A wish cast, and a invitation! Double whammy!

The lovely Jamie asked us this week: What fun do you wish to have?

Ohh, Fun. I love having fun, because it's fun. Fun is a funny word isn't it? Well, I am craving a bit of fun right now. Work has been a bit of a wary one this week. Issues, dramas, issues, drama. SIGH. At times like these I turn to my great mentor, Judge Judith Sheindlin, Judge Judy, (or if I was her best mate, J.J.) I watch her in action and she takes no messing and I am sure Judge Judy knows a thing or two about fun too!

Here's what fun I would wish for at the moment:

Receiving a longed for penfriend letter in the letter box and reading over a cup of coffee and all the time in the world.

or a good half an hour at least.

To live in completed knitted world.

How comfy does that knitted chair look?

Taking a ride back in time on merry go round carousal,

up and down and around we go!

Flying a kite!

That amazing feeling when after several, if not huffy, thwarted attempts to sail it in the air, then suddenly it takes flight!

When all else fails I can always look at this picture of artwork on my hand, with the silly face drawn for me especially by one of the children while we all lay on the grass in the sunshine and sang nursery rhymes in the loudest and in the silliest voices as we could, laughing our heads off all the way up to the clouds!

Now that was fun!

So, speaking of fun, are you free 26th of June? I do hope so, as you are invited to a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, yeah right here! Don't be late for this important date! Oh please, I do wish you could come, I may have a surprise giveaway there too. Or maybe not, it depends if you turn up. A lady who is much nicer than I, the lovely Vanessa from a fanciful twist is holding court at this wonderful teacup event, but if you pop by her blog, everyday is a magical party there! It is a wonderful blog, please to check it out. It is guaranteed you to do some involuntary ""Ohhh, Ahhh!" at the wonder!

I just hope good ole laptop here, holds out until then!

See you soon!

Wish Cast Wednesday

What do you wish to leap into?




This is the wish cast Jamie weaved for us today.Well, as some of you know I have started a journey into thirty list of thirty things to do while I am thirty.( OMG how many times did I just type thirty?! Again!)

So I wish to leap right into that. Having completed No. 15: Sleeping under the stars, which was a absolute delight, I wanted to continue on my quest, as with all starts to a new month I fail to remember it. I will still think it is May until the 22nd and be one of those people who annoy you by repeatedly say "I cant believe it is June already!" Time is flying by and this does not help matters for me.

It was actually camping that brought me to my next challenge, No.27: Looking after a caterpillar and watch as it turns into a butterfly. On the last day of camping, just before we left I took a quick pit stop to the ladies and on the tile floor was this guy:


Munch.That's his name you see, it suits him I think. After doing some extensive research (google) it would seem I have to be very wary of this wee fella as although he is rather cute and furry, his furriness can cause bad problems with humans. So I am all gloved up and being very cautious around him.

He will either be a moth or butterfly but either way, I hope all goes well and I hope I am taking care of him properly. Another thing I put on my list was snake handling. (what was I thinking?) I am very frightening of snakes but it was a true thing to put on my list, so it stays. Not all fun and games, this list you know!
I did have a look into it, but to no avail, so I was going to swap it for Shark diving for charity instead. (I know, I know, I am a walking contradiction.)
I am definitely going to do the charity shark dive at some point though, I will give you more updates as I receive them! Anyway, back to the snake thing. I had hit a dead end with it, when today I got a picture message on my phone from a dear friend with her brand new pet, a 17 ft Boa constrictor! Very muted yay. I was kinda hoping for a corn snake for my snake encounter, But I started this list and life just seems helping me along nicely ,it would seem. Myself and Mr constrictor, (ohh what a apt name!) are meeting in the very near future. Ekkkk!
Oh, before I go, I want you to meet our new housemates the house martins. These flock of wee birds have chosen to build their mud nests just by the window,just above our heads and under the rafters.

and who could blame them? Look at this wonderous view unfolding before us this morning.

It was so perfectly still and peaceful, with only birdsong to fill the air.

But beware, never get on the wrong side of these birdies,

they know exactly where to aim.
Toodle pip!

Wish Cast Wednesday

Jamie this week asked: What do you wish to know?

Oh, many things, many things.

I wish to know:

* How TV and photography works. How can I take a picture of something and how does it remain in the camera? How does it get in there? How can that person or time of place live forever on that TV screen? How does that happen?Amazing mind boggling stuff to me.

* How to spend my time effectively: I have work, mail, emails, postings, reading, cleaning, creating, listening, talking and hopefully some enjoyment to be had. How do I fit it all in? I do not even have children. All mothers and fathers of the world, I salute you.

* How to recognise the sound of the alarm clock, meaning I have to get up. Not switch it off (in my sleep no less) and go back to bed. Big fella says I am like a donkey that will not be moved once I return zombie like back to my slumber again.

* If I am making the right decision. So many decisions to be made. Remember when the biggest decision in your life was whether to use the pink crayon or the blue one for your colouring in book? ( No? Me neither.) I have many decisions to make in work, hard, heartbreaking ones in some cases. Everybody has a opinion but in the end, the decision is mine to be made and what is the best for all concerned. Pressure.The one thing I do know, is that if I make a wrong decision, I hold my hands up, and learn from it.

* How to listen more. Sometimes, I find that I am listening to what a certain someone is saying to me, only to find myself thinking: What I will have for my tea? Who killed JR? What superpower I would most like to possess? I am not listening, I am waiting to talk. I got to work on that, that's not good.

Many other things I wish to know, the mysteries of life and all that goes with it. I am sure along my path of life I will find my answers.

Well, this post is also my farewell post, for tomorrow Big Fella and I are going camping for a few days. We are going to Wales a place I adore, but little else is known. (Did you see that part above about not listening? But in terms of my thoughts on superpower? Invisibility.)

I don't want to know really, I just want to get there and go on a great adventure! Escape! We have got everything we need, Multi pack of loo roll (essential) Baby wipes (essential) Camera charger ( oh yeah, I am on fire here!) and amongst other things, a tent. Ohhhh, I forgot about the tent. No log cabin available eh? I keep forgetting about that. Thank goodness I invested in a blow up bed! Luxury camping is on! now just to find a pump. I am NOT blowing that thing up. It's King sized!

Well I am off now to get my hair done! So in when the Blair Witch finds us, I will stun her with my luscious locks and want to become best friends forever? Please.

See you all soon and I will be back with all the news soon! (I hope!) Cheerio!

Wish Cast Wednesday

What do you wish for your space? What a interesting wish cast you think, and you should, Jamie asked it.

I love our flat. Space. Or apartment. (Why do they call them flats over here? I must find out.) I truly wished for this place when I was a child, to live by the sea and look, my wish came true!

I have to tell you of the magical way we came across it. Big fella and I had been together for four years before decided to move in together. I was living with my friend in her house and he was living with his friend in his house. To be honest I was happy as Larry with this set up. I could watch as much Judge Judy as I liked and have girly chats with my friend and know that she would not leave the toilet seat up.

Sometimes Big fella would stay at mine and sometimes I stayed at his. When he would leave me to work on those mornings, we always past a gated winding road with grand houses and large gardens. I always wanted to go down there and see where it lead to.
Then one cold November afternoon big fella took me for a drive down the winding road. I gasped at the wonder of it. It was like going into another world of secret gardens and amazing Victorian houses, with gas lamps dotted down the cobblestone path to boot!

It was so gorgeous I expected to see gentlemen in top hats and ladies with ringlets in their hair, dressed in volumious corsets and a horse drawn carriage. But the best was yet to come. It was when we turned the corner of this winding road I saw a glistening of the sunset in the distance growing into the reflection from the water! The road ended on a private promenade with nothing ahead but water and sky, and the distance shoreline, and the welsh mountains. The sunset was amazing and I could not believe I never knew about this magical place before. This would turn out to be our first adventure! As we sat in awe in the car with the sun turning everything golden I remember saying "I wish we could live right here." "Yeah, me too. I wish we could live right here." We were wishing on the sunset and as the moon arose the magic unfolded and our wish was heard.

Every time we had nothing else to do I would ask big fella to drive to our magical place and watch the sunset. We did this many times and every sunset was unique. I loved it there. Life trundled on and soon we had decided to move in together and get our own place.
I talked to my friend about it and she thought I should go for it. So when big fella said

"Should we move in together?"
"I don't know"
"It will be cheaper"
"Let's do it."

True love eh?

That night we sat down at the computer and starting looking at places around our price range, which wasn't a great deal. There was not a lot to offer only bedsits at best (bang goes the swimming pool idea.) and we were about to call it a night, when we decided to have one last look on another website and there she was. It was the place we had wished for and it stood high over behind us where we parked the car every time we visited! Low and behold, it was amazingly in our price range! I thought that surely there must be some mistake, but immediately rang for a viewing. No mistake the lady on the other end told me and that the was letting someone view it tomorrow at 3pm and could you make it for 5pm?

"YESSSSS!" I screamed down the phone and ran about whooping for joy! Big fella pointed out that we had not got the place yet, but the thought of even viewing the place and the view would be amazing! This was gonna be a great day!In the morning I went to work and waited for 5pm. Big fella picked me up and we made it there in good time. We were so busy looking at the water and listening to the waves coming with the tide, it took us a while to realise that nobody for the estate agents had arrived to take us around the place. I grabbed my mobile to ring when I noticed some missed calls from them and a message to say the 3pm slot took the flat and sorry.

Oh no. Big fella and I were heart trodden and sadly drove away from our dream place. I even went on the web to look at the picture of it, but they were on the ball and took it down. I couldn't even see the picture of inside? Just cruel.

For days afterwards we would talk about what it would be like to live there and having the waves sing us goodnight. I decided to have a sneaky peek on the website just in the vain outlandish hope that it would be there. I gasped. There it was, back on the website! No, there must be a mistake! I rang the estate agents. The lady was so glad I called back as they mislead my number and yes the apartment was available again, the couple went travelling instead, just up on market to rent this morning and would we like to view it? I think I cried. I couldn't believe it. Of course we went to view it and of course we immediately signed on the dotted line and of course we are the luckiest people who love living together so much!

So the only thing I wish for is for me to continue to thank my lucky stars and keep this space filled with love warmth friends and laughter of course with some drama along the way and give it the TLC it deserves! It is due a lick of paint which we are planning to do! We are so lucky to have it and we will always appreciate and be thankful for! Isn't it a funny old world?

Hope your week is sailing along nicely!

Wish Cast Wednesday

On this Wish Cast Wednesday Jamie asked: What do we wish to want? Now to be honest I feel like I want for nothing right now. The monthly bills are paid,(the grace of direct debit, why didnt I do that sooner?) work is improving, I am getting healthy by running every day around the most beautiful magical place of a neighbourhood I have never dreamed of living in, family and friends are well and me and big fella are getting along just lovely! Life is good at the moment. but a wish cast is a wish cast so I will wish today.



What I wish to want right now is my cornflake buns I tirelessly slaved over last night. There, I said it. They where there last night, I should know I made them. But today they are no longer there, not one, and I am crestfallen and ever so slightly peeved off. Let me take you back......

Last night I craved to bake. (I just washed my apron and it was all nice and clean looking, it didn't seem right) but didn't have enough ingredients for a cake or even sconces. All that was in the cupboard was a box of cornflake and a industrial sized bar of chocolate I had bought myself to scoff my face in celebrating the 5k run in July. ( Chocolate of any kind in our cupboard until July? Who I'm I kidding? Big fella and I are such greedy guts!)

So since I am on a new health kick (ha!) instead of eating the chocolate whole and all in one go (It has been known) I thought, I will add some nutrients in the form of cornflakes for fibre. Good thinking, Claire, good thinking. I broke up the bar and put in a bowl steaming underneath a hot boiling cauldron of mist. (Or a saucepan with water if you wanna get all technical)



and watched it slowly melt from gooey

to just the best thing on living earth. I have no shame, I would be straight in there, eating it all with a big wooden spoon and a delirious smile on my face, if it wasn't for your benefit dear bloggers and for photography purposes for this post. Ahem.

I then added the cornflakes and scrunched them all up in the melted chocolate!

I put them all in their pretty wee cases and let them set. I did not touch one.

I promise. But Big fella did. He ate them all. His excuse today when I came home from work?

" But Claire, I could not resist! They were not made from cooking chocolate, these were made with real chocolate! Lovely with a cup of tea and a bit of Judge Judy on the TV."

I know Mister! I made them! i didn't get one and he got to see the great Judge Judy in action as well? No fair!

So that's what a wish to want, my cornflake bun thingys. I guess I will just make more some other time but minus the cornflakes and Big fella! He will never know.

Unless he is secretly reading this blog and that would just be really bad. If so, love you big fella!! heehee..he..he.oh.

Anyway, hope all is well in your world!

Oh! PS: My journey into thirty list is already in fruition! Yippee! I have just booked some time off in June so Big Fella and I can go on a great adventure (or a great mistake depending on this next line) going camping or as I more eloquently put it on my list "Sleeping under the stars"

Big fella wants to live rough, and I mean rough, this boy climbs mountains with no ropes for gawd's sake! Another time, but yeah, really! My very own spider man! The Big fella does Big things! He wants to do it for a week and I was thinking more weekend. Perhaps close by to a comfy hotel, but I will tell more as it unfolds! Oh this list has disaster written all over it already! Ha ha! Bye!

Wish Cast Wednesday

Jamie asked us today: What do you wish to experience? Ohhh, a excuse to make a list! I am in the mood for lists today.

I wish to experience:

* A beautiful Summer's day day trip on a stream train with Big fellas hand in mine and my camera in the other, rolling through the Welsh railway shore line with a smile in my heart and my eyes for only him. What a wonderful adventure to be had!



* The love and affection of our very own dog. Big fella and I both love dogs, I love all of them but big fella is quite specific (and wise) as he researches very detail about every breed of dog first. I love that about him, he gently pulls me back down to earth at times. But regrettably with this magical place we rent, no pets allowed. Which we totally respect and understand. (I just hope a huge, massive aquarium, now with LASER BEAMS no less with all different manner of fish does not count. I alas can not pull Big Fella back to earth so easily you see.
So if we ever move (oh god, i am sweating even thinking about it) we will get a dog.

. * Swimming with Great white sharks. Yep, I said it. I would just love to do this. I watched Jaws when I was seven, I snuck out of bed and hid behind the sofa when my dad was watching it on telly one night. I was frightening to death and refused to even sit on a toilet for days. But something stuck and I have always loved watching documentaries about the wonder and mystic about them. I would love to see them in front of me swimming inches before my eyes. I would of course insist that at the time under water I would be encased in a metal shark resistant bullet proof glass box with refreshments and nibbles on stand by. That's a big wish, I may have to wait on that one a wee while.





I would love to experince driving.


I did do lessons when I was younger, but I never finished them. I am also a big scardy pants. The fear has gripped me, driving frightens me and that just with other people driving me about. I act all nice and grateful for the lift from someone, all the while in the back my head I am hoping we won't crash. No way to live eh? Also no way to think of a perfectly good driver. So big fella has graciously let me get behind the wheel of his trusty stead of a car in the abandoned parking lot up the road from us most days. Its hard going for big fella though, I have currently so far driven to the next parking space and stalled the car and not gone any further, gripping the steering wheel for dear life. I am getting there though. Bit by bit, day by day. Anyway I like the idea of going on adventure on a train, and bus and my two left feet to carry me about on my travels. Big fella is a big help too! But I will conquer this silly fear soon enough me thinks!

What do you wish for today?

Wish Cast Wednesday

Wish Cast Wednesday: What rules do you wish to make or break?

Here's some quick thoughts that spring to mind from today.

Make:

Get up earlier, go for a run, have a shower and then go to work. Putting clothes on of course.
Not like this morning, smashing the alarm clock against the wall and earning myself some sound sleep and, of course, waking up very late for work. The scenario of a mad Irish woman, frantically running about the place trying to get ready, looking like the lead singer from The Cure, also screaming like a banshee at Big fella (bless 'im!) is not a pretty picture. Neither is being in work two hours in and everybody but me, knows i'm wearing my pants inside out. You see, Big fella just got a box set DVD of 24 and we watched it last night. Question. When does Jack Bauer go for a tinkle? All that excitement and no tinkle, is not right. So we (I) just had to find out what happened next.

*

When I go for a run, I will NOT blast the Chariots of fire song on the music thingy and sprint manically all the way back home. See below for reason why.

*

Then, I will not bump into my neighbour VERY time I do this and I'm found crawling through the front entrance. With me, panting and wheezing like a St Bearnard dog after eating three pies, it does not make for good conversation. Like so:

Neighbour: "Hello there Claire, just been for a run?"
Claire: (whispering) "HHHHHheeeeeellllpppp (Gasp!) mmmmeee (Gasp) UUppp theee(gasp) staaaiiirrsss(gasp!) (Gasp!)"

*

Break:

You should know me by now, probably every single last one of them! Besides Big fella and I can not wait to find out how Jack Bauer is gonna get out of this latest dilemma tonight! Bring on the sweets!

Enjoy your week and make yourself a wish for Wednesday! Hope all is well in your world!

Wish Cast Wednesday

How do you wish to bloom?

This is Jamie's wish cast question today.

I have not been feeling my self these days. I had a week off recently, much needed after a disastrous time in the work place and craved to be doing the things i loved. Taking photographs, meeting up with long lost friends, spring cleaning, and going outside to discover Spring.
But when I finally did get that time off, I did little. Very little. I do not know what it was, I had no desire to set foot outside, I rotted in the house, sometimes with big fella leaving the house in the morning only to find me sat in the same place exactly where he left me hours ago with a blank expression on my face and nothing but empty coffee mugs filling the place. I just wanted hugs off big fella. I couldn't even really blog, I kept on typing BLAH.

I started work again only to be in the same mood, not sad, not happy just blah. Blah, blah, blah. My only way to describe it. It was not until a dear friend took me aside and asked if everything was OK. "Yeah." was my reply, but really sounded more like a yawn. Then she asked " I have not upset you have I?" Oh no! I apologised immediately. I did not realise that my mood certainly effected others. I am also sure my face looked like a bulldog chewing a wasp. (I have been told that before.)

I felt awful that she felt it was her doing for my blah mood. I am determined to bloom, find my happy mood again and if I can't find it, at least smile once in a while. I guess we all have these blue moods, but I thought I had become pretty good at masking this mood in front of others. Until now. That was the kick up the bum I needed. I would not like to think at all I was upsetting others for my blahness. So I will bloom again. Slowly but certainly surely! I hope all is well in your world.

Wish Cast Wednesday

What do you wish to accomplish?

Dear Jamie asked this intriguing question as always this week. What I would like to accomplish is the final stock for my my arts and crafts stall and mainly selling my photography cards. I have to go this week for a meeting with the main vendors, I left in my order for my photographs to collect tomorrow and I want to go around the local businesses asking if they would be interested in selling my photographs cards. I am nearly all set up and have received good reviews so far. But they are from friends and they would, nice souls.

So, I want to put my photography cards out to the public, around and about, you know. I have all the materials, just waiting on my photographs. I am becoming accomplished. I am doing it slower than I thought with computer troubles, but if I have learnt any thing from this lark, always back up your files so they are at hand if your computer breaks down! I have a blog and face book page set up, but I will no unveil it until I am ready, and that, especially for me, is accomplishing something. I am waiting for the right time, not just jumping in feet first, elbows everywhere and getting no where fast. I am just going with the flow and accomplishing the wee things along the way. Everything else will fall into place some how I am sure! hope all is well in your world!

Wish Cast Wednesday

What do you wish to make time for?

March is here again, Spring is calling to us with the sound of bird song, the sight of snow drops and time? Wow! How it is flying!

Jamie asked us this week an always thought provoking question, you know the kind, ones you would rarely think to yourself to open your eyes and inspire. Its always better when someone else asks you these kind of questions I think and Jamie sure can pick em!

Well, I wish to make time to start making trinkets and treasures for my up and coming stall events! As I am so used to drawing, I wanted to experience something I have never used before and that is clay.

SALT DOUGH CLAY!

OMG, how did I not know of this phenomena and all the joy it possesses? I work in a nursery for crying out loud! When I proclaimed I had found what I personally felt was the holy grail of children's activities (really for us to have some fun as well) the staff seemed to know all about it with "oh yeah..... yeah.....salt dough clay. We already knew about that." What? Why haven't you bought it up as a cool activity? The children would looovvveee to do this!

No more play dough for you children, I will teach you technique's and skills to make a cathedral out of clay!

(Alright, I got carried away and two year olds don't know the word cathedral yet, but hey I was excited!! We are having a go at a cathedral though)

So with a kilo of salt and industrial sized bag of flour, we turned our room into our very own pottery barn! The kiddos made some amazing gifts and the parents and carers thought it was fantastic!

On the way home from work I wanted to bring the fun home and I bought some salt and flour and begin creating.
The moon had flooded the kitchen in a beautiful blue haze as I began.

These are wee dummy runs but I decided I love clay and really want to work more on it.


Regrettably I failed to tell big fella what I was doing as he was in work and came in that night and thought I had made him some very creative sconces and nearly broke a tooth eating the top of my witches hat. Sounds of my evil giggling and his howling filled the night air. Serves him right for not putting butter on it before eating, I'd say.
I got out my faithful acrylics which I have neglected for a couple of years now and painted the night away with some Kate Bush in the background purely for effect, mood and some good old screeching! (Apologies to the neighbours in the street)

This is as far as I got though. I am not using my time effectively and instead of thinking "I must go paint that that teeth mark away " every two hours while still sitting on the couch, (like now) just pick up the paint brush and finish off the job!

Oh now, would look at that, I am just going to sign off and go paint now. This is why I love Wish Cast Wednesday's, the lovely Jamie asks us a thought provoking question and here am I shrugging procrastination off my shoulders and off I skip to make some lovely mess! Thanks Jamie!!

PS: If you have not experienced the amazement of salt dough clay or simply want to pick it up again and enjoy with the children, let me know and I will do wee special how to post on it, in my own charming wee way. (You know what mean, the post will start of informative and easy, then the oven will blow up, or I will cause a electrical blackout simply by switching on a whisk, haha! I don't know why I am laughing about, it is true!)

Must dash, now make a wish, it is what Wednesday's are made for!

Wish Cast Wednesday

Hello everyone, how are you all? I have been a neglectful blogger of sorts. I have found I am reading your posts but not commenting. Sorry about that, I have become a lurker. I will lurk no more and get back to commenting soon. I love your comments, thank you and I am annoyed at myself for not showing you the same appreciation. I think the news of Renee has hit me hard.

Jamie asked us this week,

What do wish to give yourself permission?

I want permission to let go of the fear and get out there! Last year (and the years before that), I was a chicken. I went out there, had all these great ideas, applied for amazing things, filled in application forms and at the last minute bottled it,scared of what might just happen. But 2010, year of fun people!

Here's the plan of action for 2010 so far!

* Trapeze lessons

Now, how I would just love to say, "Yes that is me in the stripy top swinging and twirling on the bar!" But wait, look at this next picture
Do you see in the background, that awkward oaf, clinging on to dear life to the trapeze bar? Yep, that's me.
I love it though, this week was fantastic! I did get a wee bit scared at one point though and stopped for a while. I was hanging face down hanging by my feet on the ropes to be fair.

* Writing pieces and submitting photography for a monthly magazine in Liverpool.

Very excited about this. When I was being introduced to the idea, they warned me that it would be unpaid. My answer was, "So?" This is great! I get to write about places I love and have my photography published? WWWWAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

* African Drumming lessons

Oh yes, to the beat of a drum I am pounding out music and rhyme baby! I enjoy it so much, the instructor has been invited to my workplace to let the kiddies have a go!

*Face painting course

I think I might just run away with the circus after this. I loved getting my face painted when I was young and I am enrolling on a course for later in the year at work to develop some of these skills!

* Running for charity in July

It is for Cancer research and I am going pound my feet so hard on the pavement, just as hard as I want to stamp out this horrific disease.

* Finish off that bloody degree!

I was at the final part of my second degree (gluten for punishment) in Early Years Studies, when I was surprisingly, especially for me,offered the job in which I am currently at. It sweeped me up like a whirlwind and my feet have not touched the ground since. I postponed the final part due to this, (which is basically a day of showing everything I done in my workplace after a year long placement) and I never set a new date for it to be completed. The longer I left it, the worse it became. How silly of me! So basically, last week I sent a email to my uni explaining all, and two seconds later I got a reply saying they will come out in June and would that suit? How simple was that? Procrastination and me? Ahh, yes we know each other well. I am a twit sometimes. So by September I should hopefully graduate and this silly mess will be over and a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Lesson learned.

*Audition for open mic night and belt out a tune!

I do love singing and music, and was in the good ole school choir in school.
Any road, I love a good sing song, though in recent years my confidence has taken a battering for some reason and I refused to let people even know I could sing when I was in uni to this day. The only time I let my guard down was when some mates and I went to a karaoke bar and silly Claire here was enchanted at the two drinks for one offer in the student bar, got legless and belted out River Deep, Mountain High and won first prize.

Regrettably I can not remember a thing and gave my prize to the bar man, telling him he was the best thing that could ever happened to me and thanking him for a glorious evening before collapsing in heap only to be dragged out by security. I had a great night. So I have been told. I will do it sometime in the near future. No alcohol allowed.

*Setting up my own wee stall, with wee trinkets and gifts made by moi!

Just got the application form for my very own stall at our local arts and crafts market for May 2010! Weeeeeee! I am over the moon about this. I applied for the same one last year, had all my creations ready for the next day, and suddenly freaked out and cancelled, saying I had the flu. I had business cards printed and everything. Twit!

So this year, I am really going to do it. I have tons of ideas and I am confident I will pull this off. Even if people just comment on my gifts good or bad would be great. I am doing smaller stalls to start off with to see how it goes and then at Christmas I have applied a plot at a huge one, so huge you had to apply now if all goes well! I have to do it, I have paid for my plots and everything! No backing out now! I want to sell some art work, some photography and some other wee tricks up my sleeve! Hopefully I will set up a blog, twitter, face book, the lot for it!

I do hope to add to my list as the year rolls on.

So I wish to give my self permission to let go of all the fear and go for it! Reading back, I am thinking to myself, why wouldn't I? It sounds like fun!
Toddle pip!

Wish Casting Wednesday

Jamie asked us this week

"Where do you wish to travel?"

Well about two weeks all inclusive somewhere hot with the big fella for company would do me rightly!

But, at this moment I want to travel somewhere closer to home. In the work place to be precise. I have a interview tomorrow for a internal post I applied for ages ago to cover maternity leave. I did not hear a word about it was just about to vent my anger through the medium of chocolate and stuff my face when today they told me the interview was tomorrow! Cripes! Talk about cutting it fine!

Another lady in work has also applied and she is fantastic within the role she does now. I have my work cut out for me! We have been saying in passing today, "Best of luck!" and "Are you nervous?" We are both in for it for the experience of interviews which sounds superdooper scary in front of a board what I could only describe now as big wigs. I might say something totally inappropriate or even worse, pass wind. This situation makes me very nervous. A bit giggly too at the sheer thought of it. See that's how nervous I am, I have started making fart jokes already! That were the "inappropiate comment" bracket might fall into at the interview.

It works out well either way as, if I get the job, the other lady has the chance at my job which I can tell she would be brilliant at if not a lot better than me! She will put me to shame! If she gets the job I will be working closely alongside her! Win Win!

So if successful, (fingers and toes crossed for both of us) I will travel from the ground floor where the madness lies, (oh my weary head) to upstairs to a nice wee office. So that's where I wish to travel for now, upstairs. Oh help, I am so nervous!! I have to go now and read over my application letter for goodness knows what waffle I have written on it.

Tootle pip!

Going off the deep end- Wish cast Wednesday

Which story do you wish to live or let go off?

Intriguing question and one that catches my breath a wee bit. The story I wish to let go off is too sad to tell, a messy tangled up ball of threads, but I feel I can never let go of it as it is always there, woven in my life's frayed tapestry. But the newly stitched golden threads of life are begining to shine through more as time goes on and I do manage to pull and uncoil the tangled threads from it. At the best of times at least.

The story I wish to live however is no fairy tale, I feel I am starting to live it! I guess as I grow older in life I realise the term 'life is what you make it', to me at least would be true!
Please, do not get me wrong,I know my life to many would be boring, mundane and ordinary. I rarely venture out into the nightlife this great city has to offer. Big fella works late into the night and I work days, we are passing ships in the night at times and I am very much on my Tod after work. Though we live in a beautiful and enchanting place it is ruddy awkward to get to and my friends live far and we all lead very busy lives.

But this is the way I like to see it.

*I do not go out socialising the night life much. Why? Because I made up for a lifetime of it between the ages of 19-25. Trust me. I have been there, done that, and basically couldn't be bothered with it any longer!
OK then, to be honest, In work I help manage 75 children aged 0 - 5 daily. I rest my case. Not worth the hangover. Ever.

*Big fella and I do not see much of each other. Yeah, this can be a bit of a downer sometimes. He is very hard working, in charge of a shop open every day. But it is not all bad. I see him in the morning, he gets to pop out of work sometimes to give me a lift home and sometimes even a spot of dinner!(I know, how lucky am I!) and he goes to work and I am all alone. And I love it.
I don't know about you but if I can get it, I like my own space from time to time. I am quite a solitary person in a few ways. Even when I was a child I liked being on my own. (Ah, excuse me while I pull that tangled piece of gold thread of my sad story there.). When big fella toot toots his horn and drives away, I love to get to grips with the cleaning gear, organise bills and plan future days and take pictures now and then. Of course,once in a while I read a blog or two!
He is home in about four hours most nights and I have a cup of tea and a big hug for him when he arrives for now everything is done and I can sit with him in peace, tell him how I missed him and chat about our day! He sometimes brings me home sweets!He says he has a lovely time at work because he gets 'a rest'. So it works out nicely for both for now.Oh and Valentines day? He has always been working! I did hint every heavy in advance this year however. We shall see.

I live far away from friends and loved ones. Yeah, but I know every step they take on face book! My word, it is frightening how advanced technology and communication has advanced! I still end up acting like Father Dougal from Father Ted (TV show) when I am having web cam conversation with my friend in Australia saying " Wow, you're really there on screen! This isn't a tape recording or something is it? Is that really you?"

Australia! It's like she's around the corner!

There are so many ways to keep in touch these days. I do of course get up off my arse once in a while to visit friends and we love to have visitors over all the time!

Before you think I am a complete hermit, (I do like a good bit of food shopping, hahaha! I laughed while typing that) Once in a blue moon (literally) I go out for a good ole knees up. Like, this Friday I am heading out into the big bad world of the city centre for a celebratory birthday dinner and night out for a very good friend of mine and, ' bout same size as her' fella. No doubt we will have a barrel of wine with it and why not, after the meal, since their are nothing but bars open we may as well drink some more, dance and have a right laugh. It would be rude not to. It will be like a scene out of Ab Fab. I would obviously be Eddie, with the hair and all,when I really am kinda like her daughter in real life!
Big fella can not make it though. You guessed it, working! That's one that gets me down a bit. But I will enjoy myself, no less, for it is my friends birthday and it is a celebration of life! I just wish big fella was there to enjoy it too.

I wish to take on the bad times and battle on through with the surprises and uproars of life in the best way I can. I know if big fella and I ever had the arrival of the stork with a wrapped up bundle, this would all be a distance memory and I know I not even give this phase of my life a second thought. I probably would never have the time and it wouldn't matter.Our lives will take on a whole new adventure. Who knows what I will look back and think? I know this blog will probably be quite different too! Who knows where life is going to take us? I wish to carry on to the next page on my story of life for I know there are many twists and turns and crossroads to take. But I think it will be alright, for I am learning the skills of the circus soon!

Oh, and step out of the trance! That was a bit deep wasn't it? Wish Cast Wednesday's, it will do it to ya! I am going to go and put the kettle on for big fella, he will be home soon and I will get that stars in my belly feeling!
Bye bye!

What do you wish to awaken?

What do you wish to awaken?

Jamie asked us this Wednesday wish. I am going to wish to awaken my five senses. I wish to smell the arrival of Spring and Daffodils

I wish to be thankful for these wondrous sights I cherish the luck for

I wish to reach up and feel the moons velvet like sphere,

I wish to awaken the taste of good food, enjoy it and be grateful for what we have

When I hear the wind soar the waves to the shore, I wish to close my eyes and dream I am on a pirate ship sailing on adventures on the seven seas!

Thanks for visiting me today, I also hear the kettle brewing so, one lump or two?

Tell me your wishes, it's make a wish day after all!

Wish Cast Wednesday

First of all, thank you for the comments so far on my giveaway! You guys don't half make me look silly in a silent library this afternoon reading blogs, laughing and snorting at a computer screen! I had to leave in the end before I was "escorted" out. I was freaking out the toddlers story time posse. Sorry.

Jamie asks us today How do you wish to shine? I wish to shine by spreading a wee bit of happiness to at least one person every day even if it is just a smile or a laugh.
I was walking down to the local shops recently when the streets were alive with people walking and skipping about, their (and mine)heads bursting with thoughts of to do lists, shopping and the dreaded credit card bills in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush. As I walked past people, a number of them acknowledged me by a nod of the head, a smile or a hello there! Or on the flip side, maybe it was me who did not notice before. It made me very happy. Just the simple gesture of hello. It cost nothing and was lovely and I want to shine by spreading the happiness!

Hello! How how you today?

Wish cast Wednesday

Jamie asked us this week "What steps do you wish to take?" Oh, I have just been thinking of just that.

I wish to take steps in recognising my abilites and use them to reach for the moon and the stars and be thankful for everything I have got!


Happy Thanksgivings to all who celebrate it!

Wish Casting Wednesday!!

Jamie asked us this week:
What do you wish to experience?

I wish to have the experience to feel a child hood Christmas again.

When I was younger, I lived for Christmas. It was my favourite time of the year. The twinkling lights, the laughter and the thought that father Christmas was going to bring lots of presents!!

I remember one Christmas my dad dressed up as Santa for the local community club on Christmas Eve to hand out presents for unprivilaged children in the area. (Thinking back, what a wonderful thing for my dad to do.)

Unfortunately I was there as well. I waited in anticipation for my turn with Santa. I hopped on his lap to hear a voice through a moving beard saying, "Now, little girl, what would you like for Christmas?" I was looking at Santa's hands when I said, " You have the same ring as my daddy!" He did!

I kept saying this over and over until I heard my dads gruff voice saying "Claire! Shut up! I am not your dad, I am bloody Santa!" This just made me even more excited! " How do you know my name?!?!" I gasped!

My dad/Santa was getting very annoyed by this point and said to my mum who was helping give out the presents " Give me that parcel for this one!"
In return my mum said " Oh, here you are Dennis" (Which is my dad's name.) Her face said it all when she said this realising she had put my dad in the thick of it.

"You ARE my daddy!" My daddy is SANTA CLAUS!!!" I screamed!
I was delighted. My father, however was less than impressed. He had enough of ho ho hoing lark (he had been Santa for three hours mind you ) and stormed off to the bar to be found at closing time singing Dean Martin numbers and muttering curses about his own children ruining his time as the world renowned Santa.

As time rolls on only too quickly and I have grown to an adult (most days) Christmas has turned into a thing of dread. Tragically and suddenly, my Mum died 7 years ago this Christmas and my dreams and laughter of Christmas have been lost in a haze of guilt and regret. Now every time I see Christmas tree lights, that awful hollow feeling in my stomach comes over me and stays ther, wishing for the clock to turn back so I could save her and the tears too easily fall. Last year I found particularly hard for some reason.

So this year I wish to save Christmas spirit experience for my family and I and also think about others at this time. Which brings me neatly on to this. Christmas is a wonderful time for many people, but is also marked by sadness for many, probably yourself too. Please spare a thought for this wee one as this is going to be very hard for her this year. I made her this card.

Only after I did this I researched about her likes and dislikes only to find she is not really a girlie girl (I certainly was not at that age) and likes Fuchsia pink and black and definitely no fairies! Oops! I will begin again, and so I will donate this to our very own wish caster Jamie and say thank you you for reminding me of what wishes are important and those that are not.

Happy Wish casting Wednesday to you!

A very belated Wish casting Wednesday

Wish Casting Wednesday: Take One and Take Two on Ramblings of a Mad Woman.

Take one:

I had to do this post. I am beyond hectic in work at the moment, my mind is whirling and no words seem to form when I want to post something. Just a buzz, and heaviness.

Jamie asked us: What would you wish for a treat?

I would probably first of wished my treat was some time off, but no,work was not too bad today and I will get a day off soon, but then again ask me tomorrow.

But I do not like that I have committed to something such as the Wish cast Wednesday,Monday Muse, and my own wee bit, Guilty of Sundays which I really enjoy doing (if a wee bit late posting it) only to find I suddenly have writers block.

I am a terrible one for starting something in earnest, only to leave it half done. (I think I have 560 posts written on my edit pages when in reality I have only posted 87.) I want to say everything in my posts yet all I do is ramble about nonsense! As you can see. (Ahem)

Take two:

The lovely Jamie has asked this beauty of a question What do you wish for a treat? Oh, lovely wish!I know exactly what I want. I want this.

Isn't it wonderful? What a gorgeous idea for a diary. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. Big fella asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I will ask him if I could have the diary. That would be a lovely treat for me.

(Poor big fella, he always buys me expensive perfume which I do nothing but use it all up within two weeks and stink myself out. My fault, I never tell him what I really want. Why I'm I so silly?)

Of course our dear friend Sarah was on the favourites page! Naturally! Sarah, congratulations honey!!! So well deserved to a wonderful lady.
Not only is this wonder woman an artist, photographer,blog extraordinaire she also gives out the loveliest awards! Thank you so much!

Honoured! This is a beautiful award, and I will pass it on to many who I know will appreciate it too!

In my next post of my whirlwind tour of thank yous, Wish cast Wednesdays and the like, I will tell you all about an amazing woman called Dede.

I think take two was better.

So sorry this is so rambled, this is the way my head has been for weeks! I need a good walk outdoors for the day I think soon!

Wish Casting Wednesday!

The wonderful Jamie has asked another thought provoking wish.

What do you wish to share?

I was on my way home from work and decided to take a walk to one of my favourite wee shops where they sell delightful essential oils and beautiful crystals. The staff are always so lovely and make you feel very welcome. I was waiting on one of the staff to get me something in the stock room, and noticed a sign on the wall. This is what it said:

Everyday is a gift, that is why it is called the present.

I had never heard this expression before, but I thought it was wonderful. So this is what I wish to share with you. Happy wish casting Wednesday!

Wish casting Wednesday!

Jamie asked us:

What luxury do you wish for?

I have to be honest, I am very grateful for what I have got. But it depends on what is referred as a luxury. It could be a all inclusive holiday, Egyptian cotton sheets, or a spa day. To me luxury is here. Right now.With the house to myself, a nice strong cuppa and good music and reading! Ahhh, bliss!
Time to myself. This is a luxury to me. I could wish for nothing more right now. Ask me tomorrow? It may be a very different post.

Happy Wednesday to you!