My Darlin’s downsized….

My Darlin’s downsized….

Hi there,
Good of you to join me…

How has your day been?
Mine has been calm, full of art.
Prepping the New Design Club for May.
It’s almost ready to go to the printers, 
which is a big box ticked. 
And I do like to tick a box…

Wednesday’s blog is Mindful Wednesday,
the day when we consider things of the soul.
Why we craft perhaps, and how we live our lives….

Yesterday I posted a YouTube song about ‘ouses, ‘ouses, ‘ouses.
I got listening to Chris Wood.
He really is excellent.
And then I remembered a song which I want to share with you,
so I dug it out.
It is a song which I first heard a few years ago.
It is about a woman who has had the good sense to change things.

 When I first heard it, I cried.

It isn’t sad though. Not at all!
In fact, it’s a really humorous, happy song!
So why do I cry every time I listen to it?
I know why.
It’s because Henrietta is doing what I cannot, 
but would like to.

Envy is not a part of my personality.
I have an acceptance around my life as it is,
and I have much to be grateful for.
Maybe it’s the carefree, youthful aspect of Henrietta’s life 
which I long for. 
When you’re running a booming little craft company 
with 25+ staff, let’s be realistic – you’re not going to have time to shave your legs – let alone grow new potatoes on the allotment !!!

That said, we can make changes without 

blowing the doors off the building!

So that, my friends, is what this Henrietta intends to do.
Poco a poco.
I’m a long way from the allotment, 
(and methinks I would probably let Dave do the digging).
But this I know:
If you don’t like something, CHANGE IT.
If you want to do something, JFDI.
Something about empowerment?
Love & Hugs always,

124 thoughts on “My Darlin’s downsized….

  1. I am with you all the way there, Barbara. Would be good to be Henrietta. I have work that I hate with a passion and an allotment, albeit a bit big 90×90 and weedy. But where would I get my lavender from and my sweet peas. Maybe I should JGFD but and a big but, who will pay the bills etc.
    Also gutted that I cannot make the parchment show and I feel sure you will be there. The train tickets prices are just stupid £45.50 from Reading, they are having a laugh.
    However, the sun is shining, my sweet peas are growing and I had a lovely parchment lesson today and have a new friend. Lots to be thankful for and ofcourse you and all the lovely people blogging.
    Lots of love
    Anne (Reading) Do you get a prize for being the first comment!! Yes -on your bikeXX

    1. Anne I do feel for you, if only we could wave a magic wand. I don't know if they run from reading to Bristol but is there a megabus or national coach that goes that way? Sometimes the shows have lists of coach companies running trips too, I hope you can find a way of getting there xx

  2. Your song choice was so very moving, and yes it did make me a bit teary. Why!!?? Perhaps lost opportunities..so many of them, and wrong choices made. Isn't hindsight a wonderful, and sometimes depressing thing. I think the most important thing for me is to feel loved. Something that doesn't, and never has, happened very often. So I think my 'envy' would be more towards how loved she would surely feel. So now I'm going to spend a few moments counting my blessings!!! This blog being certainly one of them.
    I'm so pleased you've had a good day today Barbara. xxx

  3. Just another snippet said to me by a wise old judge who has joined Henrietta "The grave-yard is full of people who think they are indispensable" well will off to meditate this and think about writing the letter. Procrastination is the thief of time
    Love to you all
    Anne (Reading)

  4. Hi Barbara & Anne & Morag, yes this song was moving. But I as well have a lot to be thankful for. We to have an allotment it keeps the boss! Busy. And also my grandchildren as they keep me on my toes. I also have to count my blessings to be able to love my crafting especially my Groovi as it slows me down. Also the friendly ladies on this blog. Hope you all have had a good day. Lynn x x

  5. Hi Barbara! U read your blog and then re-read it! and thought blimey! That's me! I'm definitely making a big change! It's a bit scary but very liberating!!!! And ticking boxes….a massive one was ticked today! It's a great feeling isn't it!
    Love and hugs! Xxxx

  6. Hi Barbara! U read your blog and then re-read it! and thought blimey! That's me! I'm definitely making a big change! It's a bit scary but very liberating!!!! And ticking boxes….a massive one was ticked today! It's a great feeling isn't it!
    Love and hugs! Xxxx

  7. Evening Barbara pleased you have ticked that big box for May's new design club and I for one appreciate the work you put in for us clarity members .my postman brought me some wonderful clarity goodies today so thank you too clarity towers for all there hard work dedication and making my day special .xxx

    1. Evening Donna Dorothy Diane Brenda pam gilly morag pen Julia sue57 Alison Chris and all my dear blog friends thinking of you all hugs to all on the blog xxx
      My Groovi black mat came today it's so cute haven't had time to play as rang a dear crafting friend we both help each other through our daily life struggles even if it's just a message like on here this blog our daily tonic hugs & smiles xxx

    2. It's so good that you have such great support Sheila. It makes a world of difference doesn't it! Have fun playing with your crafting goodies. Love and Hugs xxx I'm away to my bed now. So goodnight xx

    3. Hi Sheila, it is always exciting getting a clarity parcel. I managed to look at my most recent parcel of fresco paints and put them away in a box but haven't had the time to do anything with them. A wee while ago Barbara did a canvas with grunge paste and the new poppies stamps and I want to have a go at that if I can find the blog.

    4. Hi Sheila,
      Isn't it great when you get a Clarity parcel – I love it! Can't wait for my light panel to come so I can start to play with my coloured parchment. You seem to be much brighter and I'm so pleased about that. Take care and enjoy playing with your black mat! Love and hugs Alison xxx

    5. Julia, you can search the blog with just the odd word. There's a search this blog box on the right hand column. I've done it a few times, if you put poppies or grunge paste I'm sure you'd find it. x

    6. Hi Sheila
      It's lovely to have a crafty friend to chat to and keep you going isn't it. Your black mat sounds exciting, I must add it to my birthday list for hubby. Sending you a hug xx

    7. Hi Donna the little one is so cute isn't it .
      Goodnight morag sweet dreams xx
      Hi Julia the fresco paints are really good I've got a few colours now xx
      Oooo Diana that birthday list hugs xxx
      Hi Alison hope your light tray comes soon so you can have some groovi fun xxx

    8. Hi Sheila, looking forward to getting my black mats! Beautiful day here today, so warm. Spent the morning at my aunt's, cutting the grass and trying to get the house sold. Hope to have time for some Groovi tomorrow. Best wishes, Sue

    1. Hi Oam,
      Hope you've had a good day. Weather up here has been lovely although the wind is still a bit chilly. Got all my washing dried outside for the first time in ages and it smells so lovely.
      Going out with my friends from my first teaching school tomorrow – we meet up once a month and it's really good, so looking forward to that. Love and hugs, Alison xx

    2. Where are you Alison. Did have a beautiful day. Have a lovely time with your friends tomorrow. That'll do you good. Love the fresh smell of washing dried outdoors, I did get some dried outside last week. Love looking at it blowing outside too. Love and hugs Pam xx

  8. Hi Barbara, I hear you! I for one would like to thank you for everything you do. I look forward to reading your blog each evening, you have a lovely way with words. I also look forward to receiving my Groovi club plate, this week I'm hoping my light panel will arrive. Although only 50 I have catteracts which make it difficult to prick so hopefully this with sort it. Hoping to master those fancy edges!
    Love Trudy x

  9. Hi to all my blog friends, hope you've all had a good day and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Had a lovely day in Stratford today, a little walking and more of just sitting. Love to you all and everyone on the blog. Love Pam xxx

  10. Hi Barbara, yeah, it’s all relative isn’t it. If we compare ourselves and our lives to those of others round about us, for most it will only get you down and miserable. You’ll always see in someone else's life something that you want, there will always be someone you think is better off than yourself. Like you say, be true to yourself, do your best for others, and yourself, make the most of what you've got and the opportunities that present themselves. Be thankful for what you have got, even if that is just knowing you’re a good decent person, trying your hardest in life. Make life changes where it's possible and needed to do so. Set small attainable goals to improve your lot where you can. And as you say little by little, they’ll all, in time, add up to something much bigger, the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Glad you had a productive positive day. Love Brenda xx

    hi everyone

    1. Hi Brenda that is so true. Whilst you look at some people with expensive houses cars and clothes etc they may have all the worldly goods but how many of them have genuine friends and are truly happy ( some never smile!!). I would much rather be me, would rather be thinner but I'm thankful for my lot and being happy and content. Hugs to you and Daisy xxx

    2. Such wise words Brenda M! Since I changed my life I am financially so much poorer, but so much richer in lots of different ways, so I am thankful every day that I was able to make that choice. Hope you are in a better place – I think of you often when I'm feeding the garden birds, or doing a bit of gardening, and when I spot the mountains from the upstairs windows. Take care, Susan x

    3. Evening Brenda you always have the right words you put across so well ,I'm blessed my dear blog friend to have you here with your wise words and thoughtfulness towards others. I'm pleased to say things have been moving fast at my Drs as they rang me today I go for blood test tomorrow and getting appointments for chest X Ray and X Ray's on hands and feet in the post so then I can go on the new medication .
      Special hugs for you and daisy xxx

    4. Aw thank you everyone 🙂 Nae idea where all my wise words come from!!! Apparently when I was wee an older family member used to say I'd been here before, I knew too much! xx

      That's brilliant news Sheila. Great to read you got a wee walk in your garden too. xx

      Thanks Susan for thinking about me. Unfortunately still the same here. After that last horrible temporary social worker I got told I would need to wait up to 8 weeks for a replacement for that temporary one and they have no idea when my own social worker might be back. So still waiting for anything. Sadly there's a distinct lack of birds here this year, no birds singing/chirping :-(. I'm hoping that might change when/if it warms up a bit. And my gardens already look very unkempt which is heartbreaking so I try to not look out my windows. I try not to think about up north, my wee trip to Loch Katrine, makes me feel so sad that because right now I've no idea if I'll ever get out of here again. xx

      I wish I could write a book Barbara, maybe it would earn me enough to employ my own people to help, stick my 2 fingers up at the so called care sector!!! I can respond to what people say, but I wouldn't have a clue what to write/say without that. I think you're a lot wiser than me, and I look forward to reading your book. I learn a lot from you xxxxxx

      Hi Donna and Diane and Pam, and cuddle back for Dot xx

      I've just tried my first pricking and picot cutting 🙂 Pricking dead easy quick and very precise looking. And once I'd watched a wee video on picot cutting I've got a pretty even picot edge, and it's quick to do too. Nothing to be scared of. I think I need to make the holes a wee bit bigger though as I think my picot edge is smaller, but then it's just more delicate looking so maybe I'll go with that. I like it 🙂 I think I'm now done with the white work on the ones I was doing. I think a translucent mat would be vey helpful for the freehand pricking.

    5. There's a wow for you Brenda, you're ahead of me, I have tried the pivot edging but mine was quite uneven. You seem yo have nailed it. I haven't tried much flicking but have been doing the dots on some of the cards. Oh I do love the groovy. Like you I think th he translucent mat would be an asset to us.

    6. Wow Brenda your groovi has gone to the next level be proud I haven't got that far yet no pricking or picot they are on my wish list xxx

    7. I held my parchment against a small very light old foam pricking mat I had, with the edge to be cut hanging over the edge of the mat. It just felt right to do, to find something to support the parchment against that would be easy to hold too. It also stopped me cutting my skin!!!! And in the wee video she said turn the scissors nearly 45 degrees. Knowing that made the difference as it helped me turn my hand the same distance each time before snipping. Don't know if that helps xx

    8. Morning Brenda I'm fine honest and so happy to have a friend like you and that your getting the hang o the snipping bit way ahead of me still mastering the white stuff see you later here's another cuddle…xx

  11. I am a great believer that we make our own choices is life but sometimes we need to be pushed into making those choices. Many moons ago when I worked in a bank I had to decide whether to return to work after maternity leave. It was in the days when you had a job for life but I didn't want to go back full time and they didn't employ many part timers in those days. I spent a long time agonizing over the decision to leave but shortly after that I got myself a wee part time job in John Lewis in their furnishing fabrics department which I loved. That made me realise that there is a whole big wide world out there and it's not that bad out there!

    1. Oh Diane…yesterday Jennifer and her two friends went to school to study. When I came home from work my husband told me that she wouldn't be home for tea – she went to pictures with her pals. I despair. Her first exam, English, is tomorrow. Mind you it has gone very quiet in her room now.

    2. Hi Julia, just searched for a poppy canvas and found one on Sunday 24th January 2016. It used the poppy from the new set of grasses, some grunge paste and the canvas was covered using scrap paper. Hope its the one you are looking for. Xx

    3. I just looked it up too Donna, thanks to Jacqui saying how it was done. Brilliant when you know how. I keep a book with all the step by steps in and dates, used to be able to click on the date and find it, but it won't go back to previous years now only by one day at a time starting from December 31st. You can imagine my frustration when I'm looking for something. Wow so pleased you asked Julia.

    4. I just looked it up too Donna, thanks to Jacqui saying how it was done. Brilliant when you know how. I keep a book with all the step by steps in and dates, used to be able to click on the date and find it, but it won't go back to previous years now only by one day at a time starting from December 31st. You can imagine my frustration when I'm looking for something. Wow so pleased you asked Julia.

  12. Hi Barbara
    Hope you and Dave are well
    Ticking boxes,I'm with you there. I have a rather large one to tick and I want to do it now! But my level head says it needs to be planned out better or I could end up in a right pickle, so I don't tick that box….. But it really needs ticking!!!
    Oh well, think I shall go do some more pondering over Groovi
    Hugs xx

  13. Hi Barbara
    Hope you and Dave are well
    Ticking boxes,I'm with you there. I have a rather large one to tick and I want to do it now! But my level head says it needs to be planned out better or I could end up in a right pickle, so I don't tick that box….. But it really needs ticking!!!
    Oh well, think I shall go do some more pondering over Groovi
    Hugs xx

  14. I am on the cusp of a new life but am having to shed myself of my old one and that seems to be taking so long to do. I am packing up my old home and life to move to my partner's farm to begin a new chapter but I didn't anticipate how emotional this would be. I am eager to start afresh but full of trepidation after 23 years in my house where I brought up my son. The choice of staying living in a town to moving to the country is an easy one to make, to be able to go for a walk and never leave your own patch feels so surreal to me. Though the task ahead will be a big one. His parents used to live a mostly self sufficient life and I would like to restore the gardens to what they once were but it will take a lot of work. I wonder if I am up to it, I suffer from depression and I wonder how I will cope with the dark days in a new unfamiliar place and if I won't be able to muster the motivation to carry my plans through. For now though I am slowly packing my old life into boxes and sending them one by one on their way to my new life. Eventually I will follow and throw caution to the wind. I am not a gambling person so this is a big step for me but it has been seven years in the making and its only the surroundings that will be strange not the company. I can't wait to take my doggies on a walk in the fields and to wake up to a country vista. Much love Jayne

    1. Jayne I wish you all the happiness you wish for yourself as one chapter closes another chapter opens just take them baby steps take your memories with you and forge new ones lots of hugs to help you on your way xxx

    2. Oh Jayne, it all sounds exciting but I can understand your fears. The house you are in has been a huge part of your life for 23 years, full of memories. Just remember you will be making new memories now to treasure for years to come. Xx

    3. Sounds so exciting Jayne, country over town, no contest really, but you're bound to have your fears. You'll make new memories in the house you're going to and your other memories will always be there too. Wish you all the luck in the world for your new adventure. Be happy.xx

  15. Since entering my 50's my whole outlook on work and life has once again changed. During my 40's it was to try new experiences but in my 50s I find myself preparing for more free time, being able to separate myself from the stresses of work, stepping down from a management role in order to gain a better work life balance and I love it. I still need an income but the end of my mortgage is in sight. Hopefully more freedom is on the horizon. I feel that I am ticking of life's boxes towards retirement even if it could still be st least 9 yrs away. Don't think I'd get an allotment though as it would be a bit of a tie xx

  16. Hi Barb,
    I'm glad you've almost got the club stuff done and I wasn't you to know that I & everyone in the club appreciate it. It must take you forever, but it is so worth it – it's fantastic! pleased that's one box you've got ticked anyway. I made a massive change to my life in 2012 when I decided to take early retirement. I'd just had my knee replacement and Dave took me out and about to cheer me up and get my " false" knee working. In those couple of months, I realised that there was more to life than teaching and work, so I decided to retire. It was a scary thing as I didn't know if I would have enough money and if I'd be bored. How wrong was I, I actually don't know how I found time to work! Yes, I have to be more careful about money ( although I struggle with that one when you keep bringing out such lovely goodies lol! ) but I love being able to do what I want when I want. If we want to go away for a few days we do just that without having to think about school holidays and high inflated prices. The only thing I have to worry about, is can my sister look after Scamp or do I need to book her into the cattery – Scamp not my sister! So for me it was definitely a case of JFDI!!! Love and hugs, Alison xxx

    1. Hi to all my lovely blog friends,
      Hope you've all had a good day and that the weather has been good for you. Been gorgeous here today and the rest of the week is supposed to be good too. Now got to concentrate on Masterchef – love and hugs to you all, Alison xxxx

    2. Hi Alison it's a big step to take isn't it but you do wonder how you had time to work don't you. Lovely and sunny here too and yes, I'm concentrating on master chef too! Xxx

    3. Hi Alison Tom tucked his arm in mine and walked me round the gardens this morning how wonderful that felt just a simple thing I haven't been able to do that ment the world to me .pleased you made the right decision and are happy that's what is important xxx

  17. What a simple song that says it all. I downsized a year ago last Friday, it took me two years to come to the decision as I felt something would happen to hubby if I did (12 year age difference between us and I'm now 56 for a few more months). It did happen in that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer 6 months after I retired but, we've got through the radiotherapy treatment and have to wait 12 weeks to see if it's worked. Fingers crossed it has – you wouldn't think there was anything wrong with him – really! However, he might have to have his wrists slit as he has carpel tunnel syndrome but that's another story. I digress. If I hadn't have retired early I wouldn't have been able to have coped with stress of that and work (it had got really stressful for me, yet a lovely place to be at the same time). Also I was able to attend every hospital treatment with him and he was glad of that – it wasn't always necessary but good that I could.

    It was good to be able to sit out in the sun this afternoon. At the moment I'm here on my own with Groovi on my lap (well it was until I wondered if you'd blogged so I had to have a look!) and it's the first time in absolute ages that I'm on my own. He's gone down the local pub to watch brother in law and nephew play Aunt Sally. It's really weird having the house to myself again. At least I do know he's coming home and I know some people don't have that so I count my blessings all round.

    I know it's selfish to say but please don't downsize just yet as we've only just got the Diamond Club! xxxx

    1. Hi Jackie, I have been interested in your reading your post today as my husband has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer too and starts his radiotherapy at the end of the month. Strangely enough he also has developed carpal tunnel syndrome(very painful). The medics told him it is just coincidence and nothing to do with the treatment but it makes one wonder! I wish you both the very best and hope you find your crafting as therapeutic at this stressful time as I do.

    2. Hi Jackie, I have been interested in your reading your post today as my husband has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer too and starts his radiotherapy at the end of the month. Strangely enough he also has developed carpal tunnel syndrome(very painful). The medics told him it is just coincidence and nothing to do with the treatment but it makes one wonder! I wish you both the very best and hope you find your crafting as therapeutic at this stressful time as I do.

    3. Hi Veronica, isn't that odd but hubby has had the carpel tunnel quite a while (before p.c. Diagnosed ) but not bothered to do anything about it. However he did mention it to the doctor who suggested trying wrist supports for a while, if they didn't help there is an injection option and after that the operation. He's going back to doctor next week about it as it's no different. He just wanted to get the radiotherapy out of the way first. Good luck to your hubby with his treatment,it's a slog but thankfully John had very little side effects. Most men complained about their hot flushes as they were on hormone treatment but John wasn't! Fingers crossed the radiotherapy has done the trick. X

    1. Hi Jackie
      Lovely day here too, it sounds like groovi can be taken into the garden to enjoy in the sunshine, that's good 😀. Life is funny isn't it and when you look back on it you realise why things happened, it's probably been such a relief for you to be able to go with your husband for his treatment and not have to worry about time off etc. Sending you a hug xx

    2. Hubby enjoyed his evening out – he met quite a few people he hadn't seen seen in years!

      I'm going to try Groovi in the garden when the wind isn't blowing!

  18. I need to downsize my craft stash! I have so many things that I never use anymore, boxes of things that I have 'outgrown'. The angel on my shoulder is telling me to donate it to a local group, but the devil on the other side is telling me to keep it in case it comes in handy. I will give it some thought over the summer. XX

    1. Hi Donna,
      I'm in exactly the same position. I was looking at my overflowing cupboard and mentally deciding what to get rid of. I really cant see me going back to use some of the stuff and I'm sure that someone would give it a good home! Xx

    2. Me too I've so moved on from the craft I made in the beginning to the art work I do now thanks to finding clarity but like you I cannot bear to part with it unless it's to a fellow crafter .Two of my crafting friends are calling on Friday so I'm hoping one can take some with her she lost her mum in November so very sad so I hope some of my craft stuff will help her through these tough times xxx

  19. I well remember when I brought this album..It was in Lewes, and we played it incessantly for months after ! A lot has already been said here in the comments about change, change which takes courage. Those famous words resound… " The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself." and most people fear change ! How ironic..so… J.F.D.I. is a well used maxim in our household . xx And yes I will do the digging !!! (albeit slowly). xx

    1. Sometimes life sends us some very tough times that change our lives and we have to move with it or sink you two both deserve to sit aside your wonderful garden ornaments and chill with that cuppa of tea xx

  20. Love today's blog – I made a huge change 4 years ago and don't have a single regret, although my bank manager might disagree! No time for an allotment, but maybe when I downsize the house there will be time for chickens and veggies. This year I'm going to grow tomatoes in a growbag and strawberries in recycled milk cartons in an old pallet – well we all have to start somewhere! x

    1. Hi Susan. I live in Nairn and I've had great success growing patio tomatoes and cucumbers in pots on the patio outside. I never thought that it would be possible to do that up here.

  21. Hi Barbara
    What a lovely blog today, I'm going to listen to the song in a minute ( master chef was on when I started, it's got to the final so quite exciting!). We had a lovely stroll this evening through the country park down to the sea, lovely to take some time out and appreciate life and what we've got. Came home and had a FaceTime chat with stressed daughter who's exams have started and is hunting for next years flat, wish she wasn't so far away so I could give her a big mum hug but this too will pass and she will be home for the summer. Good to hear you have ticked the big box today, that must be a great relief to you, we all appreciate the hard work you put into it and really love it when it pops through the letter box. Take care
    Love Diane xxx

    1. Hello my lovely blog friends
      It's been a lovely day here today, what a change from last week!! I'm practising being patient with my White work , slowly slowly let it rest!! Hope everyone is ok xxx

    2. Evening Diana sending you a warm hug your daughter knows your there with your love and surport so feel proud she is doing well how that first year has passed xxx

  22. I read the blog with a heavy heart me thought I would just work on another year to give hubby and me some extra pennies to do some of the things we had planned but three months before I retired I lost him.
    My life has changed completely I'm coping and have plenty of family to keep me going and this here wee blog but if only I'd had that wee bit more time.
    Better go Take care …xx

    1. So awful for that to have happened Dot, it's,a good job we don't know what's round the corner for us, but with hindsight we'd all probably make different decisions. We are here for you if you need us, you know that. You'll never loose all those wonderful memories. God bless.xx

    2. Thankyou you are all such lovely people I'm glad I came here and got back to doing wee crafty stuff its funny how seeing one lovely lady on the telly can help you through life….xx

    3. Oh Dot, I'm so sad to hear your news. I hope you will still do some of the things that you had planned, and your husband will be there with you in your heart. Sending love and hugs, Susan x

  23. My biggest change was for DH and I to move nearly 200 miles from Surrey to the West Country nearly ten years ago, well in two weeks time it will be. The idea of this change was a bit daunting but we felt it was time for new challenges and new beginnings and it has proved to be the best thing we could have done. I think if your life was too calm and peaceful you would soon get bored Barbara, but it is good to make changes where you think they are needed and take time out 'to smell the roses' when you can. x

  24. Hi Barb, and every one else. Thanks for your Wednesday Blog. Change is always difficult to do – but when your time is right – one just does it. Life can be a challenge but it is in our power to make it different.

    Garden here I come – later today – sunny days in the garden always help.

    Crafty hugs Pen x

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