Gratitude

I woke up this morning with my heart full to bursting with gratitude. Despite having not slept very well because of a hacking cough I've picked up this last week, I sat on the side of the bed in my normal semi conscious state, full on bedhead (picture it, or perhaps not hehe), and thought 'd'ya know what, I may be feeling really rubbish but I've a lot to be thankful for'....

I don't want to be overly sentimental otherwise you'll all want to be passed the sick bucket, but I really felt the need to pop in here today to say THANK YOU to one specific person.

I have been receiving happy mail from this lady for well over a year now. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that Becky has taken time out of her own day to day to put together parcels choc full of wonderful goodies for me. At her own expense they have found their way from Becky's little corner of Texas to my little corner of Bedfordshire, here in the UK. 

She has written me the most wonderful messages of support and encouragement since before, and after losing Mum. She has taken every care and effort to highlight the little things that make her happy by putting sticky notes on items, which have made me smile and make me happy in return. She has bought things for herself, and bought me the same with the pure intention that I might like it too. 

I have far too many wonderful things to show you, from yarn to cake tins to calendars & diaries. The items pictured are just some of the things Becky picked up for me from The Silos. If you know who Chip & Jo Gaines are, you'll know why this is SUPER SPECIAL to me!

If you're reading this Becky, I hope you realise you have really made a huge impact, and I can never repay your kindness. This blog has brought you to me, and if I never achieved anything else, I'm grateful for YOU and the connection it has given me to people like you (of whom there are many) who are genuinely kind, caring and considerate. 

No matter the distance, you have sent your kind heart 

in every word and I will never forget it.

Sx

For Sale - Handmade Decorative Mug Mats

Hello friends, I've got some surplus sets of decorative mug mats that I've made up recently and they are looking for a good home. If you'd be interested in purchasing any of them, just email me padraigin.handmade@gmail.com for details. There's a number in the top left corner of each set, so if you quote that I'll know which you're interested in. There are 4 in a set, measuring approx 11.5cm square. They come gift boxed so could be a lovely handmade gift for someone too!

Sunburst Flower Crochet and the Sky Garden

Hey there my lovelies, today there's been a hint of Spring in the air and as a consequence I'm feeling a little less lethargic. Had a lovely couple of hours at the Albero Lounge on the Riverside in Bedford this morning. There's a knit & natter on a Wednesday between 10am and midday. It's a lovely way to spend a couple of chilled out hours with like minded ladies. 

I confess we spend a fair amount of that two hours chatting, giggling, and supping on refreshments,  interspersed with a few rows of knitting and rounds of crochet. We're a friendly lot so if you're local and want to join us please do. It would be lovely to see you.

The motif you see above is an adaptation of a pattern in a book I bought many moons ago; 201 crochet motifs, blocks, projects and ideas. It's called the Sunburst Flower by Melody Griffiths. I thought it would make a good base for a pretty vase of flowers, but used my cuppa just to demonstrate the finished size for you. The pattern looks complex, but once you wrap the old grey matter around it and get into a rhythm it's fairly straightforward. 

In other news I've had many trips into the Capital recently, and whenever I go into the City I make sure to book a FREE visit to the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street. To spend an hour taking in the spectacular views over the London Skyline is a must do if you're visiting this area for any reason.

I planned my visit to ensure I would have the opportunity to see the Sunset, and believe me I was not disappointed. The light was incredible, and I was mesmerised by the golden hue enveloping the cityscape. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it felt quite magical. I found a strange kind of peace being high up there, despite the throng of people all gathered on the viewing deck with me. I felt blessed to be able to capture that moment with my loved ones, who joined me that day. Little moments in time like that should be savoured. 

I'm grateful for the simple pleasures so much more now I know the fragility of life. And with that in mind I'd like to end this post by acknowledging a life well lived. That of Professor Stephen Hawking. What an extraordinary man, scientist and all round visionary. May he rest in eternal paradise, free from the disease that he never allowed to hinder his capabilities. 

What an inspiration.......