and tired girls......yesterday I took them for a walk on the Downs for the first time since I hurt my foot two months ago.  It was so good to get back up on the hills and I was none the worse for wear although I did sit on the seat for some time!!!

It just goes to show....that a splash of colour here and there can really add excitement to any display.  These photos were taken in the Nice fruit market which is held every weekday.  The colours, sounds and smells need to be experienced....the fruit looks pretty good too! 

Autumn has arrived.....leaves are beginning to turn and winter winds are fast approaching.  Although I absolutely love Spring and Summer I do appreciate having the different seasons.  We lived in the Californian desert for a while, and believe it or not, I really missed the mud and rain!! (strange person).  Don't get me wrong, I don't like it all the time, but there is something rather  special about coming in to a warm home and settling down by the fire.......(remind me of that when I start complaining in a few weeks' time!!!)

On the last lap!  Floor is now finished and we are awaiting a rug for the hearth .  The house is almost unrecognisable  from a few months ago.  As you can see, Madge our basset is extremely happy to have her sofa back!  Anyway it looks as though all will be ready in time for our housewarming on Saturday 14th December.  All welcome!

I managed to snatch an hour in my art shed yesterday.....it has been virtually impossible to get in there over the last few weeks because of builders etc. and also because of me having to hop everywhere!!  Thankfully things are gradually sorting themselves out......and soon everything will have calmed down....! Enjoy your day x

I can see that I am always influenced by nature...I suppose because it's around us all the time, it seeps into my sub conscious. But I am always surprised, and excited when I connect colours and shapes - as I have done in these images.  All the time I am trying to work out how I can produce some sort of book.  I have already made books of photos...but there's another book inside me, that's longing to get out.  Maybe I should publish 'The Life of a Blogger" or something.  I have also thought of some sort of  self/help or inspirational book/booklet which could help enable people to cope with the various traumas that life throws at us.  Any ideas??

It was quite by chance this morning that I came across the photo of some of my dyed wool.  I was quite stunned by the similarity of the colours of the beautiful leaves in this picture that I took yesterday in a local park, whilst walking two little dogs.  I thought the shapes, colours and lushness (if there's such a word!) were too good to resist!  it's true isn't it - that beauty is all around us if we look.......

More goods ready to go.....the colour photographs don't do justice to the handspun wool.....the actual colours are softer and slightly more muted.  I have done quite a bit of spinning recently and am now using my injured foot.  What with that, swimming, cycling , walking and now driving.....(yippee!!) I'm truly on the mend.  I'm sure I've said this many times before, but I never take my good health for granted, and I am so very, very, grateful for it.  Have a good day x

organised.....

I now have 16 bags ready for the Lewes Exhibition.  Yesterday (because it rained all day) I spent time labelling everything....in fact I have never been so organised.  I even have baskets packed up ready and the Exhibition is 10 days away!!  It's a good feeling though and hopefully there won't be any last minute panic.  I am now about to go off for a swim.  I'm sure it did amazing things for my injured foot when I went last week, so who know what today's result will be?? (at least it's stopped raining.....)

Rain

I haven't got around to blogging today but have now decided to play with a new app. On my phone....so will now take pic. Of rain.....

You can also see the beginnings of ou new patio garden!

 I spent time wandering the through the Bishop's Palace Gardens in Chichester yesterday...it really is a lovely place, like an oasis in the city....the atmosphere was so calm and quiet and it felt quintessentially English!!   Thought these particular images could be more inspirations for my 'Blue' art class!  At this time of year I feel the need to grab colour and sunshine before it disappears.  This morning I'm off to make more gold stars.......happy days!

Gloves galore!!  I am very pleased with myself as I have now finished off several pairs of gloves in readiness for the Lewes Exhibition at the end of the month.  If I don't sell any I know what my friends and family will be getting for Christmas!! 

More colourful images of France....I realise that I have (over the years....) now learned to look differently.  On my last trip to the Riviera, which was two years ago, my photos, on the whole, were much more pedestrian.  Lots of views etc.  I now seem to notice more details of juxtaposition of colour etc.  Anyway - it keeps me happy.......I potter off with my I-phone in my pocket so I'm always at the ready to snap!  Today may be the last of the warm weather.   I shall make the most of my new found freedom (!) and take a bike ride along the sea front.  Have a good day xx

I went to the Matisse Exhibition in Nice last week.  I normally think of Matisse's collages but in this Exhibition there was a lot of other stuff too.  I particularly liked these two, and I thought the top picture could inspire me for my art group where the subject is "Blue".  The bottom picture screams a tapestry weave....we shall see!!  Meanwhile I have been cutting out loads and loads of gold stars for a local Christmas event.......well prepared!!