Putting things in perspective

Yes I do believe I was feeling a little blue when writing my last blog post, now I feel guilty, as I don't have much to moan about really. An email from a friend, who I have known since the age of 18 really put things into perspective last week, she had received some very sad personal news. My thoughts are with her and I am seriously making an effort to have a more positive attitude to my life without complaining about the winter time, after all we did choose to come and live in Canada!!

Of course after also saying how quiet my shop was it did pick up and since then I have sold another 40 animals. This has meant that I have been busy snipping and stitching whilst semi-hibernating in my sewing haven with Archie and my IPod for company. My newest design is this little Australian fellow who I decided to name Oliver.

Jemma is in the midst of her exams this week and is a little tetchy. Although she does have a sparkle in her eyes due to her new Japanese friend, Tak. They are now officially 'boyfriend/girlfriend'. This means a new chapter has opened in my role as a Mum/parent and I am trying my best to be understanding and not too 'controlling' with regard to house rules during their time spent together.

Craig returned from Atlanta and has decided he most definitely does not miss the big City at all, the pollution was thick and everyone was in a rush and quite rude and unhelpful.

Having been feeling a tad nostalgic again of late I managed to get the girls together one evening and watch a 'chick flick', as Craig was away. The three of us snuggled up on the sofa with the dvd The Nanny Diaries, with Scarlett Johansson . It was funny and took me way back to the days I spent as a Nanny myself, in Norway aged just 18. The lady I worked for had me cleaning windows, cooking meals and even ironing her knickers! As well as taking care of her two 'adorable' little boys!

First day in my new job, looking a little nervous I think.

Still I was glad of the experience and opportunity to learn a language. I fell in love with the country and after finishing college was able to work in the oil industry for another 6 years. By my early 20's I was the proud owner of my first car, an old style VW Beetle, which I loved. Not too sure about the 'big' hair or those white slouch boots though!!

Oh the 80's fashion!

Hazel xx

I've been 'Tagged'

I have been 'tagged', actually at the beginning of June but I have only just got around to posting. Moline http://moline.typepad.com/ tagged me, along with a few of her other contacts the deal is to list 7 random things about myself.
Here goes:

1. I met my husband Craig 18 years ago on a plane! We had seats next to each other right at the back on a 10 hour KLM flight from Johannesburg to London.
NO we didn’t join the mile high club!

2. I lived in Norway for 7 years in total in my 20's and can speak Norwegian fluently (well I may be a little rusty now). I used to translate as part of my job, but I don’t think I would feel confident enough to write it anymore. I do love reading some Norwegian and Swedish blogs though just to keep in practice :D

3. My birth sign is Pisces, born February 29th so a leap year baby too. I am quite nostalgic and sentimental, more so as I get older (perhaps this is normal?) I like to keep in touch with all my friends, look through old photographs. I still have these ‘special’ pyjamas that I wore when my eldest daughter was born almost 16 years ago! I just can't bring myself to throw them away and keep them wrapped in tissue paper in a hat box along with some other bits and pieces that have happy memories.

4. I love ‘thrifting’ for special treasures. Particularly vintage items that really appeal to me and I know have potential, I usually know exactly where they will go in my home. Painting wooden furniture is a hobby of mine and I get itchy fingers just looking at something that needs some TLC!

5. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful husband, two talented teenage daughters and a dream home – my family mean everything to me.

6. A few people in my life have inspired me; firstly my Granny Mary who taught me how to sew and had a great vintage suitcase full of fabric scraps and a huge wooden box of buttons and always took the time to help with whatever craft project I wanted to start. My friend Keriann in New Zealand who has the most warm and welcoming home I have ever been lucky enough to visit, she bakes wonderful cakes and sews beautiful quilts too. My daughters’ who believe in me, give me encouragement and manage to brighten my day no matter how dull.

7. I like to be organised, I write lists all the time and can’t sit still for very long because there is always ‘something’ I need to do and if there isn’t I will find it. My energy levels are highest when I wake up, I am definitely a ‘morning’ person.