tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41455420504359442322024-03-05T08:06:15.286+00:00Tales from under the oak treeLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-79595615067443316952018-04-24T20:46:00.000+01:002018-04-24T20:46:02.650+01:00Violets and Pinks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a few little musings today as I try to ease myself back into blogging. I really enjoy writing, but I must admit with working five days a week I find it hard to find the time, or I forget or I'm simply too tired. I want this to change though, otherwise I will always be finding an excuse not to be writing! </div>
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With the spring arriving and actually warming up for a sunny day or two, we've been persuaded out into the garden. My first foray outside was actually a rescue mission - the grass went into overdrive and the lawn warranted a good mowing - but the lawn was also strewn with teeny, tiny violets and I couldn't let them be devoured by the lawn mower, so I picked as many as I could - much to the annoyance of my teen boy who 'needed' lunch at the very same moment! With such tiny treasures I needed the right pot to put them in.<br />
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Off I went with a particular old glass salt pot in mind, though little direction as nothing has really found a home yet, despite being back for over a year now. I'll have random days of tidying or decluttering and stuff just gets moved - I do frustrate myself at times! Along the path of not knowing where to look, I found the perfect pot. A little egg cup I'd bought at one of last year's Vintage Car Boot sales in Yarmouth. Perfectly decorated with Holly Hobbie, The egg cup is dated 1978 - the time I carried round my own Holly Hobbie doll in matching patchwork bag! It's 40 years ago! Where has all the time gone? Holly Hobbie is still a fond memory, and my mini Holly Hobbie still sits in my bedroom (she is awaiting a new hairdo as her hair unfortunately fell off). Why does it not feel like 40 years? Time is rather mystifying to me at the moment - I still remember where I bought my dolly, it feels like no time at all since my twins were babies and they now have their own life in Australia and now my youngest is a teenager ...<br />
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and here's a very tenuous time link - the life cycle of a flower - it happens year after year, the seed growing, a beautiful flower blooms, then it withers and dies. Much like my lovely pink camellia ( I think it's a camellia!). This was taken a few days ago, I love how it looks like God got his paintbrush out with the perfectly placed stripes, but now the flower has faded and gone brown ... I'm not saying I'm withering and wrinkling like an old flower, but maybe it's good and healthy to look at our lives as a process, then we can be kinder to ourselves as we age and time passes.<br />
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Maybe it's time to stop musing :) <br />
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Larissa<br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-27396382485350414142018-04-17T20:19:00.000+01:002018-04-17T20:19:59.233+01:00Here and Now<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">As usual here I am, entering at the eleventh hour! There are other here and now stories to link to on the <a href="http://www.saylittlehen.com/2018/04/here-now-april-2018-link-up.html#more">Say Little Hen blog</a> :)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Loving // The fact that spring finally is coming out of hiding!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Eating // Far too much chocolate</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Drinking // Spicy orange fruity infusion! Comforting beyond measure :)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Feeling // Peaceful - long may it last</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Making // A mess ... playing with colours to paint better faces</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Thinking // About the good things in life ... like the hawthorn blossoms I saw this morning, and took the time to admire.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Dreaming // All the lovely summer dresses I could make. </span><br />
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Ooops! On checking I've just discovered that the chance to link up my blogpost has expired, but I'm still publishing as it's a good exercise in gratitude and a lesson in meeting deadlines!<br />
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Join in next month with me (around the 10th of the month!)<br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-77683913461451183822018-04-14T16:17:00.000+01:002018-04-14T16:48:59.060+01:00Oh my ... how time does fly ... in the blink of an eye ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh my ... who would believe we are already one quarter of the way through the new year ... and this is my first blog post of 2018!<br />
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It's taken me ages to get around to publishing this post - I've been thinking about what to write; procrastination has led to inaction. I've been scared to admit that I have been unwell. Everything that has happened in my life over the past couple of years or so finally caught up with me and I caved under the weight of complete overwhelm. Although it's been a part of my life (diagnosed at least) for over 20 years, it is still difficult to admit that I struggle with depression and anxiety. Someone said to me the other day that I shouldn't let it define me, and of course she was right but it got me to thinking, do I over-identify with it? If I let it rule my life completely and was unable to function at all then yes, that might be the case. However, I believe that I have come to an acceptance that this is a part of me, and I have to learn to manage it and most of all to love myself even with this 'shadow' aspect. A few years ago I remember saying to myself that I would never have depression again and that I would fight it with all my might ... and how did that work out? As you may have guessed, not that great, basically the more I resisted, the more it persisted! After a particularly nasty episode, I decided to walk towards it, and 'befriend' the anxiety and depression (I know how weird that sounds, but that's how it is), and since then I've come to more of an understanding of myself and how my mind works, I'm able to function and find a (stumbling) way through the mess. I still fall, but then I get up. If that's identifying with my depression, then I am happy to carry on.</div>
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What's really helped with me this time is my creativity - I've been making myself paint, even when I didn't feel like it and even if I felt my creations were awful! A fair few were scribbled over, ripped up and put in the bin, but maybe that was all part of the process. Now I feel like I'm coming out the other side, everything feels calmer and I'm actually enjoying the painting. I can tell you, forcing yourself to do the painting when you're not enjoying it is hard, but I'm glad I persevered. And admitting I was feeling sad and having a really good cry helped more than you can imagine!<br />
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Did any of that make sense at all? :)<br />
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What I'm trying to say is, I still feel a little heart-sore, my head is not working at full capacity, but like a toddler I'm finding my way. It feels good to be back, and I'm going to try and blog more as writing is another creative activity that makes my soul sing xxxx The sun is shining too.<br />
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love to everyone out there, wherever you are on your journey x<br />
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Larissa<br />
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PS The artworks are mine from the <a href="https://www.willowing.org/product/life-book-2018/">Lifebook 2018</a> lessons. You can still sign up to join - I think it's fab!</div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-28308220318765722772017-12-31T15:16:00.003+00:002017-12-31T15:16:48.954+00:00Goodbye 2017<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My word collage for 2018 - it's being added to as the day goes on ...</td></tr>
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Didn't I do well? Not! I let my blogging fall by the wayside as I took on a new job for 5 days a week and let it totally overwhelm me! I let myself become so stressed and worried about what I was doing well/badly, how I was fitting in with the team and taking these anxieties home with me. First lesson for 2018 is to not take life quite so seriously and give myself time to look around and see the good stuff too! I feel like 2017 has been a year for hunkering down after 3 years of seemingly endless stress and loss - 2017 has not been as 'exciting' but it has been a good time of rest and recuperation - getting strong again after life went down paths I found testing :)<br />
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Although I have mixed feelings about the new year, viewing it as a time of endings, I've realized I'm also grateful to it for giving me the opportunity to reflect on my past year and look forward to dreams for the next 12 months and beyond. Already I'm thinking of creative ideas for my art, which I'm going to re-establish this year, starting with the fabulous <a href="https://www.willowing.org/product/life-book-2018/">Lifebook</a> to get my creative muscles working again - it starts tomorrow :) I'm also going to get myself moving more by undertaking the couch to 5k program - I attempted it a few years ago in Australia but stopped because I got too hot - I don't have that excuse this time round! It's all training for the <a href="https://www.isleofwightchallenge.com/">Isle of Wight Challenge</a> which I'll be doing in May 2018. And I'll be getting this blog into shape too! Now you have an inkling of what I will be sharing this next year ...<br />
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What are your hopes and dreams for 2018?Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-71129912410493806732017-11-08T19:22:00.000+00:002017-11-08T19:22:10.760+00:00Lifting the spiritsOh dearie me ... the breaks in between posting just keep on happening! I think I will set myself a new challenge of how long can I make 100 days of blogging last!<br />
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Unfortunately, my 'flu-type' illness morphed into a 'chesty and not able to really breathe very easily' kind of illness and I have been laying low at home for a few days recovering. Today I ventured out to post a letter to a friend and returned home in fine fettle, no breathlessness to spoil my home-coming. The other aim of the walk, as well as to test fitness levels, was to try and subdue the out of this world pinkness of my new running shoes. Alas, it did not work, but I'm sure after a few mornings of pootling up and down our muddy, forest trails that problem will sort itself out :)<br />
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As you know, I do most sincerely believe that being creative has restorative powers, and my little project today was doubly so - good for the mind and the body; I made a lovely soft bra as the underwired ones I usually wear have been most uncomfortable as I've been fighting my 'like a chest infection, but not really one' complete with aching chest. Soft bras are so much more comfortable and allow you to be a bit freer without unleashing mayhem into the world, if you see what I mean. An extra added bonus was the sun streaming through the window, illuminating my sewing spot with it's warming rays which did much to warm and lift the spirits. I will share more maker details about this in the near future.<br />
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I do remember my mum saying that the flu can make you feel rather down; with this in mind I spent a small part of my day making notes on what I can do to lift my mood and keep me well - of late I have felt my mental health, although not slipping exactly, has felt like it's following a slightly descending path and I need to pay attention to it. I think I have unwittingly found myself a project, which if it goes as I'm hoping, I will share here. Perhaps at the end of my extremely long 100 days of blogging ... but maybe sooner. It's just at the seed stage at the moment.<br />
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What a lovely random post, much like my day really. <br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-50970350605726711172017-11-02T21:16:00.000+00:002017-11-02T21:16:25.453+00:00After the break<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s1569v2BUdf5586ka1VvQQNDnDTimm0B9dNKScUCbAm34oTplEeTKl0gSuDgPKAK-zPR5exh6AXNfMeSEfyJNMwWi1Ql6sF3eOWQ8afu3NQWm4LCeEql4-8q4Jtosn6YVxj-TYaeGJA/s1600/IMG_3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s1569v2BUdf5586ka1VvQQNDnDTimm0B9dNKScUCbAm34oTplEeTKl0gSuDgPKAK-zPR5exh6AXNfMeSEfyJNMwWi1Ql6sF3eOWQ8afu3NQWm4LCeEql4-8q4Jtosn6YVxj-TYaeGJA/s320/IMG_3792.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choosing relaxation - a stroll along the cliff path at Shanklin</td></tr>
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Well, I did say life might happen and stop my well laid plans for blogging 100 days non-stop - indeed it did! I was laid low by a horrible flu-like bug for a couple of weeks and started a new job very recently which has tired my poor brain out - suppose that will happen after starting a very nearly full-time job after years of being a full-time mum/part-time worker. I just didn't know what hit me! It's good to be learning new things and new ways of working, as well as meeting new people. It's not giving me time to ruminate as I could be prone to doing when spending lots of time by myself at home whilst wee man and hubby were out being busy at school and work. So, it's a good sort of tired, the sort of tired you get from having 'done stuff' and making your brain work!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My socks ...</td></tr>
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I'm still feeling a tad under the weather from my 'flu thing' - hoping I will feel well enough soon to take up running again after a significant amount of time not running. I would love to do a park run early in the new year. At the moment I get quite breathless, but have noticed that this week I can walk from the car to work slightly quicker :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA23iQCMvSTpZsLi03Xf-euF9IhU71wgfwnCtWPuwEI8juPyZnTMEWYTt4Kb7V1exH7rEneYrlbkqX3t1yITPtEaV_wR7DQAtbaeV-OAhxB3XUoMoQhyphenhyphenMBq9x9EXFBWCgV7ooezRqmgo/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA23iQCMvSTpZsLi03Xf-euF9IhU71wgfwnCtWPuwEI8juPyZnTMEWYTt4Kb7V1exH7rEneYrlbkqX3t1yITPtEaV_wR7DQAtbaeV-OAhxB3XUoMoQhyphenhyphenMBq9x9EXFBWCgV7ooezRqmgo/s320/IMG_3785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... somebody else's socks ...</td></tr>
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For now my creativity is very Christmas focussed as I knit socks for people and have a few handmade gifts to post overseas; I'd better get a move on - can you believe it's November already? Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-32321942126784121832017-10-12T22:07:00.003+01:002017-10-12T22:07:58.637+01:00The Little Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some days it's hard to get going and to keep going throughout the day. It might be due to tiredness, sad memories or errant hormones (boo). Whatever the cause, there is a cure, but you do have to work at it - it's practising gratitude, giving thanks for those blessings in life, however small. The most important thing is to find that small thing, and say thank you.<br />
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When I found myself feeling a little lacklustre today, I went into the garden and found the first thing to be grateful for - sunshine - not the warmth of a summer's day, but a gentle light on my face. Thank you.<br />
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I was mesmerized by the tweeting of the blue tits as they flew over my head when I went over to our oak tree. Thank you. I enjoyed the quiet time pottering around in the garden, putting away old plant pots, cutting up old and spent plants for the compost heap. Thank you.<br />
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I don't mean to sound smug, but I have felt low many times before and trying to see one tiny thing and to be thankful for that tiny thing has helped stop my spirit from getting lower and starts it on the path upwards again many a time.<br />
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Hope you enjoy the pictures of the things I saw in my garden that make me smile.<br />
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Gratitude is a powerful thing. x<br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-46912278238382055552017-10-10T10:31:00.002+01:002017-10-10T10:34:41.941+01:00Here and Now ... October 2017Today's my first 'Here and Now', a link-up run by the lovely Sarah at Say Little Hen. It's easy to join in: copy and paste her list into your blog, create your list, add photos and visit the blog to link-up (remember to link back <a href="http://www.saylittlehen.com/2017/10/here-now-october-2017-link-up.html#more">to the post at Say Little Hen </a>from your blog too). You can also take part via Instagram, Say Little Hen has instructions for that as well :)<br />
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<b><i>Loving </i></b>... buttons ... don't know why, but I always have ... especially putting my hand in the jar, Amelie style and letting the buttons drop through my fingers ...<br />
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<b><i>Eating</i></b> ... dairy-free yogurt! ... in an effort to de-toxify my liver ... following Sandra Cabot's liver cleansing diet<br />
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<b><i>Drinking</i></b> ... rooibos tea ... for the reason listed above<br />
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<b><i>Feeling</i></b> ... a little bit sad ... missing my dog who went to doggie heaven in February, it still hurts, and I miss walking with him, he'd love the forest walks here ... and happy because I'm here with my boys<br />
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<b><i>Making</i></b> ... socks ... gloves ... winter is coming ...<br />
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<b><i>Thinking</i></b> ... I should go for more walks<br />
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<b><i>Dreaming</i></b> ... of hugging my big kids still living in Australia xxx<br />
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<a href="http://www.saylittlehen.com/2017/10/here-now-october-2017-link-up.html#more">Click here</a> to go to the post at Say Little Hen :)<br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-67080729347897094322017-10-08T22:57:00.002+01:002017-10-08T22:57:50.653+01:00Festival of Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ooooh - we have an outside broadcast today :) Or rather, tonight as it was part of the Festival of Light at Robin Hill on the Island. The theme was Indian 'Diwali' which is the Hindu festival of light. <br />
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To be honest I wasn't expecting too much as the description I had been given was 'it's trees being lit up at night-time', plus we had a new teenager coming with us who would have much rather been spending time on the computer, so it was touch and go as to how 'light' the evening would be. It was, however, very beautiful. I am a sucker for fairy lights anyway, add in lovely colours, brightly patterned animals, climbing nets and a falconry and owl display and you have one very happy mother! There's also a mesh bridge spanning between 2 of the paths, and obviously the way to keep a teenager happy is to let him bounce said bridge up and down whilst terrifying his mother in the process. I think that was the best part of the evening for him :)<br />
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The other part that brought great joy was climbing the Squirrel Tower, which is a spiralling, tall tower you climb up the inside of using cargo nets - you can just make out the 3 boys walking ahead to the start in the pic above; I stayed behind as I knew I would be slower. About halfway up I froze, at the same time as realizing I had the same distance to travel up or down and I just forced myself to keep moving. My son came down to look for me I took so long! But I'm really proud of myself I did it.<br />
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One part of the walk through the trees was called 'Spiritual India' and I did feel really peaceful here, I don't know if it was the music playing or the more subtle effect of the lighting under the trees, but it was just so calm. I love walking about at night-time anyway!<br />
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I hope the pictures do the festival justice - they say so much more than I can with words alone. <br />
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I particularly like the picture of the tree with the purple up-lighting - I can almost see a man standing tall with outstretched arms - brings new meaning to the tree of life!<br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-87279752005422206802017-10-07T22:42:00.000+01:002017-10-07T22:42:08.142+01:00Day 10I'm one tenth of the way through my 100 days of blogging! I did consider going to bed without blogging tonight, but I want to keep my creative muscles flexed and in good condition, and the only way to get better at writing (or anything for that matter) is to practise, practise, practise. <br />
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It's been another creative day - all I can smell is mixed spice and spirits after making copious amounts of Christmas pudding and mincemeat. I'm still cooking for a family of 5 even though my grown-up kiddies are living abroad and we are a mini family of 3. So I will be giving a lot of handmade, cooked gifts this year!<br />
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I've read my newsletter from Meg McElwee of <a href="http://sewliberated.com/about/">Sew Liberated</a> today, and she was advocating slow-sewing, suggesting making one item this month and taking time whilst you do it, hopefully finding it more enjoyable in the process. I love her concept of sewing as self-care. We all need to indulge in that.<br />
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Larissa x<br />
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PS Meg writes a wonderful post about perfectionism <a href="http://blog.mamaliberated.com/sew_liberated/2016/04/a-reintroduction.html">here</a> - well worth a read :)Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-30418538042376868952017-10-06T21:50:00.002+01:002017-10-06T21:50:47.047+01:00A Creative DayI don't know if writing about being creative actually makes you more creative, but I've been on a roll today! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iKqobr_DfvuzAkXvZ1ksCRVPBhL6YTTFjwWJs-vGXlK-KAPLZYBxr_1R__pLp6OFDX8XZJCTV3aaIsCpszQSBIKP0KA1FWQBdcDYIN2QGy3KdiI_LdJVlZlPhyi5FW6__tC11y8GWQ4/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iKqobr_DfvuzAkXvZ1ksCRVPBhL6YTTFjwWJs-vGXlK-KAPLZYBxr_1R__pLp6OFDX8XZJCTV3aaIsCpszQSBIKP0KA1FWQBdcDYIN2QGy3KdiI_LdJVlZlPhyi5FW6__tC11y8GWQ4/s320/IMG_3688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Liberty</td></tr>
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Firstly I made a little patchwork from my prepared Liberty fabrics, which will find itself on one of my messenger bags, which will then be put up for sale on my Etsy shop. I will be doing a proper shop update very soon, and then you can see the treasures therein :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOp1cOJlc5ctrBgfELyq36oUysbbRSo4wTQjo_yV-jjSBA25nrsX0ZSmjaGhpVS9_6hn4QsKnf1hFI2iZgeThGlIPAYxsMbVySH6pAg_RS9wLsXswJwaGjx2ivErGNN5QPJ8ujWPehmtA/s1600/IMG_3690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOp1cOJlc5ctrBgfELyq36oUysbbRSo4wTQjo_yV-jjSBA25nrsX0ZSmjaGhpVS9_6hn4QsKnf1hFI2iZgeThGlIPAYxsMbVySH6pAg_RS9wLsXswJwaGjx2ivErGNN5QPJ8ujWPehmtA/s320/IMG_3690.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas is coming</td></tr>
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I also managed to make the skirt of an apron, finish the other half of a pair of crochet granny square fingerless gloves and make a Christmas cake! Oh and I bottled 2 and a half litres of blackberry gin, so now Christmas is sorted ;)<br />
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It feels good to have been so in the zone today, but I think I'll need a lie down to recover from all that productivity!<br />
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Larissa x<br />
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<br />Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-51028554676276117802017-10-05T22:34:00.001+01:002017-10-05T22:34:02.826+01:00The boring bits pay offYesterday I shared how much I dislike prepping fabric for creative projects, and how I possibly overdosed myself on doing it for nearly 6 hours! Well, today after dropping my lad off for the school bus, I went home with the intention of making one of the aprons for a friend, which we had discussed several weeks ago and I filed in my 'get round to it later' pile, which is a dangerous place to be! No more - I really am trying to finish up my WIPs in a futile attempt to make room in the house for future WIPs :) This project was a priority because the recipient is one of the best cake makers in the world, as well as being my crochet (and birthday) buddy, plus the fact she was feeling under the weather and it's always nice to receive a gift when you least expect it and it's guaranteed to cheer you up if you're feeling a bit 'woolly' (especially as my track record for completing gifts is pretty pants to say the least, so it's always bound to be a surprise). <br />
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The pattern I used is the <a href="http://sewliberated.com/products/emmeline-apron-sewing-pattern">Emmeline apron</a> by Sew Liberated - it is my favourite apron pattern as whilst it does take some work, it also looks mighty fine when it's finished and lasts forever, whatever you throw at it, because it's double-layered - reversible see!<br />
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The only thing we really did discuss was the piece of fabric with roses and butterflies,which she already had in her stash and wanted included if possible. The rest she left to me (my friend is very trusting). As C is a baker, I almost did a somersault when I saw the lovely stripey fabric, and seeing as I somehow managed to smuggle my entire stash back to the UK without my husband noticing (ok, he did notice a bit, but it was too late once I'd wedged it into the packing boxes) I knew I'd have something in there to match C's lovely fabric, and indeed I did and I like the colour-blocked effect very much indeed.<br />
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The whole thing took me about 4 hours to make - it would have taken slightly less, but it's necessary to hand-stitch the binding to the bodice and it took me longer than expected because I couldn't see too clearly because it was rather dimpsy today and I'm still learning to drive my new vari-focals, It all got done in time for me to hand deliver the apron though. The look of sheer happiness on C's face when she unfolded the apron made all the boring prep business fade away in time (also relief for me that I'd made something she's happy to wear, which is very important obviously). I love making things, but making something for somebody special, who really appreciates the work that went into it and is happy with the result is even more lovely.<br />
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So, two happy people sat contentedly, sipping tea, crocheting and chatting away for a couple of hours, what a perfect way to spend the rest of the day.<br />
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Boring bits ...what boring bits? :)<br />
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Larissa x Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-28282349628832722832017-10-04T21:46:00.002+01:002017-10-04T21:46:54.535+01:00The boring bits ...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did some crochet hearts to break the monotony - they're so quick to make it's instant gratification!</td></tr>
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Today I realized something - I really don't like choosing, cutting out and preparing fabric! Which is strange because I love, love, love sewing - it's been my favourite hobby for over 30 years, I've dragged my sewing machine to 3 different countries - but the prep? You can keep that ... but unfortunately it's absolutely necessary to creating with textiles, so I spent 6 hours today cutting out a load of projects (interspersed with tea breaks and sneaky catch-up peeks at Vikings) to give me a stockpile of sewing, which is the good bit! I wonder why I don't like the cutting out? Is it because it's destructive initially - an anti-creative activity? I guess I try and do cutting out in short, sharp bursts so that I don't get too bored, but as I'm trying to build up stock for my Etsy store, thought I'd do all the cutting in one go .. not such a great idea as it turns out, but at least it's all finished.<br />
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Do you have a least favourite part of creativity you have to work through to get to the fun part?<br />
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But I would say, keep on making the steps to being creative, even if it seems destructive at the start, it's well worth the effort :)<br />
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Larissa x<br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-85202488472264499622017-10-03T20:18:00.001+01:002017-10-03T20:18:12.612+01:00Sunbeams and Liberty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today a little patch of sunshine found me in my creative space. Amazing how sunlight lifts the spirits - I was already feeling creative, so this lovely light was an added bonus. Messing about with Liberty fabrics also makes my heart smile!<br />
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Nothing too complicated - just a small patchwork 'patch' to put onto a messenger bag. I promise you I will be setting up (Etsy) shop soon, and you can see what I've been beavering away at. I enjoy the process of creating each piece individually, each item will be a one-off, hopefully some of that creative and calm energy will weave its way into my products (crumbs that sounds ever so commercial - it couldn't be further from the truth!)<br />
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I've been reading a lot lately about the go-slow movement, and it does sound delightful - but I'm not sure I'm that good at it. I would love to be though. The ironic thing is that I think you have to work hard at it! I suppose then it becomes a habit, second nature. I would love it to be my second nature too, maybe it's something I can work and document here in my little piece of cyberspace.<br />
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Hmmm, I shall ponder that slowly ...<br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-1106648815687419542017-10-02T22:18:00.002+01:002017-10-02T22:18:51.465+01:00Sometimes it's easy ... sometimes not ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3NG1LgWO6Zg_nErpEZUrAPsmRji8Z7Y8dj5FVjTFkmEgnWg_VLIcLzLusqZagL2OQ2QiYazy6jCsKvxBpysNSt6hxVhwRcpCLW_LvhbjFITyOB38Hmv4uec5Wpy8G7R902L4gfCrn70/s1600/IMG_2835+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1123" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3NG1LgWO6Zg_nErpEZUrAPsmRji8Z7Y8dj5FVjTFkmEgnWg_VLIcLzLusqZagL2OQ2QiYazy6jCsKvxBpysNSt6hxVhwRcpCLW_LvhbjFITyOB38Hmv4uec5Wpy8G7R902L4gfCrn70/s320/IMG_2835+%25282%2529.JPG" width="224" /></a></div>
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As I intimated yesterday, sometimes creativity doesn't come so easily in fact it feels like hard work and sometimes I have to walk away. Yesterday's debacle with the socks looks like it was the result of feeling ever so slightly off colour - the rest of my family started complaining about headaches and feeling not able to concentrate, so it looks like we have a virus in the house and I have an excuse for my inability with the circular needles :)<br />
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So, what is my excuse today? I woke up with the intention of sewing all day and making lots of stock for my Etsy store, but only managed to sew 3 bags (which I am really quite pleased with as they've been WIPs since last winter!) I just seemed to be on a go slow. And I feel like I'm not fully flexing my creative muscles here on the blog either, almost as if something is blocking my words and making it hard to write material that makes sense! It doesn't seem to flow easily.<br />
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Well, I will take my 3 handbags as a lesson - one step at a time, all be it slowly, and I'll get there in the end.<br />
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Practise, practise, practise ....<br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-59230281059942965882017-10-01T22:23:00.001+01:002017-10-01T22:23:42.835+01:00Knowing when to walk awayGreat title considering I'm busily trying to create socks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap-q_5pjSVEj6QTDyWfhI1JYWbcVkJ0zUhOTXm_xQODn6Whi0ZfN5AjG_OYZu4KKSU9SCMfr0HL1aacJgXmyNx7aSuCvh1-jJXBUDHyLCzi9QP-LtxptiU98oqQLHmafJwmoFhUToPgo/s1600/IMG_3636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap-q_5pjSVEj6QTDyWfhI1JYWbcVkJ0zUhOTXm_xQODn6Whi0ZfN5AjG_OYZu4KKSU9SCMfr0HL1aacJgXmyNx7aSuCvh1-jJXBUDHyLCzi9QP-LtxptiU98oqQLHmafJwmoFhUToPgo/s320/IMG_3636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm using <a href="http://www.winwickmum.co.uk/2014/05/basic-sock-pattern-and-tutorial.html">this pattern</a> by Winwick Mum - it's a great pattern and the first sock has been made and I'm so very pleased with it. I was worried that I may be stricken with the dreaded 'second sock syndrome', but it's worse than that - I have 'why-oh-why-isn't-this-sock-as-good-as-my-first-one syndrome' and it requires radical treatment - i.e. walking away whilst you are still happy to keep the blessed thing on your needles and not rip the whole thing out! That's very difficult I can tell you! <br />
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But I did manage to stop at the appropriate time, and kept all the swear words in my head, so I must get Brownie points for that. I went off to do some washing up, mindfully I might add, then had a lovely blustery walk in the dark in the rain, coming back much calmer and suddenly able to knit again. <br />
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Sometimes the road to creativity is not smooth ... but it does get me out :) <br />
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Larissa x<br />
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PS I would like to add that it was my lack of concentration causing difficulties, and not the pattern which I think is very good - try it if you've thought about knitting your first socks - there are loads of pics and a tutorial to help. Would definitely recommend for beginners. Fab!<br />
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PPS Sock yarn by Stylecraft - called Etna :)Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-42675122505212582082017-09-30T18:41:00.000+01:002017-09-30T18:41:32.845+01:00If you go down to the woods today ...<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;">Today I thought I'd introduce you to the concept of 'forest bathing' - I say introduce as although it's a phrase used in Japan since 1982, I didn't know it was a real thing! The walking part in the forest I knew about, how being in nature is like therapy for me I've experienced, but to know it's a cultural thing is simply quite amazing :) </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sketch of a gate on a recent walk near my home, I was really touched by the memorial plaque; two walkers who obviously knew the benefits of a walk in the woods</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;">I had to dig a bit more and there are loads of articles on the interwebs, and this quote from one </span><a href="https://qz.com/804022/health-benefits-japanese-forest-bathing/" style="font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;">found here</a><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;">, sums up succinctly the benefits of walking in the woods, and adds to the reasons I enjoy my time outside in nature:</span><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;">"The Japanese practice of </span><a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/herbal-remedies/forest-bathing-ze0z1301zgar" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 0px; color: #168dd9; cursor: pointer; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">forest bathing</a><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;"> is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of wellbeing."</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;">I knew walking in the wild helped me enormously from an inspiration point of view, my walking meditation helping me feel calm and centred, but who knew it has such great physiological benefits. Get outside! Right now! You'll feel great :) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;">I'm thinking this will not be the last of my researching forest therapy (yes, I love that phrase too) - it may even warrant a blog category all of its own.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;">Larissa x</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-56522960092126959872017-09-29T15:08:00.001+01:002017-09-29T15:16:05.651+01:00Why Tales From Under the Oak TreeI do love a good story, and story-telling, so here is my story of how Tales From Under the Oak came into being ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjgkPaGU6IMmvQPWi9W05AmrdhiEAtQviMnn5Dmo-2AoPHxDBAgMhEwUxV-JzJoYojtc_dlqR6psQv0npdu-90Fkbog6CWNycbFuoFFhfoJpBu8sqRJfZu_18RszInhyzEylIM9cK-BU/s1600/IMG_3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjgkPaGU6IMmvQPWi9W05AmrdhiEAtQviMnn5Dmo-2AoPHxDBAgMhEwUxV-JzJoYojtc_dlqR6psQv0npdu-90Fkbog6CWNycbFuoFFhfoJpBu8sqRJfZu_18RszInhyzEylIM9cK-BU/s320/IMG_3612.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn - out with the old, making room for the new</td></tr>
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After my dad died a couple of years ago, I fell out of blogging entirely - I just didn't have the heart to do it anymore. He used to read my blog, comment occasionally and gauged how happy I was when writing, checking up on me when I wasn't for an extended time. Although I had a lot of lovely people reading my words, I felt bereft when I lost my biggest fan. So I just let it sit unattended for a long time; life happened - life changed and I began wonder if I should change my blog around to reflect this. After much soul searching I decided to leave the blog in the same place, but change the name to 'Tales from the Forest' (which I never did in the end, it stayed as Create for Life) to reflect the environment I was working in and being inspired by ...<br />
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... but life, as I am discovering on a regular basis, changed again and suddenly I wasn't in my beloved forest home anymore ... and still didn't have the will to write my blog. After our move back to the UK, I couldn't get the idea out of my head, as I really enjoy writing and it didn't feel right to just give up, plus I kind of wanted to honour my Dad as he was always encouraging me to keep writing and creating.<br />
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After living on the biggest Island on the planet, we decided to settle on a much smaller Island off the south coast of England and found our new home amongst the trees, which I discovered is built in the remains of an ancient woodland. We fell in love straight away, and moved in as quickly as we could under the shelter of an enormous oak tree in our back garden - I feel protected and comfortable under the canopy of this king of trees :) And so, as we settled and life became calmer I knew this is my new place of inspiration, and the name of my new blog home materialized in my head, as well as the know-ing I wanted to start a new blogging chapter to reflect the new chapter of my life - it just felt right. And here I am, right at the beginning ...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite paths</td></tr>
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Now I can walk down the road and have a myriad of choices of footpath to take me into the rest of the ancient woodlands surrounding us, that calming world where ideas float into my mind and I can see endless possibilities for creativity ... this really is my space, where I can be me, roaming under the oak trees ... looking forward to new chapters ...<br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145542050435944232.post-37403223693001044662017-09-28T20:34:00.001+01:002017-09-28T20:34:41.459+01:00Setting my intention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_WdHgmE4OycvfFONS_xYAXGVwx8tOpnE4l66HhPN6bA3L9_CWF7-9Ze7X9HQrOBg9cG801azxZwePlfzsCLXCv08U3J3JQEKzIsc7zS8vyStFGjSFcLQV3SGYPEDDs6lN1xYeH82-tA/s1600/crochet+oak+leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_WdHgmE4OycvfFONS_xYAXGVwx8tOpnE4l66HhPN6bA3L9_CWF7-9Ze7X9HQrOBg9cG801azxZwePlfzsCLXCv08U3J3JQEKzIsc7zS8vyStFGjSFcLQV3SGYPEDDs6lN1xYeH82-tA/s320/crochet+oak+leaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It seems like forever since I started my first blog over at Create for Life back in 2007 - 10 years seems like a good point to stop one adventure and to step out into another, and wow, have a lot of things happened in those 10 years! My eldest children left high school, have nearly completed uni and both moved out over the last 2 years; my dear Dad died; our life in Australia came to an end; a new life has begun in another part of the world; and my youngest has just started his time at high school in a new country. <br />
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So it feels like the right time to start something new, to mark this new life of ours, back in our homeland.<br />
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I always like to start a new project with my intent, and here it is my hope to chronicle my creative journey, perhaps inspiring others as I go (that I would love to do) and sharing more of my art this time round. In my previous blogging life I started out as a creative blog, and found I was journalling more about what was happening in our lives in the forest in Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia, as the blog progressed, which was a great way to stay in touch with family and friends 'on this side'. Creatively, I really experimented with lots of artistic pursuits, and developed my confidence 'on that side' of the planet, and now my life has changed again I'm hoping to share more of what I enjoy of the creative process and how it is important to me from a health perspective. We will see! More of this to come later I am sure ...<br />
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To finish, I fully intend to write my blog for 100 days starting from today just to get back into the stride of things, which should take me near to the end of the year (give or take a few days for emergencies ... life happens!)<br />
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Here's to creative pursuits!<br />
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Larissa xLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997142295602295703noreply@blogger.com0