Each and every day..

Thirty three years ago on the 22nd March, shortly after my twentieth birthday, my first child was born.  I can remember so clearly, reclining on my hospital bed, my precious bundle carefully swaddled in a white hospital blanket and propped against my knees.  I gazed at my new daughter in pure wonder, utterly oblivious to the rest of the world in that moment.

Celebrating Fay's birthday

That tiny bundle has taught me so much and made me so very proud.  She was a naturally shy child who, no matter what the challenge, taught herself to face the world with dignity and confidence, as she quietly carved her independence. 

Resilience, determination, humour, loyalty, compassion and the most wonderful zest for life, have made my daughter the amazing girl she is today.

Happy Birthday to you Fay,

You make me proud each and every day.

With all my love, 

Now and always,

Mum xxx

Making amends

Remember 'Lily', the sweet pink alpaca bear I made recently? Well, she sold so fast I had to disappoint a couple of my overseas collectors.  To make amends I promised to create similar alpaca teddy bears, but in alternative shades.  It's not always possible, but fortunately Lily's beautiful alpaca was also available in several alternative, equally gorgeous hand dyed colours ... perfect for Spring teddies!

So here is Lily's sister bear 'Lupin', an adorable 14" teddy bear created from a very pretty shade of lilac and wearing a cosy hat and scarf I knitted using a lovely soft alpaca yarn.  Lupin will be flying 'Downunder' to meet her new Mum in Australia later this week. 

Bon Voyage Lupin!

:-)

Speaking of Spring

Although I'd barely know from the chill wind which bites my nose every time I set foot outside, officially, it has at last been declared Spring here in the UK.  Despite the cold, it should be said, our daffodils are boldly trumpeting their arrival and making a rather fabulous effort to cheer the local parks and gardens.

If I wrap up warm, it's a lovely time of year for walking, with new shoots appearing each day on trees and delicate pastels making a shy appearance in local beds and borders.  Polly and Betty definitely have Spring in their step; they can't wait to ditch leads and run free at every opportunity!

Speaking of Spring flowers, the Camelia Dad gave me for my birthday many, many years ago, is flowering well again this year!  It survived our house move nine years ago and being transplanted from pot to muddy border, then took root and grew contentedly in its new corner. I introduced my Grandson to his Great Grandad's special 'flower' last week.  He's too young to understand the importance of this shrub yet, but I know Dad will be watching us chatting together in the garden and I don't for one second doubt, he'll smile down with pride at his Great Grandson's first horticultural explorations!

And it goes without saying that Springtime should always lead to a crop of pretty new teddy bears, so between looking after Toby and walking my girls, I will be working on them.  I hope to have a pretty soft green alpaca bear to share with you shortly and in the meantime, have made a montage of spring bears past and present for your enjoyment ...

:-)

Is it so small a thing
To have enjoy'd the sun,
To have lived light in the spring,
To have loved, to have thought, to have done.

Matthew Arnold
From the Hymn of Empedocles

Love 'n laughter

My Polly Dog turned three on Monday and goodness me, how those years have flown. Needless to say, I couldn't allow Polly's special day to pass without taking a few snaps of the birthday girl!

Polly, you have been my constant companion through thick and thin, for the past three years.  Whatever would I have done without your gentle 'kisses' every day and that soft nose of yours nudging my arm to remind me it's teatime?

You are the best foot warmer ever and always know how to make me smile, even if I'm sad ... and I love that daft grin of yours and the way you place your paw in mine as if to say, 'I love you too Mum'.

You have given me love and laughter every day since you first arrived and for that, I am so thankful.

A very Happy Birthday to you, my gorgeous girl xxx

:-)

Magnolia

This pretty Spring girl bounced off my website as soon as she landed.

17" Magnolia has been adopted

 I called her 'Magnolia' ... the magnolia trees will soon be blooming and after a long, muddy brown winter, I for one, am very much looking forward to seeing them! 

The best medicine

I almost had to cancel my Mother's Day after being knocked for six by a nasty sickness bug last week, but the thought of postponing my family made me sad, so I wobbled on and by the afternoon, felt strong enough to receive visitors.  Without wishing to sound contrived, chatting over a cuppa with my kids and future son-in-law, had a genuinely medicinal effect ... I felt so much better for spending time with them!

It was so lovely to be made a fuss of but the best Mother's Day gift of all and definitely my best medicine, was sharing time together.

Thank you so much for your love, thoughtfulness and time.

You kids are my world.

Mum xxx