Stop focusing on the past.....

Good evening all.... 

After a couple of days of busy-ness, I thought I would sit for a while and share a little post that I found a while ago... don't ask me where, but I copied it and pasted it onto my laptop... and here it is. If anyone recognises it, can you please let me know so I can give credit to the original post?

I really love inspirational quotes. Ones that make you think. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the 'moment' that we forget to look at everything else. Focusing on the bad things, and never looking towards the good, the future or whatever it is that you are hoping for. 

I hope that this makes you think about not focusing on one thing, one experience, but looking past the things that hold you up in life and get you where you want to be. 

Enjoy!

Imagine walking through a lovely meadow. The sun shining. Looking up at a beautiful sky. Bright blue, lots of fluffy white clouds drifting by. Butterflies fluttering amongst the buttercups and daisies. Your fingers brushing the tips of the long grass as you walk.....and then suddenly, you stumble.

You manage to catch yourself after faltering for a bit. You dust yourself down, and keep on walking, admiring the beautiful surroundings. You stumble again, this time falling into a deep, unmarked pit. You keep falling and falling, grabbing out and flailing wildly to try and get a grip on something, anything. After what seems like forever, you stop your slide downwards and hit rock bottom. You are exhausted from your sudden and unexpected decent into darkness.

Before you know where you are, and what has happened, you are at the bottom of a deep hole with no idea how you got there or how to get out. You can see a chink of light in the top, but its quite far away, and you cant trust that the chink of light is the only way out, but you claw towards it anyway, even though you are exhausted and bruised and battered from your fall.

Its a lonely time in this hole. Only you and the darkness. You couldnt see anyone else even if they were there, because of the darkness and coldness of your environment. But once you realise where you are, you know you have to clamber out and,` if you are lucky, someone will pass by and offer a hand of help to pull you out.

Despite being exhausted, and bruised and battered, you clamber you way to the top, and you finally make your way out of the hole. Yet you are still shocked and stunned by what happened. How could you miss such a big hole in front of you? Why couldnt you see it coming? How come no-one before you has fallen into this hole (you think) and not thought to block it up? Many people before you has managed to walk through the meadow without falling into this pit, why couldnt you have seen it coming, or prevented it, or just had a better journey?

You are stood, standing in this beautiful meadow, but all you can think about is the dark hole that you have just fallen into and clambered out of, how sore and aching your body is, and how tired you are. The beauty around you means nothing for a while. But you are grateful to be out, and you realise you should appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

You keep walking, but you find yourself no longer admiring the sky, the clouds, the butterflies, the flowers. You are busy looking at your feet. Concentrating hard, because, you dont want to fall into another pit, and waylaid by your aching bones and tired body.

You lose sight of all the beautiful things around you because you are continuing your journey looking only down at the ground, on alert for danger. You dont appreciate the sky, the clouds, the flowers, the butterflies, because you are too scared of falling down another hole, you still have the bruises from the last fall.

You are terrified that, if you take your eyes off terra firma for a moment, you could slip down that hole again and you wont find your way out so easily this time.

It is a long, lonely journey, spent staring at the ground, before you trust your surroundings, and your instincts enough again to appreciate your journey, and realise its beauty. To wander through the meadow staring at the beautiful blue sky and fluffy white clouds.

A thoughtful post...

Hello again....

Today, I had quite a bit of time to think whilst heading down to Peterborough again, as I'm doing another week at Create and Craft with Docrafts DVD Pick of the Week. Driving is the perfect time for that isn't it?

I often listen to the radio whilst on a long run in the car, and Radio 2 is what I have on most often. Today, I was missing the short five minutes food for thought (or whatever they call it!) as it was later in the day when I travelled. 

Funnily enough, tonight I was browsing a few of my favourite blogs and came across a fantastic idea for Random acts of Kindness. (RAK) It just reminded me of the Radio 2 show, when you hear, or read, something that sparks that feeling inside that you can maybe bring a smile to someone. 

The first blog was one of someone I have known for a few years, and had the utter priviledge to work with at a large craft show in Liverpool. The blog belongs to fellow Docrafts demonstrator Keren Baker. The post I want you to look at tonight is HERE. Just read through it and you will realise what an amazing person, mother and all round good person she is. I totally love the idea of just sending a random card in the mail to a postcode you choose. What a wonderful idea!

This prompted me to investigate further the idea of the Birthday Project, and I found a few different things on Google... including this site HERE. I'm definately in thinking mode now - so watch this space! A little bit of kindness may be coming your way - you never know!!! 

So, what act of kindness have you done today? I'd like to think I'd done a few.... Over the last two days, I hope I've bought a smile to a few faces, and alot of people have bought a smile to mine. You know, that's the lovely thing about working within such a close community like Create and Craft, or Docrafts - different strokes, different paths, different people - but all happy in their work, and share their cheery-up-iness with everyone else. True, you do get some grumps, but overall it's a happy place!

Sometimes, it's nice just to stop and think about what you've got in life. Be thankful for those things you have, and I am truly thankful for those I have in mine - my husband, my children, my sister in law Tilly, my special Sis Lesley (aka Wilma!) and my many wonderful friends. 

And if something isn't working for you, then be strong enough to change it. I changed quite alot of my life around three years ago, a big decision I had to choose to 'make or break'.. and I chose 'break'. It was THE best decision of my life and one I wish I'd made years ago! You live and learn eh? But looking back... without putting up with all the s*** for most of my life, when I did make that break, I wouldn't have realised how fantastic life could be without it (or them, as the case may be! *wink*)

Again, to finish off my pondering, thoughtful post, I came across these quotes. I hope you like them. 

Goodnight!! xxx

• "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best" Marilyn Monroe.  

• "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." Marilyn Monroe.

• Keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about. 

• When it comes down to it, let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother what you do, then you're already better than them!

And just in case you want a few more... check THESE ones out here! Enjoy!!

A great quote...

‎"Low Self-Worth leads to low funds which in turn leads to panic rather than profit. Start valuing yourself and your unique contribution!"

Day 9 Blog prompt - quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt

Ooooh what happened to my quotes?? I thought Blogger was acting a bit dicky last night, but never thought to check it once I'd published. Well, that'll teach me won't it!!

Oh well, the quotes I wanted to share with you today are here.. finally!

• Eleanor Roosevelt - Noone can make you feel inferior without your consent.
• Eleanor Roosevelt - Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticised anyway!
• Eleanor Roosevelt - if someone betrays you once, it's their fault.. if they do it twice, it's yours.

Over the past years, I have learnt that each of the ones above are true. The top one most importantly.

Funnily enough, I had forgotten about this quote I'd come across a long time ago, until I was sat talking with Debbie Moore and others in the green room the other week at Create and Craft.. and Debbie came out with the quote. So glad I found it again..

It makes me think of how I think about things. I often find that I feel like this, but it's because of other peoples actions, and not those of myself. The other two of Eleanors quotes are also very true, and I'm afraid to say they're part of life I guess. The second on in particular is true.. and it doesn't matter what you do, there'll be someone out there criticising what you think is the right thing to do.

The last of Eleanors quotes.. well, what can I say. It just sort of says it all really.

And another... not by Eleanor, but this is really true. Again, something I have done over the past few years, and if it's something you are thinking of doing, I would whole heartedly say it's the right thing to do. I feel fantastic, and my whole life has improved for the better because of it.

Gale Duarte McTiernan =

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and the people that create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad and focus on the good. So love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones that don't.

Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.

... and a beautiful poem for you - given to me by a fellow Springer Fosterer.. and again, it means alot to me. I love Doggy-type quotes. And having two spaniels from rescue, this poem is soooo true and means alot. Always bear it in mind. Life for our doggies is not always great, but we can make a difference.

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.

I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.

And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."

Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.

Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mum, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.

But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.

You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.

- Author Unknown-

How very true!

I was having a peek at FB earlier on, and came across this, posted by my Sister in Canada. It is so very true, so thought I'd put it on for you all.


Gale Duarte McTiernan = 


There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and the people that create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad and focus on the good. So love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones that don't. 


Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.  

Just one of those days .....

Today has just been one of those days! It is beautiful and sunny, and I decided to stay in and do some housework! (I know... cleaning??!) And as I set to, my hoover started acting a little 'icky and I discovered the bag was full. But did I have another? Nope!

So.. then I decided to go and take some photos of the birds in the garden. There was one in particular that was hopping around, and I didn't know what it was. Scooby was sat near the door, but as soon as I picked up the camera he was bouncing around. (he loves his piccie taken!) and the bird flew off.. so no photos of the bird and a few photos of the dogs later, my camera stopped working. The CF card was full.

Oh joy of bloomin' joys! So now, instead of cleaning and taking photos, I'm getting all the photos off the camera card and decided to do a bit of blog reading whilst I waited. The first one I came to was Nikki's blog, a fellow Designer with Docrafts, and she had posted this. I hope you like it..

A Dog's life - from the eyes of a 6 year old

"Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

• Live simply.
• Love generously.
• Care deeply.
• Speak kindly.
• Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

How true is that? Although, personally, I'm not too sure about the dancing around and wagging my entire body... ! But everything else - yep.. I agree with it all. And as soon as I've cropped down the photos of the furbabies, I'll show you a pic or three.

Mmmm.. aint this true?!

I've just found this through a link someone gave.. I read it, and thought.. mmm.. isn't this so true! So thought I'd share!

I have never made anything perfect. 

 Nope, not once. I might have come close a few times, but there was always the stamped image that was just a little crooked. Or the bow that didn’t come out totally right. You know. Life-or-death stuff.

I have, however, made some really great things that made other people happy and were fun to do. For example, I sewed a scalloped baby quilt that had some wonky spots at one edge. Does my daughter care? Not a bit. Do I wince a little every time I look at those spots? Well… I’m trying not to. 

Here’s an equation for all of us who worry too much about perfection in our crafting:
Being creative ≠ being perfect.

Being creative is about renewal. And having fun. And feeling connected to the generations of women before us who did the same things. Only today we have even cooler and more diverse materials to work with, unprecedented ease of communication, and a modern design sense to bring to the table. Hello! What an incredible time to be a crafter.

Simply Handmade exists to celebrate making useful, pretty things by hand. And to provide you with exactly what you need – step-by-step instructions, helpful patterns, and lots of pictures – to recreate these same projects yourself… or to simply get inspired as you come up with your own lovely creations.

I’ve been excited for this magazine ever since it was a little seed of an idea being tossed around among our editors. This is what I love. If I were a kid, this would be my candy store. So I am thrilled to be in a position to share these beautiful things with all of you. Let’s create.

A few great quotes

One of my all time favourite sites to spend time on, is the one that belongs to Miz Booshay. She is a fantastic photographer and her shots are absolutely stunning.

Here are a few quotes I found on her site this morning.. I'm not into religious or anything like that, but ignoring that aspect.. this is so true. Enjoy!


"When someone asks me how to paint a good picture, I sometimes answer by comparing creating art to cooking a meal. Let me explain. These days there are many cooking programs to be seen on television. A chef from a famous restaurant comes out and talks about his special dishes, his secrets, his techniques. And it is true that if you follow his directions, step by step, you can make a meal just like his, and it will be delicious. In the case of art, too, by following an expert artist's directions and copying her methods, you could probably produce a picture exactly like hers. But such a picture would have no artistic value. There is really no simple "recipe" or method for creating a good drawing or painting, such as there is in cooling.

Our habits and tastes are also formed by the culture we are born into...People in different cultures have different tastes in art, just as they do i food. One style is no better, or more advanced, or more primitive than another.

But in developing one's own individual artistic style, I believe that the culture that is part of your being from childhood is of great importance. If you look deeply into the culture you were brought up in, you will find there the inspiration and the roots of your own power to create good pictures. Your ability to see and respond sensitively to the beauty of the world around you will, in turn, be transformed into the ability to create art that other people will find to be beautiful. As long as you have the visual sensitivity, you will discover that the actual techniques you need for drawing good pictures are very easy to find.
They are within you."

Mitsumasa Anno

from: Artist to artist
23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art.

And there was this one too..

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

by Dr. Kent M. Keith