So Tread Softly...

my 100th post

I was just checking my blog statistics and it seems that this will be my 100th post! Who'd have thought it! Hoorah!

Caireen tagged me a few days ago to take part in the meme that's doing the rounds right now. If I understand correctly, I have to list some archived posts that relate to the following themes:

• family
• friends
• yourself
• who you are
• something you love
• anything

I enjoy blogging but I do tend to be a little guarded about personal stuff, especially when it comes to the anonymity of my family and friends. However, I love a challenge so let's see what I come up with...

~family~ my immediate family live on the other side of the world - they are so important to me. Here, my immediate family is compact and bijoux. I like it that way. Here we are.

~friends~ like minded women friends are so important to me and not only because they give me stuff!

~yourself~ this is a piece about me the perfectionist - although not so much now since this post I'm pleased to say.

~who you are~ this post says a few things about me. I'm a list lady! Can't do without 'em!

~something you love~ Friday evenings and being with this man.

~anything~ these pictures still make me laugh!

If anyone else would like to join in then consider yourself tagged!

image: petone beach

shared moments 10.02

image: today is my birthday

image: and here's to many more

so today marks the end of 'shared moments' although I will pop back tomorrow to tie up all the loose ends so to speak - must get back to the celebrations...

shared moments 08/02

image: today I treated myself to a new tunic

shared moments 01/02

image: new haircut - cropped and textured

shared moments 20/01

image: little Johnny Jump Up outside the backdoor

moments

So there are several photography projects happening on various blogs this month. This struck me as a great idea, especially seeing that the next three weeks are going to be flat out for me. Soooo, I'm going to give it a go myself. No particular theme, just little snap shots really or a moment. Images I'd like to share with you. Perhaps something I made that day, a view, a detail, or if it's been a long day, just another photo of Trumpet! Anything goes really. If you want to join in too, then go for it! It could be fun. I'm going to try and post daily up until February 10th ( a special day for me).

Thank you for all of your comments on the last post - each and every one of you - thanks.

image: hand embroidery on linen on the porch

random posting

I haven't posted for what seems like an age. No big excuse really except that we have my folks over from the UK and I want to spend every single minute of the day with them. So, I'm just checking in with a bunch of photos that will hopefully keep you going until normality prevails once again.

We spent some time at Aratoi the fabulous Museum of History and Art in Masterton. I was blown away by The Visual Laboratory by Fran Dibble. Her use of textiles, simple stitching and mixed media work perfectly together in my eyes. Heres a sample of her inspiring work:

 

My birthday BBQ went swimmingly. Can't say I like being 40 but I'm sure I'll get used to it. The wonderful Mr Tread Softly brought me a pile of gorgeous Japanese Craft books that I will photograph in detail shortly.

Thank you cards have been made and posted and emails sent.

I am happy to report that my Mum's need to pop into every fabric shop passed is as strong as mine. Along the way I've managed to pick up a small collection of 1930's reproduction cotton prints that will be used to make...umm...hmmm...I'm sure I'll think of something but I really needed them!!

Finally, our god daughter, as of two days ago, now has a little baby brother. We'll be formally introduced to him next week and I'm certain that he will appreciate this little hand knitted hat.

Well, I'm going to go back to being a tourist with my folks for a few more days but will be back soon.

Until next time...

6 weird and wonderful things

I've been tagged by Mary Jane ! The rules are that I have to write a post listing 6 weird things about me that you don't already know. Well, some of you will, those that know me in real life. I then have to tag six more people and they have to do the same. Here goes:

:: Before I go to sleep I have to put Vaseline on my lips and Vicks Vaporub under my nose. Now how romantic is that!?!

:: I used to be the singer in a punk rock band called The Bang Lassies. We supported Ten Pole Tudor and Public Image. Rock 'n' Roll!!

:: I am and always have been (since leaving home) Ms Neatness. Everything has a place and HAS to be in it's place. My workroom is always immaculate otherwise I am unable to work.

I've figured out the reason for my tidiness - as a student and then when I started out in acting, I lived in some really small places and if one thing was out of place then the whole flat looked a complete mess so I learnt to keep everything neat and tidy. I even cook neatly!

:: Sometimes when I walk into a stately building, a castle or a significant home, I am overcome by a sense of what and who has gone before me. I am only able to whisper for fear of disturbing the awe inspiring atmosphere. The places where this has been most overwhelming is Osborne House, home of Queen Victoria, and Monk's House and Charleston Farmhouse where Virginia Woolf spent much of her time.

Above :: Osborne House, Isle of Wight, UK

Above :: Monk's House, Rodmell, UK

:: I'm not really a fussy eater, although I could quite happily never have meat again, but I REALLY dislike dark chocolate and cream. Whipped, single, double, condensed, it doesn't matter, they all taste awful to me.

:: I get more of a kick buying something secondhand than something new. I love knowing that each item has a history and was no doubt loved before me, especially in the case of vintage clothing and furniture. The only thing I will buy new are books. I love to sniff them!

As we're the same age with birthdays just a few days apart I'd be really interested to hear Carol's weird things. I bet they're weirder than mine!!  I'd also like to tag Louise : Kelly (although she's moving house so I'll understand if this doesn't appear at the top of her list!!) : Jo : Gena : and Miss Twiss.

Until next time...