Space for Creativity

 

We are moving buildings at work so there is a lot of clearing out and throwing out being done. This pristine vintage box of good Pelikan chalk and roll of brown paper were off to the big rubbish dump before a collegue of mine asked if I would like them for my little man. Well here is the thank you. A totally absorbed child drawing for hours (this wasnt the only picture) delighted with lovely materials and so much space. We'll definitely be repeating this. And it does go to show that quality art supplies improves the experience. The Ikea chalk I bought a while ago (before I swore never, never to go there again) doesn't even always make a mark when put to paper.

Dreaming of an Aga

I read this lady's blog faithfully. Probably because she leads a life I dream I'd like to lead. In the country, a stack of kids, lots of animals and home crafted things. Ok, I spend quite a lot of time in the country, but somehow the German Eifel is not quite Maine, a son, a cat and a dog, however demanding I find them are not four kids (and one to come) and a farm and I craft more than I probably should but not as much as I'd like to. But then again, I am very grateful for what I have and I probably wouldn't really want to live in the country as much as I think I would. Nipping on the tram to see my friends at a whim is not really an option then AND we'd need another car, which I am happy that we don't have. But Amanda Soule and I do have one thing in common we dream of an Aga at the heart of our homes.

Picture from www.aga-ranges.com

An Aga isn't just a cooker or a way to heat your house, it is a way of life. It is the best way to bake, especially Lasange. Nothing quite beats coming in out of the rain and leaning against one. How many induction cookers can you lean against to warm yourself whilst you sip your tea or chat with the family? Yes I dream about one. One day, when we live in a house (with props in the cellar to stop the beast from crashing through the floor!).

A Special Visit

Over Christmas some good friends (www.elasticpeople.net) came over from Beijing. We had a wonderful time catching up, spending hours chatting and the kids playing. It is incredible to see how one person can get a whole lot of overworked busy mums together to finally get their acts together, meet up and even go out for drinks a couple of nights. Yup Alex, you pulled us together to start with and back together again over Christmas. Thank you! This is the first time in ages that we've met up. There have been many mails though. Jobs and more kids have basically filled up our lives to bursting point and as mums tend to do, the meetings, which to be honest were about us as much as them, seem to have been put on to a back burner. We have vowed to change that though, so Mondays here we come.  There are three other kids who aren't on this picture, two because they didn't want to be and one 'cos her Mummy is very pregnant and  the amount of ice and snow outside when this was taken meant it wouldn't really have been very sensible to be travelling about town. Yup Sienna, Susan and Bryanna, we love you too. Even if you didn't want to join the photo.

2011 - A New Year

I've been a little less than present here for quite a while now. I spontanoeusly decided to spend Christmas and New Year completely in the virtual world. I only checked my mails a couple of times and that was it. UNbelievable but soo refreshing. My camera was very active, so there will be some pictures popping up here soon. I really enjoyed the festive days without my computer, trying to remain present all the time and soak up the lovely time with friends and family. There were lots of kids around. The noise level couldn't be called peaceful or relaxing but it was fun (most of the time!!).

I'd like to wish you all a peaceful and wonderful 2011. May it bring you fulfilled dreams and happy days. 

The Solstice Moon

Happy Winter Solstice to You!

It was a wonderful early evening moon. The world here was hushed by the amount of snow lying and the moon was so bright. A perfect Solstice night. By morning and time for the eclipse sadly the clouds had crept in. Shame to miss the eclipse, but the moon was wonderful beforehand, so it made up for it.

Precious Days

We have visitors. No I'll rephrase that as they are friends and are I am sooo happy that they are here. It started with a picture book sledging afternoon. Here it is a winter wonderlnd and we enjoyed it sledging, with homemade Glühwein and stollen. I am a happy bunny...

Chaos Master

and destruction machine on four legs. A Persian carpet, a pair of glasses, several Steiff soft toys and much more besides has been demolished. Such a shame he has good taste! How can looks and action be so far apart? Is he the devil in disguise? At least I now understand the whole devil concept!

PS. The picture was taken with my new toy. Canon 550D. Pretty impressive so far.