Monday 19 May 2014

Repetition.......


Such a glorious weekend here. 

I tidied, lounged, walked, and did some crafting. 

I have three.....no four projects on the go at the moment. One is halted as it needs ripping back a little (I went off piste with the pattern and it needs adjustment. It's complicated as I decided it were to involve intertwining yarns, and i've not the heart to rip it back yet), the other one is a blanket. Yes, like I need any more.....and it wasn't the original one I had in mind to make. Ever the impatient one, I needed a specific colour for the one I wanted to make, which I didn't have to hand.....so the latter one was started. In between that, I started a couple of small happy little projects. One was supposed to be quick.......but, as usual I veered off the pattern and wanted to include a bit of 'winging it'. I realised why I don't make patterns. I have no patience. However, I did like the end result and made a note of what I did so I can replicate it. Hark at me.....i'm actually doing something with thought!




After 5 years, I have had 3 peony flower heads. I lobbed them off and put then in a vase. It's like a sea urchin cupped in a pink bowl.



The garden was lovely to sit in at the weekend.








Baby Bear is into Health and Safety at the moment.


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It occurred to me that my ten random things the other day were a little whingey, so I've made ten more (less whingey).


1. I love fruit, all fruit except powdery tasteless apples. My favourites are peaches, nectarines and raspberries.

2. At 32 weeks pregnant with Baby Bear I had a heart attack. I was doing the usual morning school run for the eldest Bears, and suddenly, out of nowhere, it felt like some very heavy person had tackled me to the ground, and was sitting on my chest. I then started to get the most intense ache down both arms. I wasn't panicked but I knew something was wrong so I went to my doctors surgery just down the road from me. They sent me to hospital. Now, I don't know why, but hospitals makes me laugh (not when i'm visiting people i'll add, but when i'm in them myself). I was put on the heart ward and hooked up to monitors. I seemed to be a complete novelty to doctors being the only young female on the ward and heavily pregnant. The aching in my arms was so intense, to the point where I would have gladly had them chopped off, but I was laughing......a lot. The nurses at first thought I was crying hysterically, but I was in fact laughing. They were puzzled, and I didn't actually know what was so funny. I was like that after having a caesarean with Big Bear. Absolutely EVERYTHING was funny in the hospital, at a time when it REALLY hurt to belly laugh. Anyway, after MRI's, CT scans and a cardio-angiogram, they couldn't work out why I had had it or what had caused it. No rips, tears or blockages. Once the pain had subsided and the tests were at better levels I was allowed home. One morning, six weeks later and at 38 weeks pregnant, i'm back at the hospital, hitting the button in the lift to have a heart scan and check up. The lady in the lift tells me i've pressed level 3 and it's level 2 that is the maternity ward. I chuckle and tell her i'm not due there. In the waiting room i'm fidgety. Eight hours later i'm at my second hospital of the day 40 miles away having Baby Bear (happy in the knowledge I might add, that my ticker was given a clean bill of health some 8 hours earlier in the other hospital).

3. I don't like driving under small train bridges when trains are going over them. If there is nothing behind me, I will slow down until the train has whooshed over, then i'll drive on through. If i'm not able to slow down, i'll drive through and it'll make me shudder to my bones. I just REALLY don't like it.

4. I love the clipped British accent in all the old black and white movies.

5. I don't watch British Soaps. I think they are rubbish, but a day doesn't go by when I haven't quoted at least several lines from 'Friends' episodes.

6. I've walked 30 miles this week (I walk a bit but this is a lot by my standards!). My car failed it's MOT and whilst it's booked in to be sorted, i've been walking EVERYWHERE. It was good, as it co-incided with me needing to get healthy and and kickstart losing a few pounds that have crept up on me. Annoyingly, after walking so much, eating really healthily and watching my plate portions........I haven't lost a thing. Dis-heartened, I drank some wine, ate half a banana loaf and scoffed a few ice creams. Yes, yes, yes, I do realise that I would be getting fitter and muscle is heavier than fat, but to my dumb brain side that means nothing.....and just a little old 1lb loss would have been a good incentive to keep at it! I'm still walking everywhere and being good (again) but I don't feel incentivised!

7. I'm a terrible singer.

8. I dream of one day having a walled rose garden.

9. Bread is my downfall. A warm, fresh, crusty loaf is one of the most heavenly things on earth.

10. If I can't sleep, i'll go through my Pinterest boards. I don't want to be one of those people who forever pins things and then never looks at what they've pinned. It's like looking though the best book EVER. I love doing it in the dead of night, and it seems to inspire me, yet make me sleepy. Best of both worlds.

So, the week begins.....


Have a good one all.....


xxx

47 comments:

  1. I lóve the potholder in that first photo - it's beautiful !
    And I had fun reading your 10 random things (well, the second one is kind of scary, wouldn't like to have been in your shoes, luckily everything worked out good !).
    And I too love the old british accent in movies - to be honest, I just love british english... Sounds so much more "stylish" compared to american english (please don't be offended, american readers, it's just my stupid, humble opinion...)..

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    1. I wish I talked like they did back then! It's prim and formal, but I just love it! x

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  2. I'm with you on #9 - I'm a total carb addict and could a whole fresh crusty loaf in one go if I let myself! During this pregnancy I have been eating vast quantities of bread products!
    #10 is a good one - I try to look through my boards as often as I can and delete stuff that I no longer want or move stuff around. It's finding things I"d forgotten I'd pinned.
    #2 sounds super scary - especially as I am currently 36 weeks pregnant with baby #3!

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    1. A fresh french stick cannot be passed by and not bought and eaten. I'd eat the whole lot in one go....and not feel sorry! Fruit loaf is another one. That's even worse as no one else eats it in my house. I could polish one off in 10 minutes flat! Yes, I have that problem too.......I have pinned so much, to try and find a particular one is like looking for a needle in a haystack! x

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  3. I wish you could visit here. Fruit grows from the trees each summer. We have peaches growing in our garden. My friend said it is sort of how it should be, with fruit that you can just pick off so easily.
    Number two sounds scary but I think you are the kind of person to be positive and overcome it. I'm happy to hear there was no damage.
    Your crochet and flower pics are beautiful.
    Sometimes I eat loads and weigh less. It is odd. I know what you mean about incentives. Keep walking though. It's so good for you. We have just got a dog so I'll be out walking her and getting some exercise. xxx

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    1. Oh that sounds so lovely Tracy, i'd love fruit trees growing in my garden. Sadly I know i'd kill them all! You'll be getting plenty of exercise then with a dog. I just chase the children!!!!!!! x

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    2. I'm knackered to be honest! Up at five today. Hopefully I¨ll be super fit and svelte soon! xx

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  4. O que é lindo, deve e pode ser repetido! Uma linda semana para você!

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  5. Hi Vanessa, I loved reading your 10 things. My hubby does the laughing at anything painful/ hospital related too. Scary about the heart attack....glad it all worked out O.K.
    Level crossing give me the willies....always hold my breath till I'm over them.
    I'm impressed with the walking....I'm out every day at the moment but I haven't totted up my total. I'm also trying to cut out added sugar. I love bread and would no way be able to cut out carbs but the added sugar isn't too bad.....Oh, home baking doesn't count :0)
    Keep going with your regime ....I'm sure you will see a benefit soon.
    I don't watch any soaps and I'm most likely to quote 80's movies.
    Have a great week.
    Jacquie x

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    1. Yes, I reckon the laughter must be some sort of coping mechanism. Works though. I didn't feel worried there, just a week or so later when it sunk in! My phone tells me how far I am walking and what I am burning off. It's good though.....I try to beat my times. I don't run, I'm not a runner, but I can peg it up a steep hill pretty quickly now! x

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  6. Oh - random thing #2 is pretty scary. I'm glad that in the end it worked out okay for both of you...
    *and now for something completely different* >> LOVE your potholder! I'm with you on the powdery apples... And #7 and #8. ;-)
    Have a lovely day!
    xhaafner

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    1. Powdery apples are the worst! No flavour and are just mulch in your mouth! The pot holder pattern is from one of those Japanese books. They are the best! x

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  7. Fresh bread is my downfall too - along with chocolate and wine - the ABC of dieting - Alcohol, Bread and Chocolate!
    Have a great week. x

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    1. If I don't have alcohol in the house then I don't feel like it, but if it's in, then it has to be drunk! Montezuma's orange and geranium is my favourite chocolate. Yum yum........x

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  8. I laugh in the hospital too. Some terrible things have happened to me there, all while pregnant or recently birthed, but I laugh like I'm watching the funniest movie ever. Defense mechanism, I think. I love fresh bread too, could eat it all day long. And sometimes do, fortunately/unfortunately.

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    1. Yes I think it must be a defence mechanism...and yes, I could live on nothing but bread. Eeeek! x

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  9. Just wanted to say you share so much here Vanessa and you make people happy with your blog. It probably takes a lot to do that sometimes and to share personal information so thankyou. xxx

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  10. I didn't think that your other 10 were grumpy, or this 10! I imagine that your laughing at hospitals is a stress reaction, and probably more fun than crying all over the place which is the other likely stress reaction, they say that laughter is the best medicine, so you are just really good at dispensing the laughter to yourself when you need it!! I am really glad that you were OK after your heart/birth experience though and hope that you are still alright now. xx

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    1. Yeap all fine since. They never really knew why I had had it. They said it could just have been a pregnancy 'blip'. The heart works hard during pregnancy, it may just have been a bit fed up that day! x

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  11. Oh I LOVE those health and safety messages, wonderful! I'm not keen on driving under trains either. Glad the heart attack was a one-off. I bet the nurses loved you, it must be quite nice to have a patient who's laughing. There's probably not much mirth in the cardiac ward on a day to day basis. Every time you mention crocheting a blanket I remember that lovely ripple that you used to have in your header photo. I love it SO much, I really want to make one myself but I know it just won't be the same. Your colour choices are always so beautiful. Enjoy your week, I hope you make good progress on your WIPs. CJ xx

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    1. Go for it with a ripple. It's such a satisfying pattern to do. I'm sure whatever colours you choose will be awesome, or just get shades like mine and replicate if you like that colour way. I'm sure once you get started, you'll love working on it!

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  12. Oooh Vanessa, I like these randoms even more! You had a heart attack?? Blimey! Glad to hear you're all ok now. I totally know what you mean about driving under railway bridges - I hate being stuck in traffic under one (what if it collapsed?!) and visibly relax when I pass through it. And bread, yes, along with butter that is another of my many weaknesses, and a reason why I am half a stone too heavy...

    Love the H&S messages - too cute for words. x

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    1. I think it's because the bridges always look so small to be taking so much weight! That would be my nightmare to be stuck in traffic right underneath one! x

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  13. Your peony is very pretty, which variety is it? I once waited three years for a white peony to flower and when it did it was dark pink! I'm not worried about railway bridges but I hate driving over level crossings. Glad you haven't had any more problems after your heart attack, how awful it must have been, but you seem to have laughed yourself better! Have a great week Vanessa.
    Jane x
    PS I didn't think that your other randoms were whingey x

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    1. I have no idea what variety it is! Like you, after waiting three years, when it first flowered it wasn't what it was supposed to be! I was expecting pale pink. Never mind, this one is still quite magnificent! x

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  14. I don't like being stuck under motorway bridges.... and having to walk under them...urgh! I really enjoyed reading your post and so glad you are well now
    Tracey xxx

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    1. I've not walked over many motorway bridges, but when I have, I don't like them! I'd rather be underneath them. They are at that height I just don't like! x

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  15. You are a brave girl!!! Great to know that alls well with you. Loved your potholder. And your idea of blogging about 10 random things :) HAve a great week ahead

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  16. Love your potholder and the flower that inspired the centre. I have been following your Pinterest boards for some time.
    Jacqui x

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  17. Excuse me, what? You had a heart attack? Dear god, how scary. Thank goodness you were given the all clear, you poor bean. Slightly bonkers the laughing in hospital thing though!!! I wonder if it's nerves? Years ago, I had to break the news of his favourite client's sudden death to my boss and I couldn't actually get the words out for being doubled over with laughter - I had tears rolling down my face and everything. Needless to say, I had to eventually apologise.

    My peony finally bloomed this weekend too but it already looks like it's on its last legs. It's a thankless task this gardening business!

    I just love Baby Bear's safety messages, what a sweetie pie!

    Hxxx

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    1. I only got 3 peonies this year. I am enjoying them inside though and feeling amazed that I actually grew a pretty flower! I cannot bear to take down the H&S messages, but they are everywhere! Too funny! x

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  18. Such an interesting list again! How scary that you had a heart attack......I was so glad to read that all was fine though. (I think this one might qualify for the most dramatic random thing!) I always love to read what you write, and to look at your beautiful pictures. And also thanks to you I am enjoying my pretty new cafetiere!
    Happy week, Vanessa!
    Helen xox

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    1. Ahhhhh the cafetiere is such a joy isn't it?! It puts a smile on my face every time I use it! I think objects like that are essential for crafty people! ha ha! x

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  19. Love your blog �� The H & S messages are too cute and I love the spelling. Totally phonetic. Sadly the English language is not ��

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  20. Keep going with the walking - I used to walk 1 mile 3 times a week and over 6 months I lost a stone. Of course the minute I stopped walking the weight went back on with several more just to emphasise my laziness. I'm determined to get back into it though. I love the idea of laughing at the pain. I'm afraid the child in me comes out and instead I close my eyes because if I can't see those scary people they're not there. I love your posts. Philippa xx

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    1. When my car is working, I average 6-8 miles a week walking, but sadly, I seem to see that as a reason to 'treat' myself with a pastry...or ten! x

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  21. Ahhhhhhh yes, Celia Johnson had the perfect voice! x

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  22. This has been a lovely read, I enjoy your posts so much, always tinged with humor :).
    Those sweet lil messages are the best, kids are just too cute.
    Goodness your pregnancy heart attack must have been so scarey, thats def something I've never heard before....my!!!!!!!
    WALKING eh.....felt like I was reading my own story, a few pounds creeping up, walked at least 25 to 30 miles last week & LO & Behold I put on a pound....what is that??????
    Only answer is def some sweet treats to cheer ones self up :)
    Have a lovely week
    Karen x

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  23. Great post . It takes me almost half an hour to read the whole post. Definitely this one of the informative and useful post to me. Thanks for the share and plz visit my site kids organic sleepwear Babyandmumstore is an Australian online baby store selling organic and non-organic baby and children clothing.



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  24. And now I feel like I know you better! I do that same exact thing with my pinterest boards by the way!

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  25. That was a brave thing to talk about. It's one of those moments like child birth where everything is forever changed. Blogging and crochet must have helped you put the whole thing into some kind of perspective, it's all healing I think. But brave to have reached the point when you can open that up here. And very healing! Some things are just unexplained. Just part of our story that we are weaving together. I'm guessing there would have been a change at a very deep level and this would take time to assimilate. I'm sure all the beautiful crochet and community here would have helped. Thanks for sharing, stay open, keep creating! Heather x

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  26. OMG Vannesa! That heart attack sounds terrifying!!! I had helpp syndrome after delivery in my first two pregnancies and thought I was having a heart attack... it was so painful and scary... but I wasn't laughing....
    Apples are my favourite fruit but can't stand the powdery ones either...
    Love these random lists!! Have a lovely weekend!
    Pati x

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  27. I am so enjoying the 'random facts' I am reading through blogland .... it shows me that we are all so different yet also so alike in so many ways!
    Pat xx

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