Herding Cats

The Gallery - Embarrassing Outfits #thegallery

2012-02-15T08:00:00.001Z

This week's theme on The Gallery is: Embarrassing Outfits.

Of course, I am far too clever and sophisticated to have ever worn anything remotely embarrassing. So I will have to share with you instead a picture of my husband being a prat with a black shirt and a piece of white card. More tea, Vicar?

For more entires to The Gallery, please stop by Sticky Fingers Blog.

Taphopile Tragics - Snow Angel

2012-02-14T08:00:00.001Z

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries The singular term is a taphophile.

The snow laden angel of 'The Finch Family Grave'. All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All Sainst Avenue, Maidenhead Berkshire.

William Michael Finch died 27th July 1919 aged 79 years
Emily Finch died 29th July 1902 aged 61 years

Also of their only son William Alexander Finch died 18th August 1925 aged 59

Monument by Emmanuel Harris & Son, Monumental Masons, Beaumont Street London.

William Michael Finch was born in Hackney London in 1840 and became a zinc worker by trade. In 1864 William married Emily Prockter in Shoreditch London and by 1866 they were blessed with the birth of their only child William Alexander Finch.

In the 1891 Census William Snr was listed as living by own means at 76 Victoria Park Road, South Hackney, London along with his wife Emily, their son William, by now an Architect and Surveyor and their house keeper Emily Lee. William and Emily Finch lived out their lives and died in Hackney London. So how is it they came to be buried in Maidenhead Berkshire?

In the 1901 Census their son William and his wife Emeline nee Blundell were listed as living at Ray Road Maidenhead. Could it be that when his parents died William couldn't bare to be parted from them so arranged their burial closer to his home in Maidenhead? William himself died in Wycombe Buckinghamshire in 1925, but what became of his wife Emeline? Is she buried within the Finch family grave but not listed or does she lay elsewhere.

Also I find it odd why the memorial angel would be depicted carrying a small child when everyone in the grave passed away well into adulthood, or is there more to the story?

What a difference...

2012-02-13T12:21:00.003Z

A year makes.

This time last year I was sat in a stark A&E watiting room as I had just started spotting at 10 weeks during my third pregnancy.

Many long silent hours later I was seen and told to simply go home and wait it out. Sadly any hope we had died along with the promise of our child on 15th March 2011. We were the victims of a missed misscarriage due to a blighted ovum. A quirk of nature where nothing develops from the fertilised egg save an empty sac. An empty sac that your body clings to desperately for weeks before nature takes it's course.

In some respects it feels as if it only happened yesterday and in others it feels like it happened 10 years ago.

Yet here we are, a year later, expecting the arrival of our third daughter by elective c-section on 9th March this year. Her original due date would have been 16th March, a year and a day from the loss we suffered.

One thing that loss cruelly took from me was ignorance. The innocent belief that every pregnancy ends in a baby and that everything would be okay. Of course I knew about misscarriage and loss, but those were terrible truly sad things that happened to other people.

I will never believe that my unborn daughter is safe and well until she is here and in my arms.

25 days to go...

Macro Monday #macromonday

2012-02-13T08:00:00.002Z

For more Macro Monday posts, please stop by Lisa's Chaos.

Silent Sunday #silentsunday

2012-02-12T08:00:00.001Z

Saturday is Caption Day! #SatCap

2012-02-11T10:31:00.004Z

Simply post up a photo and ask your readers to come up with a caption for it. Enjoy.

For more Saturday is Caption Day posts, please stop by Mammasaurus's blog.

Photo Story Friday - Uncooperative

2012-02-10T08:00:00.000Z

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Uncooperative little madam.

Honestly, I don't know why I bother. All I ask is that she sit there and gaze at the scene before her in an arty farty sort of way. YOU'RE FIRED! Good models are so hard to come by these days.

There's still snow on the ground, with more forecast for today. That's it, I'm going into hibernation. Wake me when it's over.

Reasons to be Cheerful #R2BC

2012-02-09T13:03:00.003Z

Today I received a cheque in the post. A Council Tax Rebate of £30.57 for paying too much. Right now I don't know whether to cash it or frame it. Part of me is waiting for the letter that will say it's all been a huge mistake and in fact I owe them.

More snow is forecast for tonight or Friday. While I do not find snow a reason to be cheerful and quite honestly I can do with out it, it's half term next week and at least the snow (if it hangs around) will help occupy the girls at a stage in my pregnancy when I really cannot get out and about that much.

Tomorrow I finally have my physio appointment to get some splints to help with my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I have been in agnoy since around 29/30 weeks. Unfortunately my appointment is at 9:00am, the time when I would usually be dropping Amy off at school. I am unable to rearrange due to the fact the lday I am booked to see will be going on maternity leave the following week and there will be no one to see me until after Jessica is born. Thankfully wen I explained the situtation to Amy's school they stepped in and offered to look after her early in class so I could make my appointment.

Today is 9th February. Exactly one month to go until we greet Jessica. I am so looking forward to no longer having feet in my ribs and fists in my kidneys.

To see more Reasons to be Cheerful, please stop by Mummy from the Heart's blog.

The Gallery - A Family Story #thegallery

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000Z

The theme this week: A Family Story. This is my family's story.

Above is a photograph of a child's drawing. That picture was drawn nearly six years ago by my autistic daughter Ana in 2005 at a moment when we were all embarking on our new life together as a family.

I had Ana in 1998 at 18 years of age and soon became a single parent. For the first six years of her life I lived with my parents and threw myself into solely looking after her needs. Then in 2004 I met my then partner and now husband. A moment I never ever thought would happen. What man would want to take me and another man's child on, let along a child with problems and as for having more children? Well, you could forget it.

2005 was a busy year for us, we had just moved into a place of our own. A big change for Ana, but one she took in her stride as well as the fact she was expecting a new brother or sister.

In the picture is myself, complete with baby in tummy, my husband, our cat Thomas (back when we only had one cat) our dog Shen and Ana broken hearted at the fact our old dog Rex had recently passed on to doggy heaven, but still very much a member of our family in her eyes.

Seven years on here we are, expecting anpother addition to our family. We're not perfect, we have our ups and downs, there have been very good times and there have been very bad times. But we have got through them all, together.

For more Gallery posts, please stop by Sticky Fingers Blog.

Taphophile Tragics - Behind Every Stone Is A Story.

2012-02-07T11:19:00.005Z

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries The singular term is a taphophile.

Recently restored memorial Angel to Jessie Outram, born 7th December 1884 - died 17th October 1912 aged 27 years (after much suffering) and of Private Alexander Robert Outram of the 22nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, born 9th October 1879 - died 17th February 1917, killed in action in France aged 38. For years this beautiful memorial had been nothing more then a mound of ivy and brambles.

All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All Saints Avenue, Berkshire, UK.

Such a tragic loss of two young lives, leaving behind their son Alexander Joseph Harold Outram who also died at a young age, 32 in Westminster London.

Alexander Sr was born in Tanca Peru in 1878 and Jessie nee LeSueur was born In Jersey, the Channel Islands. They were married on 23 October 1904 in Jersey and by 1907 had moved to Maidenhead Berkshire and had their son Alexander Jr.

In 1904 Alexander Sr joined the Volunteer Reserve and later The Royal Fusiliers on 7th June 1916 . He served with the Expeditionary Force in France from 1st December that year and was reported missing in action on 17th February 1917 after fighting near Petit Miraumont. He was later known to be killed in action on that date.

Jessie died at a very young age after much suffering, possibly from an illness.

I wonder what brought them from Peru to Jersey and then to my home town in Maidenhead? Why were they and their young son all fated to die so early and were they happy during the brief time they had together?

For more Taphophile Tragics please stop by the Taphophile Tragics Blog.

Macro Monday #macromonday

2012-02-06T09:00:00.001Z

For more Macro Monday shots, please stop by Lisa's Chaos

Silent Sunday #SilentSunday

2012-02-05T09:00:00.000Z

Saturday is Caption Day! #SatCap

2012-02-04T08:42:00.000Z

Simply post up a photo and ask your readers to come up with a caption for it. Enjoy.

Just so you all know, that brownish upsidedown triangle to the left with the black swirls coming out of it, is a tornado.

For more pictures to caption, head on over to Mammasaurus

Photo Story Friday: Tits!

2012-02-03T11:49:00.003Z

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

On a wire.

Lola Fannola keeping an eye on the new neighbours moving in.

A pair of Bluetits have again taken up residence in the front wall of our house. They're currently shacked up in a hole where the overflow pipe from the old water tank used to be.

Can you believe our Housing Association wanted to block the hole up while Mr and Mrs Tit were doing the weekly shop? I politely reminded them that knowingly disturbing nesting birds was ILLEGAL! There was also something about them blocking up the hole over thier cold dead bodies. I think they believed me. Best to really.

Reasons to be Cheerful #R2BC

2012-02-02T11:03:00.003Z

It's Thursday again and that time of the week to sit back and count our blessings.

1. For one I am glad that January is over and February has begun. January is a sort of non month, no only do we have the post Christmas blues, but for many of us there's that long wait until payday. February in comparison is short and sweet.

2. Five weeks and a day left to go until we meet our third daughter, Jessica. While I can wait for the sleepless nights and the dirty nappies, I can't wait to get rid of the discomfort of late pregnancy and get my body back just for me.

3. Another thing that makes me cheerful and gets me counting my blessings is my husband. I am so glad that I have met someone that shares the same moral values and the same bizarre sense of humour as myself. The secrert to a happy marriage? Communication via text message only.

For more Reasons to be Cheerful, please stop by Mummy from the Heart's blog.

The Gallery - Me Right Now #thegallery

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000Z

So this week's theme is: Me Right Now.

Literally take a photo of whatever you're doing when you read this prompt.

Gee, thanks for that Tara, you can go off people you know.

Twit on Tuesday

2012-01-31T11:14:00.004Z

Saturday, I opened a loaf of sliced white bread and was disgusted, disgusted I tell you to discover a huge gaping hole right through the middle of the entire loaf. I had in actual fact unwittingly purchased a bag of bread crusts.

So, incandescent with rage at having to forgo my sardines on toast, I angrily tweeted Kingsmill demanding to know excatly what they were going to do about it.

Yesterday morning I received a reply from Kingmill asking me to e-mail them further details and they will start an investigation with immediate effect.

However, upon retrieving the loaf in question from the freezer for photographic evidence, turns out it's a Hovis loaf.

I won't say anything if you don't...

What daft things have you said or done whilst pregnant, or not?

Macro Monday #macromonday

2012-01-30T09:46:00.004Z

For more Macro Monday shots, please stop by Lisa's Chaos

Silent Sunday #silentsunday

2012-01-29T09:47:00.003Z

Saturday Caption Day #SatCap

2012-01-28T10:31:00.003Z

Simply post up a photo and ask your readers to come up with a caption for it. Enjoy.

For more pictures to caption, head on over to Mammasaurus

Dear So and So... #dearsoandso

2012-01-27T11:43:00.004Z

Dear Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,

I need my hands, so cock off.

Thanks x

Dear Baby,

I know there's only 6 weeks to go until we finally meet you and things are getting a wee bit cramped in there, but please, for the love of all that is holy, stop trying to stretch it further. Oh, and that cushion you keep bouncing your head off? That's my bladder, I use it to pee.

Your beleaguered mother x

Dear Stranger in the school playground,

Don't stand next to me and talk to your friend about babies who don't sleep at night then turn, smile at me and say, 'you've got this all to come.' I've had two children before, this is evident by the fact I was at the school to pick one of them up. Also, I am well aware of the fact some children don't sleep, this little gem didn't pass me by unnoticed as my youngest didn't sleep through the night until she started full time education. Contrary to my appearance I have not had a frontal lobotomy and thus simply forgotten that babies may and do wake in the night.

And while we at it, please don't causally mention how tired I look already, I may just kick you in the chuff.

Yours, Hormonal and not above murder x

For more Dear So and So letters, please stop by 3 Bedroom Bungalow

Reasons to be Cheerful - Minor Miracle #R2BC

2012-01-26T12:09:00.003Z

Today I became the mother of a 14 year old. How the Hell did that happen? Well, I know how *it* happened, but how did it happen?

Some of you know that my eldest daughter, Ana, is on the autistic spectrum and to say getting to this point has not been an easy ride is an understatement. It always amazes me that we've managed to make it this far relatively unscathed.

Because.

Because, it doesn't matter how much you love them, how much you'd lay your life down for them or how much of a great parent you are, there will come times when parenting a special needs child where you just feel like throwing in the towel. Selfishly stamping your feet and crying, 'This isn't what I signed up for! I don't want to play anymore!'Thankfully for us those days are few and far between, but they do happen. I am just so grateful that we have been able with wonderful support from friends, family and professionals to get through each and every one of those moments. Sadly some families have not been so lucky.

So Happy 14th Birthday Ana, it's been great and at times it has been 'interesting', but we made it together!

Love,

Mum xxx

P.S. The cupcake placement could be better. It could be in my mouth!

To see more reasons to be cheerful, please stop by Mummy From The Heart's Blog.

The Gallery - My Photography Resolutions #thegallery

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000Z

Things have been a little slack around here lately... and that's just me.

Anyway this year My Photography Resolutions are to get out there more and to be more experiemental, oh and above all, just have fun with it. What's yours?

For more gallery posts please visit Sticky Fingers Blog.

Macro Monday #macromonday

2012-01-23T14:13:00.007Z

The closer you look, the stranger it becomes. A lot like life, really.

For more Macro Monday, please visit Lisa's Chaos.

Silent Sunday #SilentSunday

2012-01-22T09:00:00.000Z

Reasons to be Cheerful - Week 3 #R2BC

2012-01-20T12:04:00.003Z

It's been a long while since I have done anything with this blog, but when you've spent the last 33 weeks of your pregnancy getting to know your toilet bowl intimately, blogging tends to slip your mind.

However, new year and all that, I have decided to try and pick up where I left off and what better way to start then with some reasons to be cheerful.

January is not a month that most people associate with being cheerful. Christmas is over, the whether is dismal and many of us are trying to scrape by until the next pay day. But you really don't have to look very far to find some blessings to count.

1. We have a warm, dry, safe and happy home to live in. We all have warm dry beds to sleep in an enough food that we don't go to bed hungry. We were able to exchange gifts at Christmas and eat far too many treats. There are so many other families out there that just aren't afforded these luxuries that many of us consider the basics. With the recent news of many people facing unemployment and redundancy, something our family have been through in the past, due to companies entering Administration, I consider myself and my family very lucky that we have what we do and I shall never take it for granted.

2. On Thursday I will become the mother of a 14 year old. Ana my eldest daughter has autism and the progress she has made in the last 14 years has been nothing short of amazing. I am so proud of her as her life is anything but easy. I just hope that one day she won't have to fight anymore to be accepted for who and what she is.

3. Only 7 weeks left to go until we meet our new daughter, Jessica Eris. After suffering a miscarriage on 15th March last year, I am very grateful that we have been given a second chance to add to our family. even though I don't think I shall settle or believe it's all real until she is here, safe and in my arms.

Please stop by Mummy from the Heart's blog, where you will find many other reasons to be cheerful.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T12:49:00.003+01:00

Silent Sunday - Photo Hunt

2011-10-09T07:00:00.003+01:00

Dear So and So...

2011-10-07T13:01:00.002+01:00

Dear Winter...

It was summer last week. What the hell happened to autumn?

Dear Garden Spiders...

Please refrain from building your webs where I am likely to put my face. That is all.

Silent Sunday

2011-06-05T08:29:00.002+01:00

Silent Sunday

2011-05-29T07:00:00.001+01:00

Silent Sunday

2011-05-22T09:59:00.002+01:00

The Gallery - Mustachioed

2011-05-18T07:00:00.000+01:00

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is: Mustachioed.

Below are some pictures I made to help raise awareness of Movember.

The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that effect men.

The orginal post was on my cat blog, The Paw Relations and can be seen here.

The dashing debonair Charlie 'Crumb Catcher' O'Marley

The ruggedly handsome Thomas 'The Tache' O'Toole

The lovely Lola 'Furry Lip' Fannola

To see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

Silent Sunday

2011-05-15T07:00:00.000+01:00

The Gallery - Chilled Out

2011-05-11T07:00:00.000+01:00

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is: Chilled out.

So without further ado, I'll pass you onto the King of Chill - Charlie O'Marley.

Yeah?

To see more entries to to The Gallery, please click here.

Silent Sunday

2011-05-08T08:01:00.002+01:00

The Gallery - April

2011-05-04T08:00:00.002+01:00

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is: April.

April has been an amazing month, glorious sunshine, a Royal Wedding and Bank Holidays galore.

But I have chosen a photograph that to me, the whole if April.

Due to the Royal Wedding some bright spark at Amy's school thought it would be a cracking idea to extend the holiday via the usage of Inset Days from 8th April until 3rd May. Amy loves school, no school = unhappy Amy.

To see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

Silent Sunday

2011-05-01T10:24:00.004+01:00

Dear So and So...

2011-04-29T09:23:00.008+01:00

My first stab at Dear So and So. I hope I got it right.

Dear Next Door,

In the spirit of being neighbourly, for every 'dog end' you chuck over my fence - I shall fling back a dog turd. That is all.

Yours cheerfully,

Herding Cats x

Dear General Public,

My cats talk to me, just because yours won't talk to you - doesn't make me crazy.

Yours stark ravingly bonkers,

Herding Cats x

Dear Narrow Minded and Weak Willed,

Poison goes where poison's welcome.

Yours non-judgementally,

Herding Cats x

Dear Politics,

Calm down, dear? Frankly, I couldn't give a damn.

Yours unintrestedly,

Herding Cats x

Q & A Time with Herding Cats

2011-04-28T07:54:00.005+01:00

I have been 'tagged' by the wondrous Oh Mammy. My task, should I choose to accept it, is to answer a series of questions so that you can all get to know me a little better. Something I am sure you don't really want to do. I am not responsible for any therapy required after reading this post.

Which living person do you admire most, and why?

Great, right in there with the tough questions. I don't think there is any one person that I 'admire', famous or otherwise. But I do admire parents of special needs children, especially children suffering from autism. From my own experience I know this to be extremely difficult and frustrating, yet at the same time extremely rewarding.

When were you happiest?

Generally I am a very happy person. I don't like to be upset for too long as, well... it upsets me. But I guess the usual answer of the birth of my children and the day I got married should go here.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Oh, there are so many to mention. I have this rare affliction where I out in public I come across as the village idiot, but I shall recount my most recent embarrassing moment.

On 23rd February I suffered a spontaneous miscarriage, we knew it was coming as a previous scan had showed us that the 'baby' had stopped growing at six weeks gestation. What we didn't expect however was major hemorrhaging. It was all very scary at the time and my husband had to phone for an ambulance.

So picture the scene, there I am stuck on the loo, pants and trousers round my ankles, covered in my own blood when in walks the paramedic. A very young and very handsome man. He asks some questions, calls for an ambulance to A&E and decides to put a line in for IV fluids. Despite my protesting that he has to put it in my right hand as they don't take in my left and require flushing every few seconds he puts the line in my left hand. It gums up and he has to flush it.

Que me fainting off my own toilet!

I wake up on my bathroom floor, still with my pants and trousers round my ankles and my bits on full show, to four paramedics looking down at me.

However, the thing that concerned me the most at the time was that I hadn't had my sausage sandwich I'd made just 20 minutes ago. Funny the things you worry about in life and death situations.

Aside from property, what's the most expensive thing you've bought?

I don't own any property as I am poor. But they largest amount of money I have spent in one go around £2000 on our sofas. However, thanks to the pets and children they no longer look like they're worth £2000.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family and pets of course and well, my comic book collection - that should pay for my care home in years to come.

Where would you like to live?

In a lovely country farm house in the middle of nowhere, with no neighbours for miles around. That way the children and parrots can be as noisy as they like.

What's your favourite smell?

Freshly mown grass, petrol and creosote.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Linda Hunt from NCIS Los Angeles, but only as her Hetty persona. God, I want to be that woman!

What is your favourite book?

There really are too many to mention. I love reading. My favourite authors are - Terry Pratchett, Deric Longden and Chris Pascoe. I also love to read about local history and anything to do with unusual deaths or strange murders.

What is your most unappealing habit?

Biting my nails and talking too much twaddle in an effort to impress people.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

Either a cat or something suitably Gothic.

What is your earliest memory?

I can remember standing in my cot in my room. I used to lean out and knock on my bedroom door before shouting, 'Is it time to get up?' The answer was usually, 'No!'

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Twiglets. I love them. In fact I love them so much I can eat a whole share bag in one sitting. I was convinced that Amy, my youngest daughter would come out looking like a Twiglet. She loves them too.

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?

My children, for the times I got it drastically wrong. For the times when I was tired and grumpy, the times when was was a little too shouty and for the times when I couldn't just drop everything and play.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My children, husband, parents, etc. Animals, especially cats.

What does love feel like?

Love is the best and the worst feeling all rolled into one. A cross between butterflies and indigestion!

What was the best kiss of your life?

Kitty kisses and those of my children of course.

Which words or phrases do you most over use?

Well, according to my African Grey, Izzy -

In a minute!

Amy?

What's wrong?

What now?

I'm going to count to three!

Shen! Bad boy, get down!

Izzy, shut up!

What is the worst job you have done?

Kennel Maid when I was about 15/16, without a doubt. Long, hot and smelly work involving fleas, poo and sometimes getting bitten. All day for £10 a day. But I loved the dogs, so much so that I still remember the regulars to this day. Ryan the phobic Great Dane being one of my favourites. He was even scared of dog biscuits!

If you could edit your past, what would you change?

This is a difficult question and one that I have thought of often, who doesn't? If I was to change my past, then I wouldn't be where I am today. I may not of met my husband or had my gorgeous children. But sometimes I would just like to see where a certain path or life decision would have taken me if I had chosen differently. Who knows where I might have been today and if I would have been happy.

What is the closest you've come to death?

During my miscarriage. I lost a large amount of blood and had to go to hospital via ambulance. It was thought that I might need an emergency D&C and a blood transfusion. However once my body realised that it was separated from my laptop it went into full recovery mode and I was discharged the next morning.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Sitting here writing this now. I suffer from dyslexia (why is that so hard to spell). At school I found writing and reading extremely difficult. That was until I was put into 'Special English' at Secondary School and I meet Mrs Tebbitt. The one teacher that saw my potential and dragged it kicking and screaming from me. How I hated Special English and how I hated Mrs Tebbitt.

When did you last cry, and why?

At the moment I am crying at the drop of a hat over nothing in particular. I suspect it's hormones related.

How do you relax?

Facebook!

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

Money, money, money! In 2009 my husband was made redundant twice in the space of nine months. We're still trying to dig ourselves out of the resulting hole.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Be yourself and don't change for anyone. If someone truly loves and respects you, they won't want you to change.

So there you have it. Boring no?

Now comes the part where I tag some other bloggers. My victims are:-

Maris World

QWERTY Mum

and

SAHMLovingit

The Gallery - Green

2011-04-27T08:00:00.001+01:00

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is: Green.

Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do. I'm half crazy, trying to get rid of you!

Grass needs a cut.

To see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

I don't know about you...

2011-04-26T16:54:00.003+01:00

But I spend a large amount of my time wandering around aimlessly, trying to remember what it is I am supposed to be doing. It's not just me, right. Right?

To see more I don't know about you... entires, please stop by Oh Mammy's Blog.

Silent Sunday

2011-04-24T08:00:00.001+01:00

This Week I'm Grateful For...

2011-04-23T13:06:00.005+01:00

This is my first post on I'm Grateful For... over at Maxabella loves and I am grateful for silver linings. Let me explain.

On 28th January this year I discovered I was expecting our 3rd child and after the initial shock we couldn't wait to add another member to our family.

On 13th February I started bleeding. We clung on to hope and that frail silver lining that things could still be okay.

On 23rd February I suffered a spontaneous miscarriage and major hemorrhaging. My husband who really doesn't do too well in emergency situations, especially those involving lots of blood as he has a tendency to panic, really stepped up when needed. He phoned for the ambulance, made sure our two daughters were cared for, helped the paramedics administer first aid to me, even when it came to needles and kept reassuring me we would be okay.

On 29th March I finally got my negative pregnancy tests. A sign that the worst moment in my life was now over, but also a sign that we could begin again.

Out of a terrible and heart wrenching time I discovered so much. Amazing friends that are willing and able to help at the drop of a hat and a new found love and respect for both my husband and our too daughters. something that can and does get lost in the muddle of everyday life. Where would we be without silver linings to the darkest clouds.

To see more entires please click here.

Problems with Disqus.

2011-04-21T18:16:00.004+01:00

I am currently experiencing problems commenting on blogs using Disqus.

I have cleared my cache.

I have cleared my cookies.

I have even cleaned my windows, but to no avail. I am not ignoring your posts!

I just can't click inside the comment box. are any other bloggers having this problem?

The Gallery - My Blog

2011-04-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is: My Blog.

My blog might not be popular, my blog doesn't really have that many followers. It doesn't tackle high brow issues and it doesn't even put the world to rights.

What it does; what it really does, is share my love for these two - with the world.

To see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

Silent Sunday

2011-04-17T08:31:00.003+01:00

The Gallery - Tomorrow

2011-04-13T08:14:00.006+01:00

This week's theme for The Gallery, over at Sticky Fingers is: Tomorrow

There will be tears tomorrow when I try to brush those tangles out.

To see more entries in The Gallery, please click here.

Silent Sunday

2011-04-10T13:11:00.002+01:00

The Gallery - Mother Love

2011-04-06T07:59:00.000+01:00

This week's theme for The Gallery, over at Sticky Fingers is: Mother Love.

The thing that despite the foot stamping, arm folding, lip hanging tantrums, (so they can ride the merry-go-round) convinces you that you child is the best in the world.

As if butter wouldn't melt!

To see more entries for The Gallery, please click here.

The Gallery - Hair

2011-03-30T08:00:00.003+01:00

This week's theme on The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is, Hair.

*psst* Is it me, or is Upsy Daisy wearing a hair piece?

To see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

If you go down to the woods today...

2011-03-18T13:59:00.005Z

you're sure of a big... SURPRISE!

The Gallery - Trees

2011-03-16T08:00:00.000Z

This week's theme on The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is, Trees.

Below is my entry.

If you would like to see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

Silent Sunday

2011-03-13T08:39:00.002Z

To view more entries, please click here.

Dear David Cameron,

2011-03-09T10:51:00.002Z

Dear David Cameron,

I'm coming round your house to kick you in the cock!

That is all.

Thank you.

The Gallery - Expressions - Suck A Lemon

2011-02-23T09:15:00.004Z

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is, Experssions.

And what better way to get some interesting expressions then to suck a lemon.
Below is the result of such sucking.

If you would like to see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

The Gallery - 24 Hours

2011-02-09T08:00:00.000Z

The theme for this week's Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is 24 Hours.

The picture below, I think, pretty much sums up any 24 hours of my life.

To see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

Tips On How To Live A Long And Healthy Life #362

2011-02-08T10:53:00.004Z

Do not ask your wife, who is suffering from chronic 'morning sickness', are you going to iron that? You my just have an unhappy accident.

Reasons to be Cheerful

2011-01-29T11:06:00.004Z

Again this wonderful Meme is hosted over at Mummy From The Heart, please do join in!

These are my three reasons to be cheerful this week.

1) My eldest daughter Ana, turned thirteen on the 26th January. I hasn't been the easiest of journeys if I am truly honest. But I wouldn't have missed watching and helping her grow into the wonderful and joyous young lady she is today for all the world.

2) Amy my four year old daughter has been attending Reception class at her school now for three weeks and she loves every minute of it. I am astounded at how well her reading and letter recognition is coming on

and

3) I'm not sure if this is a reason to be cheerful or terrified, but I think I'll go with cheerful. Yesterday we discovered we're expecting another baby! There goes my sanity, or what's left of it.

To view more entries, please click here.

The Gallery - Children

2011-01-26T07:59:00.001Z

The theme for this week's Gallery over at Sticky Fingers is Children.

Today, one of my children has turned into a teenager.

Heaven help me!

To see more entries to The Gallery, please click here.

Silent Sunday

2011-01-23T12:34:00.002Z

To see more entries, please click here.

Listography: Top Five Celebrities You'd Love To Punch

2011-01-22T12:25:00.007Z

I guess I am a little late to the party, but once I saw the theme I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share with you my 'Top Five Celebrities I'd Love To Punch'

1)
Katie Price, aka Jordan. There's no reason I can put my finger on for my feelings of absolute venom towards this woman. I just detest her with every fibre of my being. So much so that I even had a dream that I did indeed punch her, quite squarely in that angled face of hers. It is by far the best dream I have to this date ever had, for the rest of the day I had a spring in my step.

2)
Kerry Katona. How many times can someone re-invent themselves to still essentially end up as the vile Queen of the Chavs?

Whether she is just incapable of helping herself or has been taken advantage of by those closest to her, keep her off my TV screen and out of my papers!

3)
Victoria Beckham, possibly cheating husband aside, she seems to have everything that most women dream of. Great looks, a figure to die for, more money then she knows what to do with and three perfectly healthy and gorgeous boys, with another baby on the way. So why is it we never see her with a smile on her face? Cheer up love, or I may have to knock that infuriating pout round the other side of your face.

4)
Russell Howard, strangely someone I quite liked and indeed if I am honest, fancied a little bit. I thought he was cute an incredibly funny on Mock The Week and couldn't wait for his own show to be aired. That's when it all started to fall apart really. He suddenly came across as that completely immature, toilet humour tickled, totally unfunny boy you used to avoid in the school playground because, well, he was a bit of a twat really.

5)
Russell Brand. Fookywooky Offywoffy. That is all.

To see more entries to Listography, please click here.

Reasons To Be Cheerful!

2011-01-21T13:17:00.003Z

A wonderful new weekly Meme that is hosted by the wonderful Mummy From The Heart.

It's pretty simple to do and join in. Simply list three 'Reasons To Be Cheerful' for this week, then pop on over to Mummy From The Heart's blog to link up your entry. So without further a do, here are my three reasons to be cheerful.

1. My back guttering has finally been fixed after just over a week of waiting. Last Wednesday the scene below greeted me when I stepped into our back garden. A large piece of guttering had fallen and smashed to pieces on our glass garden table. Thankfully the only damage was that to the plastic guttering, which still managed to spew it's containts of moss and slime all over the patio and the rest of the garden furniture.

2. The sun is shining and it is a bright if rather chilly winter's day. Most preferable to the relentless days of grey dreary rain and fog we had to endure. Somehow dispite the cold it makes the walk to and from school so much more enjoyable. Wrap up, get out there and get some colour in your cheeks!

3. My cat Charlie O'Marley has finally over come his fears that I may be trying to poison him with his new raw food diet and has actually relented and eaten some.

To see more Reasons To Be Cheerful, please click here.

The Gallery - Mother Nature

2011-01-19T08:00:00.003Z

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers blog, is Mother Nature.

Below is a picture taken on Tuesday morning around 9am, after several days of solid rain.

It looks like a watercolour painting swirled with silver and gold. There is nothing more beautiful then a misty Winter's Morn.

If you would like to see more entries in The Gallery, please click here.

The Gallery - Body Parts

2011-01-12T08:00:00.002Z

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers blog, is Body Parts.

The urge to be morbid was overwhelming , but I managed to restrain myself, barely.

Below are some pictures of my most favourite body parts. The kissable toes of my cat Lola Fannola from The Paw Relations blog.

To see more entries in The Gallery, please click here.

Writing Workshop - Childhood Memories

2010-12-16T08:00:00.003Z

This week's theme for Sleep is for the Weak's Writing workshop is, Childhood Memories.

Here is my entry.

Memories

It was nothing more then a glimpse, a childhood memory. Fluttering moments of fleeting images stretched tightly across the empty pages of his mind, warming the senses like comforting rays of mid-summer sun. A memory of happier times, of love and laughter, when the world was less black and white but a riot of beautiful cascading colours cocooned deeply within the endless bounds of safety.

At first it had been so clear and vibrant, as if peering through polished glass. Now it was worn and faded like an old, well loved photograph. Dog-eared, torn and tattered in placed but the time weary faces still remained.

How he longed to dip his hands into the shimmering opaline swirls and to be able to pull their brother back to them. Back, as he was then, effervescent innocence barely contained. So full of wonder, of colour, love. Of life.

Filthy shadows simmered and scratched their way into the image, greying the edges and smearing the colours as acid bright flecks of the present burnt through, bleaching out the memories as the embers slowly crackled and died.

To view more entries, please click here.

The Gallery - Sparkle

2010-12-15T09:53:00.004Z

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers blog, is Sparkle.

Below are some pictures I took on Bonfire Night at a large display we took the girls to. That night the sky literally sparkled. Ana loved it, Amy hated it. Oh well, there's always next year.

If you would like to see more entries for The Gallery, please click here.

Shadow Shot Sunday

2010-12-12T08:00:00.000Z

The picture below is for Shadow Shot Sunday over at Hey Harriet.

Not the greatest or most awe inspiring picture but I love the way mid-morning winter sun elongates shadows, making us all into giants.

Myself and Amy

To see more entries for Shadow Shot Sunday, please click here.

Camera Critters - Red Kites

2010-12-11T15:21:00.004Z

Red Kites in flight.

The above pictures are part of the Camera Critters Meme

The Gallery - White

2010-12-08T08:00:00.001Z

This week's theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers, is white.

For the past few weeks large areas of the UK have been blanketed under several inches of snow. Schools closed, public transport ground to a halt and panic buying ensued.

Here in Berkshire we escaped pretty unscathed, yet Thursday we had the dreaded fall out. A total of 4 mm of snow. As you can see my cat Charlie O'Marley from The Paw Relations blog was less then impressed with Mother Nature's glittering show.

Wha? Who the hell put all that white stuff there?

To see more entries for The Gallery, please click here.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Lola Fannola

2010-12-05T15:16:00.002Z

The picture below is for Shadow Shot Sunday over at Hey Harriet. Lola Fannola from The Paw Relations in shadow.

To see more entries for Shadow Shot Saturday, please click here.

Camera Critters

2010-12-04T14:31:00.004Z

Grey Squirrel eating Hawtorn berries

Roosting Starlings

These pictures are part of the Camera Critters Meme

The Brutal Honesty of Children

2010-12-03T08:31:00.004Z

The picture of innocence. Yeah, right!

My youngest daughter Amy, who is four, was describing a picture she had recently drawn in her excitement at the run up to Christmas.

'These are the presents and kisses for you and daddy,' she pointed to an area of the picture, I oohed and ahhed suitably, then came the cruncher.

'Daddy's are the biggest because he's big and yours are the smallest because you're a bit smaller then daddy. *pause for dramatic effect* But you're still fat, aren't you?'

I love the fact that my daughter feels that she can be brutally honest with me at all times. At least she left the dark circles under my eyes out of the conversation this time!

Writing Workshop - Let's Get Lyrical

2010-12-02T10:53:00.003Z

This weeks theme for Sleep is for the Weak's Writing workshop is, Lets Get Lyrical or Inspired by Songs.

I have to say that a lot of my writing is either inspired by or helped along by song, either with the lyrics or generally getting in the right frame of mind or mood for the piece I wish to right.

This week I am submitting a small piece from a Fan Fiction I am currently writing for a Fan Fiction Challenge - Taphephobia or the fear of being buried alive. With this particular piece of writing it was more the mood of the songs I was listening to at the time then the actually lyrics. The main two albums I was listening to at the time were Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory and Minutes to Midnight, which is reflected in the title.

Minutes to Midnight

"Have the courage to live. Anyone can die." ~ Robert Cody

Darkness. It started with darkness and silence. Silence punctuated only by the sound of shuddering breath. Movement was painfully stiff, muscle screamed as he tried to sit up but something solid prevented him. Fumbling blindly he tried to paint a picture of his surroundings with his hands, his fingertips brushed against the rough wood imprisoning him. A box? No a wooden casket!

How long had he been unconscious? How much air did he have left? Minutes? Seconds? His brow furrowed as he tried to cut through the thick fog enveloping his mind. The past played back to him in fits and starts, flashes of fleeting moments. The moment of his capture flickered before him before the image faded and died, only to be replaced by the next. Visions of torture, of tight bindings and endless questions flooded his mind until he was stood once again in the cold misty acres of a New York cemetery.

Headstones scratched warped shadows into the moonlit sky, reaching relentlessly towards the heavens. A chilling breeze swept across the ground swirling and churning the mist about his feet as he stared into the yawning hole before him. He didn't remember shivering against the cold, in fact he didn't remember feeling anything, just raw emptiness.

"Take a good look around you." the voice came hot and thick against the bare skin of his neck. "You won't be seeing anything again anytime soon."

He didn't hear much more after that. A brilliant white pain exploded through his head before his world was swallowed into the boiling swells of darkness.

Buried? Alive? Placing the palms of his hands against the lid he tested for weakness. The wood complained bitterly but could not coaxed to move more then a few centimetres. There had to be at least six feet of compacted earth against the casket lid. Even if he did break through the lid, he would be sure to drown in the cloying dirt before being able to claw himself to freedom. His hand knocked against a small object laid upon his chest. Grasping it tightly he rain his fingers over the smooth hardness before finding a small crack that ran along most of it's length, separating it into two interlocking sections. A cell phone? Scraping his fingernails against the top section he attempted to pry it open. An unnatural light flooded the casket, bathing him in an eerie glow it banished the darkness to the furthest corners where it bubbled furiously. He stole a glace at the time in the right hand corner of the display. Minutes to midnight.

If you wish to read more of Minutes to Midnight, please read it here.

To read more entries for Writing Workshop, please click here.

The Gallery - Celebrations

2010-12-01T08:00:00.001Z

This weeks theme for The Gallery over at Sticky Fingers Blog, is Celebrations.

"Weddings, birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, divorces, first jobs, first pregnancy, proms, you name it."

The picture below was taken Christmas Day in 2009 around mid morning after the noisy and excitement of present opening and chocolate for breakfast.

It's a picture of the relative lull, the peace and quite before the big lunch. Amy playing with her Mega Blocks Father Christmas had not long wrestled down the chimney. To me a perfect picture of Christmas.

To view more pictures in The Gallery please click here.

Social Decay

2010-11-29T17:24:00.004Z

The building above used to be a large and vibrant Community Centre that not only offered a Youth Club and Parent and Baby group but pottery and art clubs for adults. It has now been closed, boarded up and left to decay. There are rumours that the building itself will be converted into flats. So more community without a centre to provide for them.

Sadly I believe that this sight will become all the more common with the recent cuts and proposals. We will all witness the social decay of our community

The Gallery - Black and White

2010-11-24T08:42:00.002Z

This week's theme for The Gallery is Black and White. I love black and white photography, more so then I love colour. I feel you get a much greater depth of detail and emotion with black and white. There is nothing I love more then getting out there with my camera and experimenting with the black and white function.

As ever I have mixed results most of the time but there are occasions, usually by accident, when I take a photograph that I am extremely pleased with. Below are two examples of such photographs.

I wish I could state that it was simply skill, but it's really more a case of being in the right place at the right time.

All Saints Cemetery on a misty morning

One for Sorrow - Magpie resting in a tree.

For more wonderful Gallery Pictures, please go here.

Eco-Unfriendly - Are we frightening our children?

2010-10-16T12:58:00.004+01:00

I do my bit as I suppose everyone else does.

I reuse bags when I am shopping, I recycle anything and everything I can. I turn off electrical equipment when it's not in use, I keep the thermostat below 20 degrees and I never allow the tap to run needlessly. We've even recently had the loft insulation increased.

It seems that they may have been teaching the children at Amy's nursery school about being environmentally friendly and not wasting water or power. Only Amy is now terrified that we're going to end up with no water or electricity if we keep consuming it on an average day to day basis. She has become so wrapped up in this cause that she becomes hysterical if I turn on a tap (as I may use up all the water) and has taken to switching lights on and off at regular intervals, just to check they still work and we haven't used up all the electric.

I'm all for being economical and saving the world. But passing fear and guilt onto preschoolers?

Maybe it's more a case of the way it's taught rather then the actual teaching. I have seen some information adverts on the children's channels about saving water and energy that would give me the willies, let alone a 4 year old. Some even boarder on brainwashing.

Would this be the same electric that is produced by burning fossil fuels per chance?

I'd hate to think that we're going round frightening children in to saving water and energy because if they don't 'fiery doom shall reign down upon them'.

Hopefully Amy will calm down in time and I shall be able to do the washing up without being accused of bringing about the destruction of mankind.

Fishy Friday

2010-10-15T11:00:00.003+01:00

Octopi by Amy aged 4

Is it octopi, octopus, octopuses, octopodes or octopussies? The possibilities are endless.

Every so often, Amy comes back from Nursery with something that simply begs to be framed and put on the wall. The picture above is of a mummy and her baby octopus. The exact reasons as to why the octopuses are missing several limbs and floating in the sky escapes me. Something fishy is going on.

I must say I do love Mrs Octopus's serene expression. "I'm minus four limbs and a 'fish out of water' but hey, I'll just roll with it."

The plurals of octopus are octopuses, octopi and octopodes.

The Gallery - My Favourite Photos (and why)

2010-10-13T10:45:00.007+01:00

This week's prompt over at Sticky Fingers is Favourite Photo. An almost impossible task and I am going to be especially cheeky during my first dip into The Gallery and show you two of my most favourite photos.

Taken 15th August 2009 during a trip to Beale Wildlife Park with my parents and the girls. It was a fantastic day and as usually I was there with my camera aimlessly taking out of focus shots of cage bars and odd bits of shrubbery. In short I sucked at taking pictures. The above photograph was a happy accident, but an accident that got me interested in photography as a hobby and spurred me on.

But the above has to be my all time favourite photograph, taken on 16th August 2010 and titled Fairy Princess. It is a black and white portrait of my youngest daughter Amy. A lovely day spent messing about in the sunshine with my camera and a very agreeable model. Who could ask for more?

To see other entries in The Gallery, please go here.

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)

2010-10-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

I felt much the same upon learning that Tommy Bear the Nursery Bear was to be staying with us for the fourth time. That bear must really love it here!

Good Grief!

2010-10-12T13:46:00.002+01:00

There are times in my life when I swear. No, when I know that I must sound like Charlie Brown's teacher to others.

When I speak, what leaves my mouth is a series of intelligent words strung together to form sentences. The very basis of language, a language we all understand. Yet when it reaches the ears of my husband and children, it has along the way mutated somehow into.

'Wah wah waah wawah wah wah wah waah wawah wah wah'

If the video doesn't load watch it on Youtube here.

Herding Cats - Happy Inside

2010-10-11T16:23:00.003+01:00

If like me you love cats, then you'll love the Ikea television advertisment featuring them. The brain child of Mother London Ad Agency.

"The idea behind the work is that cats know better than anything what makes them feel happy inside, they live their lives in pursuit of their own comfort," said Feh Tarty, creative director at Mother. "So we released a hundred cats in to the Ikea Wembley store, for real, to see where they went and what furniture made them happy."

If the video fails to load, please watch it here.

If the video fail to load, please watch it here.

The Elephant of Truth

2010-09-19T15:16:00.003+01:00

My youngest daughter, Amy, is four years old and loves to insert sayings and phrases she hears into her everyday conversations. Today she heard me mention to her dad that there was an 'element of truth' in what someone was saying.

Later she ended a conversation with myself by saying. 'There's an Elephant of Truth in the room.'

He must have been very small. I couldn't see him.

Dear Second Born,

2010-06-11T08:00:00.004+01:00

Dear Second Born,

Unfortunately I was not blessed with eyeballs up my nostrils. So please, when you're excitedly showing me the sticker/toy/dead fly you have found, kindly refrain from jamming it up my nose.

I currently do not speak 'whingese' and Muzzy has yet to add it to their repertoire. Any requests made in a high pitched whiny tone will be ignored until you speak in a manner I can understand. Throwing yourself on the floor and or sliding off the furniture does not get your point across any better.

People come in many different shapes and sizes. The more rotund, myself included, dislike being referred to as, 'that FAT, LARGE or ROUND LIKE A BALL lady over there.' Also, enquiries as to why the lady in front of us at the supermarket has a big bottom are generally not well received.

It is lovely when you decide to enlighten me as to what you did at Nursery school that afternoon but please, please do not point kids out in the playground to lament about how they do not share or hit, push and or 'do your head in'. Especially when their parent or grandparent is present.

Sometimes it is just nicer not to say things.

Your ever loving mummy xxxx

Writing Workshop - Time

2010-06-10T08:00:00.002+01:00

For this week's Writing Workshop, I decided to write a poem for the theme Time.

The inspiration behind this poem is the loss of my grandfather three years ago and the fact that, to me time is very much like a cat, in the way that is does as it pleases. This is the first piece I have written about personal experience as I usually write 'disconnected' fiction and fan fiction.

Enjoy and again any comments that can help me develop my writing are always gratefully received.

Time

Time is a crying creature, crouching poised to fight
Sliding through the shadows and dancing in the light
Time is here to hunt us, trapped in her claws so tight

Time is a slender creature, stretching in a gentle sway
Stalking through the darkness and pacing out her prey
Suddenly silently, snatching precious ones away

Time is a cordial creature, kindly soothing tears
Warming up the memories and purring in your ears
Gliding through the twilight, chasing all your fears

Time is an aging creature, slowing in her gait
Greying at the corners and bidding us to wait
Reminding us so sweetly, we can't escape our fate

Wordless Wednesday - Waiting

2010-06-09T08:00:00.005+01:00

Ana

Foam....

2010-06-07T17:10:00.002+01:00

Odd things you find in a home with small children.

The other main food group.

What is it with children and eating foam, seriously? Does it taste good? Is it the interesting texture or something subconscious to replace an element lacking in their diet? Who knows.

All I know is the foam eating stage of childhood is currently under going a revival in my home.

Someone and I have my suspicions who, has currently chomped their way through the handle of the toddler trampoline, the padding on the net supports of the large trampoline and the scooter handlebars.

Odd, very odd indeed.

Quite why...

2010-06-04T16:22:00.005+01:00

Mr Lightyear is compelled to end it all and quite why he feels the only course of action available is to offer himself up as the dog's dinner, eludes me.

(odd things you find in a home with small children)

New Beginnings

2010-06-02T13:02:00.003+01:00

It is a time for new beginnings, to cast of the old and welcome in the shiny new.

As we leave spring behind and hopefully amble into a glorious summer, I thought I would share two families that have decided to call our house and garden home.

Mrs Blue Tit

First is Mr and Mrs Blue Tit, who decided to take up residence in a hole that used to house the overflow pipe for the upstairs toilet. Ana and Amy have enjoyed watching Mr and Mrs Tit's comings and goings and during the periods where they could actually stand still and quiet for longer then two seconds, they were able to hear the chicks calling in the nest.

Between them Mr and Mrs Tit raised two clutches of baby Tits. All of which have left the nest to start their new lives out in the big wide world. We're a little sad to see them go, early morning toilet visits now seem so quiet without the chittering of chicks.

Mrs Wood Pigeon

Next is Mr and Mrs Wood Pigeon, who have decided to build a nest in the small tree that grows in our back garden. Their nest is a recent discovery made by Ana. We didn't have pigeons nesting there in the previous two years, so we suspect that Mr and Mrs Wood Pigeon are first time parents.

Mrs Wood Pigeon is currently incubating her clutch of two eggs and will do so for the next 17 - 19 days. Mr Pigeon is a frequent visitor, bringing her food, offering company and the latest wood pigeon gossip to keep her morale up. Sitting in a tree all day must be terribly boring.

After hatching the chicks should fledge in 33 - 35 days.

Then starts the near impossible task of keeping the cats out of the garden.

Writing Workshop - Wanton Destruction and Chaos

2010-05-20T11:10:00.005+01:00

This is my first attempt at The Sleep Is For The Weak Writing Workshop after the advice of a my friend Nickie from Typecast I decided to submit a recently written poem. As ever I am trying to develop my writing skills, so any feed back with be most appreciated.

Blood.

Blood, that of my own or my enemies
It doesn't matter, it runs as one

Clothed in thunderous rage, warm slithers trickle
Caressing my body, drenching my soul
It whispers softly to me, feeding my aggression
Cleansing, soothing, the pain runs with it
Thick and black against the ebbing darkness of my mind

The dull metallic scent sears my senses
Wounding, piercing, bitter as bile
The blistering steel hisses, shrieking a perverse lullaby
It sings sweetly to me, drudging fetid flesh from broken bone
I can no longer hear their demented voices, drowning in boiling crimson seas

Adrenalin throbs, quickening
Tightening to blessed bursting relief
Death rises on hollow wings to greet me
Drawing the dark edges closer, following my fevered footsteps
With salivating jaws it calls gently to me, I no longer hear a sound
Save the guttered gurgle of those lain before me

The things that Amy says

2010-04-02T08:34:00.001+01:00

I was discussing the weather with Amy when I asked her why she was wearing a long sleeved top today, fully expecting the answer to be, because it's chilly outside. 'So I can wipe my nose?' asked Amy

Talking about lightening during a storm. 'I don't want the lightening to come in through the window and poke me with it's sharp jabby bit.'

We need to fly my kite somewhere where there aren't trees, like outer space!

A Trip to Ray Mill Island

2009-10-29T12:23:00.000Z

Here are some photos of our outing to Ray Mill Island in Maidenhead. The Island is situated just behind Boulter's Lock and is great for feeding ducks, picnics and visiting the birds and Guinea Pigs house in the island aviaries

Maiden and Swans

Cockatiels at the aviaries

Cockatiels at the aviaries

Ana, Amy and Daddy walking

The Companions - dedicated to four boys who lost their lives on a school skiing trip with Altwood CE School in April 1988

The Companions Plague

Boulter's Weir at the top of the island - Boulter means miller, there was a flour mill owned by the Ray familyon the island. The mill was constructed in 1726 on the site of a previous mill, and continued to produce flour until the 1920s.

Ana and Amy posing at Boulter's Weir. I was having kittens about them falling into the water at this point.

Canadian Goose on Ray Mill Stream

A male Mallard duck on Ray Mill Stream

A friendly stranger that came to say hello to us. Possibly a Burmese or Burmese cross

Amy being a pixie on a toadstool

The Vivienne Mary coming into Boulter's Lock

A poem set into the bank of the River Thames

It was a lovely sunny Autumn day and we really enjoyed ourselves. Close by is Also the Jubilee River which I thoroughly recommend for a beautiful walk!

Remember them.....

2009-09-11T08:10:00.000+01:00

so that they can live on

11th September 2001

My first hair cut in over 10 years!

2009-09-09T14:53:00.000+01:00

The last time I had my hair cut was when my eldest daughter (11 years) was 2 weeks old and I was 18!

Today I finally bit the bullet as it where and had it done.

So I have gone from hair that was to my bum to hair just below the shoulder. I think I was a bit of a novelty at the hairdressers as I was asked lots of questions about how I managed to wash/brush my hair and why I hadn't had it cut in over ten years (never got round to it).

I had to stand up for most of the cutting to save the poor stylist's back.

They even had trouble washing my hair as it filled the sink My head feels a lot light and I am really happy with my new managable cut. I even have a new found confidence because my hair looks nice (not like a bird's nest or matted dog hair, I was beginning to look like what you pull out of the bath plughole)

An added bonus, no more kittens swinging from my hair!

To whom it may concern

2009-08-30T14:41:00.000+01:00

Could you please stop wiping the toothpaste from your mouth on my clean bath towels? You know who you are!

Thank you.

We've been to the library!

2009-08-28T17:41:00.001+01:00

Until recently I had always avoided the library. I had been a few times during the course of my life, but thought it a dark, musky and above all a boring place.

Running out of ideas for what to do with the girls over the summer holidays today I decided it was about time that we all joined our local library. So off we went and 10 minutes later we were all proud owners of our very own library cards and a new perspective.

The library has changed much in those fleeting visits during my youth. Gone is the dark, musty boring atmosphere, replaced by play tables, small child friendly seats. Cuddly vibrant coloured animal cushions to sit on. Shelves made into rideable cars, trains and penguins.

Initially I was worried about taking the girls to a place where you're supposed to be quiet. As lets face it quiet is something that doesn't come naturally to my children, but they managed to impress me with their hushed whispered tones as well as their good behaviour.

We came away armed with some new bedtime reading materiel and a new found love for our local library!

Fun on the trampoline

2009-08-27T20:43:00.001+01:00

As Ana was on her second respite session with her buddy at the local swimming pool, Amy and I decided to have some fun on the trampoline in the garden.

I had been so smug, up until now

2009-08-26T13:59:00.000+01:00

Amy has been doing really well with this whole toilet training thing. We turned a point when I purchased a childs training seat for for our toilet at home.

Suddenly Amy didn't want to wear nappies anymore and started to use the toilet independantly. It had been several days ,two major trips away from the home and we hadn't experienced a single accident. Something I recounted to anyone who would listen.

Well, yesterday Amy called me up in to her bedroom and showed me with some sense of pride the foul smelling poo splattered all over her pink carpet.

I cleaned it up and was careful to tell Amy that although I wasn't angry I was dissapointed that she hadn't gone when she was on the toilet two minutes before and that she hadn't told me she needed to go.

'But mummy, ' came the reply, 'I blewed it out!'

Odds Farm 2009

2009-08-18T18:51:00.001+01:00