Friday 25 April 2014

Celebrate the small things

Am I the only one who thinks that the Easter break seems like a long time ago? My weekend didn't go quite to plan as I ended up spending most of Saturday at the hospital with an elderly relative who was taken ill suddenly. Hubby and I got home in time for a quick wash and change before heading off to our friend's birthday party Saturday evening. Easter Sunday then turned into a bit of a waiting around kind of day with lots of phone calls.Thankfully  the illness turned out to be not as serious as we first feared and they are now home again and recuperating.

I went back to work on Tuesday, which happened to be hubby's birthday. We decided to go out for a meal on the Monday to celebrate as we were all going to be quite busy on the actual day. It was a nice way to end the long weekend.

If you read last week's post you will know we are having some new windows fitted to the front of the house. It has been a dustier and longer job than expected but they are nearing completion now and looking good.

This weekend I am hoping to go to a local food festival. It is an event which has grown over the years. It is fun to wander around the foody stalls and try the samples on offer! 

And so onto other small celebrations for the week ...


Thanks to Viklit for hosting


  • Enjoying some chocolate after several weeks without it!
  • A quieter weekend (hopefully)
  • Catching up with my cousin who is visiting from France.
Happy Friday to one and all.

Friday 18 April 2014

Celebrations and Happy Easter


Thanks to Viklit for hosting 

The end of the week certainly comes round fast which means it's time for us to reflect on events from the past seven days. Even though I've been away from school it has been a busy week in our household. We are having some new windows fitted on the front of the house and it is amazing how the whole thing takes over! People in and out of the house and dust everywhere not only in the rooms where the new windows are going, however, I know it needs to be done and they are looking good so guess I'll just have to get on with a bit of cleaning this afternoon. Due to the Easter break, the window fitter won't be back until next Tuesday to finish off so need to get rid of some of the dust else it will only travel!

Apart from the new windows this week I am celebrating;

  • Going out for a nice long walk with friends from work on Monday. It was a beautiful day and we had lunch in a pub on the way. Chance for a good natter away from work. 
  • Went to see an Agatha Christie play last night called, 'Black Coffee.' It was very good, nice to see the 1920's costumes and sets.
  • A 21st birthday celebration to go to tomorrow.
  • I didn't achieve huge amounts of writing this week, but did a little editing, sent a piece of work  out on submission and tidied up a short story I am sending off to a competition, so progress of sorts.
  • Looking forward to eating chocolate again on Sunday. At times it has been hard not reaching for a choccy treat at times of stress, but, on the whole, it hasn't been too difficult to abstain for a while. Lost a couple of pounds as well so that was a bonus!
Hope you all have a happy, peaceful Easter weekend. 

Friday 11 April 2014

Celebrate!

Thanks to Viklit for hosting

This week I am celebrating having the internet back! 

Daughter's birthday this weekend. Going out for a meal tomorrow with a few friends to celebrate. 20 years ago, it seems like only yesterday!

Seeing DIVERGENT - have been looking forward to this for a while and wasn't disappointed.

Winning an ebook copy of Emma Adams book DARKNESS WATCHING. I'm looking forward to reading this one, thanks Emma.

A lovely mention on Alex's blog on Wednesday. Thanks to Alex, I was left teary with all the lovely comments and new visitors to my blog.

Getting some writing done - mainly while the internet was off, maybe that should tell me something!


Happy weekend


Monday 7 April 2014

Quick update

Hi everyone, just letting you know I am experiencing some internet issues so may not be around much for a day or two.

Hope the A-Z is going well for those taking part. Back soon :)

Wednesday 2 April 2014

IWSG (April)




Aside from the usual worries on lack of time and how to juggle and prioritise everything to find writing time, I'm not sure that I have any major insecurities this month. Hurrah, that's got to be a good thing!

So many of you are extra busy this month with A-Z, I am not joining in (mainly due to aforementioned time constraints!) but I wish you all well, enjoy the fun. I will no doubt be dropping in to read some of the posts.


And don't forget to check out the Insecure Writer's Support Group website

Tuesday 1 April 2014

Birthstone Unicorns - Diamond (April)

The birthstone for April is the gorgeous diamond, probably one of the best known of all the jewels and certainly one of the most coveted! So, are diamonds really a girl's best friend? Well, I'll let you decide that, but here are some facts and legends surrounding this most precious of gems to help you.

  • The word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamastos" meaning invincible. Being the hardest substance known to man this would seem very appropriate.
  • The Greeks thought that diamonds possessed magical powers, being splinters of stars fallen to earth, crystallized lightening or tears of the gods.
  • The diamond trade flourished towards the 15th century with the opening of Eastern trade routes.
  • In 16th century England uncut diamond crystals were set into "scribbling rings." The exposed points were used by lovers to etch romantic vows into window panes. They have been used as cutting and engraving tools since early times.
  • The Middle Ages saw diamonds used as cures for ailments stemming from the pituitary gland and brain. By heating the crystal and taking it to bed it was said to purge harmful toxins from the body.
  • Diamonds have been worn by kings in battle as a symbol of strength and courage. They have been kept as talismans to ward against poisoning and phantoms.
  • Diamonds are the symbol of love and relationships, and are an ever popular gem in engagement rings.
  • They are considered useful for an individual's balance, clarity and energy especially when combined with amethysts.
  • A diamond is said to bring its owner wealth, happiness and protection.
Happy birthday to all you April born. It is a popular month for birthdays in our house as my eldest daughter and my husband celebrate this month. Sadly I won't be able to buy them any diamonds but maybe they can catch up with their Birthstone Unicorn, Diamond HERE.