Blog Challenge Day 30

Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge

I can't believe we're on the last day! It's gone so fast (but then I have had a very busy month)! 

So what good things have happened to me since the beginning of this challenge? Lots! I might have more than 5!

1. I went back to my lovely Cornwall :-) and reunited with my best friends and my Sister , Nephew and Niece

2. I officially became a Godmother to Sarah! I spent the week with her and her family and had a great time getting to know her :-)

3. I stopped off in Leominster each way on my journey to Cornwall and was able to have a lovely time with my dear friend and blog co-conspirator Maria We talked and talked and did some dreaming together :-) Sadly I didn't get a picture of us! Why didn't we? how silly!

4. I had the most gorgeous welcome from my Doggy when I get home. She won't let me leave her again I'm sure! Also my parents were pleased to see me and welcomed me with open arms. Something not so nice happened to me this month and my parents gave me unconditional support and love! I felt very cherished!

5. and this is the real icing on the cake... I'm going Home! By Home I mean moving back to Cornwall! It was so great to go back but I felt the call from the moment I found out my friend was expecting little Sarah! It has just intensified the more I've been back (last August and this April) One of the reasons I haven't considered going back before was leaving behind my parents. I wanted to be nearby especially when I have kids and over the time I was away they have decided to move to Devon! This would mean about a 2 hour journey instead of 8! So I am very happy and excited! Now I just have to wait for God to put all the pieces in place :-)

so here is the happy me photo taken today after I got ready to go out for Mum's birthday meal...

I hope you have enjoyed following my blog challenge! Look out for another one coming soon :-)

Blog Challenge Day 29

Day 29 - 3 wishes

Whe I first started to think about this I thought only of myself. What did I wish for? And then I though that's pretty selfish (not that I'm preaching at anyone who did put write wishes for themselves) So these are the wishes that came to me when I thought bigger than myself!...

1. I wish that every child in the world has a safe and loving home!

2. I wish all the wealth in the world was fairly distributed so no-one has to go without food and healthcare and a roof over their head!

3. Well I don't want to sound like I'm trying to win Miss World but.... World Peace!

I really wanted to include this video for a laugh so I do hope you'll pop over to watch it here as it wouldn't let me embed it :-(

and just to make this personal - one for me... my own house in Cornwall :-) (and by own house, rented is fine)

So what are your 3 wishes? Don't worry you can tell me ones for you! I'm not judging anyone but myself!

Friendship Vignettes ~ Cloud

Week 34 ~ Cloud 

Welcome to this weeks Friendship Vignettes. Not the best week to use the theme cloud as since choosing we have had pretty much cloudless skies! I managed to get a few though and they do look lovely! Really feels like Summer is here doesn't it?

So here are our pics...

Don't forget to pop over to Maria's blog to see all the other lovely things she makes and for a link to the other photo's she took in this theme.

Also pop over to our Friendship Vignettes blog where you can see all our themes with just the 2 pictures that made the cut! Just the pictures so they can speak for themselves.

here is my video of all my other photo's in this theme...

I hope you have enjoyed this weeks Photo's and if you have taken any we'd love to see them too.

Blog Challenge Day 28

Day 28 - Something that Stresses You Out

I had to think a bit about this one...

1. Being tired always makes seemingly little things stress me out. Like parking the car on our street which I'm great at but when I'm really tired I get much more stressed and end up repositioning the car lots!

I guess that is just a lack of patience!

2. Another thing that Stresses me out is the feeling that I'm not being a good dog owner. When the dogs are barking and I can't stop them or they don't respond to commands.

or they upset another dog owner at the park and they moan at me! I'm doing the best I can!!

3. and this might just be the biggest thing... technology that doesn't work the way it should! Now I know a bad workman blames her tools but I'm not a technophobe and if technology is going to be faulty it will generally be the one they sell us!! That really stresses me out!

The technology that doesn't generally stress me out is my camera and mostly my car!

Blog Challenge Day 27

Day 27 An Original Photo of The City You Live In

Now Dad and I had different views of what this meant. Dad thought it should be a photo I've taken and I thought it should be an old photo and so I'm going with what I thought.

Lancaster

Blog Challenge Day 26

Day 26 - Your Dream Wedding

Like most little girls I have been dreaming my wedding since I was very young!

I dreamed of the Fairytale! My Prince Charming, a Cathedral Wedding and yes the meringue dress!

Yes that is St Paul's Cathedral where Princess Diana got married. What can I say? I have great taste and it  was kind of my local Cathedral when I was little!

I used to sing in a church choir at weddings so at a very early age I found my favourite piece of music for walking up the aisle (or is it down? I never can remember) you know the piece you walk out to as a married couple! Widor's Toccata

It is so triumphant and simply glorious!

(Wow look at those Stained glass Windows!)

Another piece of music for the ceremony is 'Oh Jesus I have Promised' as I love it and my parents had it at their wedding too but I would have a different tune!

My favourite colour is Jade green and the necklace that love came from is this one...

This necklace belonged to my Great - Grandmother! It's probably not valuable but I have always loved it and would love to wear it at my wedding and have my bridesmaids in one of the shades of green in it! I would love an engagement ring to match too :-)

I always dreamed of Gold wedding rings as that is all I knew but now I'm not so sure. I rarely wear gold so maybe White Gold or if money is a problem then silver will be fine! Hang on this is my dream wedding right? Heck! Then I want White Gold or Platinum!! hehe

Flowers? I love fragrant flowers, Freesias, Roses and Lilies and either in a traditional bouquet... you know big and trailing down the front of my dress or maybe just a smaller bouquet carried over my arm.

Yep Princess Diana again. What do you expect I was about 8 years old when she got married. She was my Fairytale Princess!

So I think that about wraps it up for my dream wedding unless I decide to throw all this away for an American style outdoor wedding? .... then again .... NO Chance!

Blog Challenge Day 25

Day 25 put your ipod (mp3 player in my case) on shuffle what are the first 10 songs?...

I have just got back from my hols (the day before yesterday) and in all that time I've known exactly where my MP3 player is now I'm home and I've had it on charge for a little bit I can't find it!! No idea where it's gone! so instead I am having to do this on Windows Media Player! so here goes...

1. O.K. Rock Remix - Big Brovas (ok I can't just give you a list I have to comment or explain!!) I bought this cd for a couple of songs I do like on it and don't think I've even heard this one!

2. Hold On - Take That

3. Holy is The Lord - Abundant Life Mininstries

4. Bring it on - Alistair Griffin

5. Beast Of Burden - Bette Midler

6, Let Your Healing Come - Casey Corum (Vineyard Music)

7. If I Let You Go - Westlife

8. You'll Never Walk Alone - Robson and Jerome

9. Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood

10. God of All Of Me - Sandi Patty

ok in all honesty I skipped a couple (that was after I had done this a couple of times and skipped every other one!) But I ask you... Would you honestly put your 10 random songs up for everyone to see and maybe mock? I'm not worried about being mocked so much as it being a representation of what I really listen to which even this isn't...oh well it's just meant to be fun...isn't it? hehe

Blog Challenge Day 24

Day 24 - Something I've Learned

Well it doesn't say when I have learned something so that's really broad! I have learned to read and write, to look after myself and be independent, but I guess the idea is for it to be something more personal and maybe fairly recent.

The thing that comes to mind is to take one day at a time and to not worry.

I am a dreadful worrier! I worry about what people think of me. I worry about things I've done wrong not just recently but throughout all my life. I worry about not being able to get out with the doggies for regular walks and not being a good owner able to control my dog and stop her from barking etc. I worry about not being a good friend cos I live too far away or I'm not well enough to meet up with the ones who are local! All this sounds like I haven't learnt anything but I have....

 I have learnt just this last week that dog owners are not perfect and I'm not the only one who yells shut up at their dogs on occasion! I have learnt that it is a waste of time and very precious energy to worry over the things in the past, things that are impossible for me to change. I have learnt that I have to make a conscious decision to not watse my time worrying over things like these! And I have learnt that a good friendship can survive little contact and still be strong and lovely when contact is made!

Learning to take it one day at a time isn't easy but I am trying and I'm trying to make the most of each day. That doesn't mean doing so much I exhaust myself and make myself ill but to change my focus from looking at what I can't do to seeing what I have achieved each day.

I guess there is one real message here. You have control over your life and how you live it and what you make of it! So I challenge you (if you need it) to do the same!

Blog Challenge Day 23

Day 23 - My Favourite Song

You can't ask a musician to pick a favourite song!! Well at least not me! I have loads and they change all the time!! I have very varied tastes and like some pop, classical, jazz etc. I rarely like everything by one artist and songs become favourites because of the melody or the words generally both. So... here goes with a few favourite songs....

Extraordinary by Mandy Moore

I discovered Mandy Moore when a film she was in called 'A Walk to Remember' was recommended to me. Later we were watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and she sang this song to a camp full of disabled children. It was very moving.

Songbird by Eva Cassidy

I love this song! it has such a beautiful melody

Halo by Beyonce

I have loved this song from the first time I heard it!

Defying Gravity from 'Wicked' and yes I prefer the Glee version!

I love this song because it is inspiring me to take that leap!

One Step At A Time - Jordin Sparks

I love this song, again because of the words really speak to me and where I am right now. But I have to say I also love the dress Jordin is wearing! I have even bought a dress thats similar! hehe

ok so now for a change of style....my favourite classical pieces. In classical it is all about the melody! The prettier the better. I love tinkling Piano pieces, the rich sound of the flute and the soulful classical guitar.  Lets hope I can find my favourites on you tube!

The Banks of Green Willow by George Butterworth

I listen closely but when the flute takes the melody I stop what I'm doing altogether and just listen! Why the flute bit? well it's pretty but also I play the flute! Not sure what the flute sounds like? My favourite section is about 4.30 mins into the piece.

Elizabethan Serenade by Ronald Binge

I love the tripping melody of this piece and it lifts my spirit!

Pachelbel's Canon in D

I've loved this piece since I was a child and have never gone off it! This is played her on the instruments it was written for.

Well there are plenty other songs I could add here but I think I'd better stop now! I hope you have enjoyed listening to my selection.

Blog Challenge Day 22

Day 22 What's in my purse? .... Money? Debit Cards? Nectar card? Moths?  ....Oh wait a minute I think it means what's in my handbag?

 

Well I was chatting to Maria the other day about not being able to travel light so.... I have in my handbag.....

Purse, Phone, Camera, Card wallet, Notepad & Pen

Business cards, Glasses, Contact lens liquid, Antibacterial Handwash, Pill pot

Lip balm, Tissues, Wet wipes, Handbag Sewing kit

Think there's enough in there? I frequently get called 'Mum' because I'm prepared hehe

Friendship Vignettes ~ View

Hi! Welcome to week 33 of Friendship Vignettes! This weeks theme is View and it was lovely to find a theme that allowed me to take sea pics of St Ives and Hayle while I was in Cornwall when Maria lives nowhere near the sea! Hasn't this week just been gorgeous with such sunny hot days? It did make for such lovely warm shots!

Do pop over to Maria's blog Maria Divine see her other divine creations

There is no slideshow/video at the mo as I'm recovering from my holiday! (I'm a bit tired and headachy :-( ) I will do them and upload them soon so I hope you pop back to see them later.

I hope you like our pictures this week. I hope to see you here next week. And don't forget to share any photo's you have taken.

Blog Challenge Day 21

Day 21 Favourite picture of myself all time and why

I love this picture of me. I love the colours of my clothes but most of all I love the fact I'm happy. It was last year when I went back to Cornwall for the first time in 5 years and catching up with my best friends there! It is one of the few pictures I have when I don't look at it and criticise it with "I look fat" "look at my double chin!" etc :-)

Blog Challenge Day 20

Day 20 - Nicknames

Now the question is do I tell you my baby nickname? Ummmm - No! It's private and I also use it for some passwords sorry! But I can tell you all the other's I've had on and off over the years!

The one I didn't really like but look back and laugh now was Pterodactyl (Teri -dact -tyl!) Called to me by a girl called Susan who I used to chat to on the bus to school.

My mum calls me Tish short for Tish-Tash

When everyone called me Teresa (yep thats my real name) My brother would call me Teri which I didn't adopt for several more years!

Blog Challenge Day 19

Day 19 - Something I miss

As I am sitting here writing this I am in my beloved Cornwall! I have 2 more days and then I will be going home again. I know when I go I will again miss Cornwall, The cliffs, the beaches and most of all my friends and Family! But I know if I was living here I would be missing my parents and the pets I would be leaving behind...Bessie, Howard and Dandelion! In these days it is hard to have everything and everyone you love around you when family is scattered all over! My family is in Cornwall, Northamptonshire, London and Sussex (I have an uncle around but not sure where he is at the mo cos he keeps moving!)

Blog Challenge Day 18

Day 18 - My favourite place to eat.

This one is difficult as since living in Lancaster I don't go out much for meals. As a family we go out for meals for birthdays but are limited on where we can go due to Mum's diet (no meat, dairy or fruit!) so we go to our local restaurant Greaves Park and sometimes to Bella Italia or our favourite Chinese restaurant The Fortune Star! The Fortune Star are great as they keep an eye (ooh a pun) on Dad for us as because of his blindness he doesn't serve himself so they will often come over and refill his dish for him. When I was in Cornwall I went to an Indian a lot called Ali Baba I loved having the Tandoori Prawns there and being a girl who like very mild curries they were always just right. (I have had Tandoori Prawns here and it's always been too hot for me!)

So not very exciting this post. I would have been happier talking about my favourite food :-) (Roast Lamb, roast potatoes, Roast parsnips and Mint jelly or Chinese)

Blog Challenge Day 17

Day 17 A song to match your mood! 

This is one of those days I have had a swap around as I anticipated being very happy today being back in Cornwall with my best friends and becoming a Godmother to little Sarah! 

So this is my song. It's called On a High by Duncan Sheik

Here are the lyrics...

I'm on a high, I'm on a high
There's nothing more to it
We are the sea and the sky
And the blue that runs through it

And there are some who say there are
So many things I need
So I run or I fight and I crawl or I scream and I bleed
I bleed, I bleed

(Chorus)
Well it's a lie, it's a lie-don't you believe it
If you're fine, then you're fine-it's all how you see it
Oh, there will never be no conspiracy of happiness

I'm on a high, on a high
There's nothing more to it
I have the sun, it's a star
Why should I refuse it?

And there are so many reasons I could give you why I should be down
There's not enough money or time and my love
You're not around
Around, around

(Chorus)
You're alive, you're alive-what else could you give me
You are fine, you are fine-nothing's worth fearing
Oh, there never will be no conspiracy of happiness

I'm on a high, on a high
You are the sea and the sky
I'm on a high, I'm on high
I'm on a high 

I didn't know this song before I started trawling through You tube using different words to describe my mood! So if you don't know it pop on over to You Tube (this link will take you straight to it) and have a listen! Not only are the words great but it's an up tempo song too :-)

I hope you like it!

Blog Challenge Day 16

Day 16 - a picture of my best friend!

This one is hard for me as I do have lots of very close friends! I wouldn't want to do a picture of one and upset another! So I will be doing a number of pictures and maybe saying a little about why that friend is special to me.

I would like to say that these are not in order of Importance But I am starting with Sam and her Family as I have not seen them for 6 years prior to this visit for my Goddaughter's (and the newest member of their family) Christening!

(in order) David, Steven, Alley, Tony (Sam's dad) with Sarah, Chris (Sam's mum), Sam and Greg

Sam is a very special friend that I know was provided by God! We met when she went forward for prayer in Church leaving her 2 year old Alley with my mum crying dreadfully. Now my mum has bought up 2 of us and has childminded so didn't need me trainee nursery nurse barging in saving the day and comforting this poor little girl. So I left it a while and then went over. Alley turned around to me and lifted her arms, I picked her up and she stopped crying! Sam and I have been firm friends ever since! Sam and Gregs was always a place I could run too when I needed support or just some fun and company . She was my prayer partner and my singing and jewellery making making buddy! I have missed her so much and no-one could ever take her place! I later met the kids dad, Greg. we hit it off immediately ending up spending the evening in fits of laughter and consider him a dear friend too! 

Anna and I were at school together friends but not very close. We sang in the choir together. We stayed in touch meeting up with some other mutual friends for Christmas and Birthdays. Anna has Cerebral Palsy and wanted to move out of home but didn't feel she could manage on her own. We got a place together and she is the best Housemate I have ever had! Our time together was fun and peaceful which following the rows I had with my previous housemates was very welcome!

Anna

Maria is an amazing friend who is most like me! We both love crafts and love getting together to do them side by side but we trade ideas and and tips. We both love shopping and blogging and love being able to do those together too. But the thing that, I think brings us closest together is the way our lives are at present! She is the only person I know who's life mirrors mine! And so when we are struggling with things that are not happening at the moment or other things from which support. We are to each other the someone who can give support knowing from experience how you are feeling which is invaluable. 

Maria

Keren and I are very close and tell each other everything! We get on the phone for a quick chat and 2 hours later having rung each other back at least once we will finally get off the phone!

me and Keren 

Karen and I became friends under sad and tense circumstances but although our friendship has been up and down and we had a break from each other I am glad to be friends with her again :-)

Karen and me

Helen and I met in a Christian group called Women Aglow. I was leading worship with my guitar and she asked me to teach her! 2 lessons later we are good friends and she has suppassed me! :-) It was lovely going to Cornwall together last year we were so busy chatting from the minute we got in the car that Helen went on autopilot heading to work and missing our exit! We talked the whole 10 hour journey and I can honestly say I did not hear a single song on the cd player!

Sonia is like my second mum. She is the place where I would run if I had a row with my dad when I was in my teens (and beyond) 

Sonia

Blog Challenge Day 15

Day 15 - Favourite Bible verse....

Oh this is going to be quite hard as I have quite a few! But my favourite book in the Bible is Ruth (I love the romance of it) and these verses I want at my wedding maybe in my vows. Somewhere on a tape we have them set to music and I used to sing it all the time!

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. ¹⁷ Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

Do you have a favourite bible verse? I'd love to hear it and why it's your favourite :-)