Hanging Out For Spring

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Days run one into the other.  I busy myself in the kitchen with my bubbling jars and bottles of ferments; my micro-greens, pots of porridge and mashed veggies for the puppy and some for me too.  I trip over the little puppy that waddles about on the floor at my feet, waiting for any tid-bits that may inadvertently fall his way.  I walk the puppy, play with the puppy, spend hours just watching the puppy attacking life with unmitigated joy.  I cuddle the cat and mollify the cat. I confide to the cat that the puppy will soon enough slow down, calm down and become less joyful about life.  I don’t really believe this, but it helps Orlando cope. I think about the garden I am going to make, but do little more than prepare compost for the soil and dig it in. I clean up and cart back out to the garden the compost the puppy has gleefully dug up and brought inside.  I am often invited by the puppy to check out his potty area which he has just used thereby justifying a treat for being a ‘clever boy’.  I fixed up the bedroom I didn’t really like and made it a little more acceptable to me – you may remember this horrid wall paper that I am stuck with.  I don’t see it any more as the pretty colours on the duvet take my eye instead.Bedroom 28 8 14

I hung some sturdier privacy curtains in my front window that also just happen to be very pretty and filter the morning sun in a lovely way.

These photos are especially for Alys who asked to see them.  They are calico with a cut embroidery design through them and a deep crochet cotton hem finished with beads.

curtains2

 

curtains1

My approaching birthday has intruded into my life again this year.  I struggle for about two months ahead of the date, it is the body and buried memories and emotions recalling a traumatic beginning.  I published a post about it last year, but don’t feel inclined to write the second chapter just yet.  I am used to these annual blues now, and cope quite well I think – but this year I definitely lost my creative ability.  I struggled with my commitments and had no desire to push through and just get on with painting something – anything.

So, I spent little time in my art room – but enough to make a few bookmarks and finish three organisers for my Etsy Store.  I have planned a painting – got a few bits ready for it, but haven’t actually started it yet.  My daily cards went out the window ages back and I am happy to concede defeat on that one!

Here are the organisers

organisers

Here are some of the bookmarks – they are destined for a Little Free Library in California.

Bookmarks 28 8 14

I made a lazy susan for my washi tapes and glues and purchased, at a considerable discount of 60%, a long longed for laminating machine – which made me make the bookmarks 🙂

Laminator 28 8 14

I have spent hours filling in forms and organising copies and finding a JP to witness it all for me.  I am about to retire.  I can claim my pension and cash in my KiwiSaver.  I am going to buy a car.  I have been without a car for over a year, reliant on my daughters generosity and on-line shopping.  I want to go to the sea with my puppy and take drives into the countryside.  I need to get out a bit more – I have cabin fever.

I am hanging out for Spring.  Not that it has been a hard winter – it hasn’t.  The icy antarctic blasts were irregular and interspersed with surprisingly balmy days.  Daffodils are out already, some trees are flowering and some are  budding.  I’m hanging out for September to start because then I step out of my pre-birthday blues and return to my usual self.  My girls and I will spend a week together and kick start my new year off in fine fashion.  I’m looking forward to that – I’m ready for it!

To celebrate my milestone birthday, in conjunction with my anonymous friend, I am offering another giveaway.  Just some postcard sized prints of some paintings this time – but great for giving away, writing notes on or using as book marks  🙂

If you leave a comment, you get your name in the coffee cup.  Closing date is September 6th.  Please leave a comment – I love to know what you think.

We went off for our usual walk this morning, prior to publishing this post.  Siddy came home with a little something that he found along the way and this is what I caught on camera [and I have to say that my rug is not that dirty – it just is not very photogenic!]

Todays find 28 8 14Yes, he found a baby’s dummy – pacifier to you foreign types – and what’s more he knows how to use it!

Orlando came to have a lookTodays find3 28 8 14

and puppy offered to share

Todays find4 28 8 14

Orlando pretended not to be interested and puppy waited

Todays find5 28 8 14

He who waits is often rewarded for his patience

Todays find3a 28 8 14

You saw it here folks – it’s the nose bump and the first time I’ve managed to [almost] catch it on camera.  I’m a happy and contented mumma!!

First kiss 28 8 14

Thanks for coming by today, I love that you did!

79 thoughts on “Hanging Out For Spring”

  1. I am exhausted after all of that scrolling! Serves me right for taking so long to get here! Happy birthday Ms Pauline. 30 is the new 20 you know. We women of a certain age get to be “30” and be damned to anyone who tells us otherwise! I hope your birthday was splendiferous. I hope that you felt good about it and decided that it was going to happen anyway so you may as well make the best of it :). I hear that wine helps ;).

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  2. Granny and I came by to wish you a HAPPY PURRTHDAY, dear Pauline…sorry..BIRTHDAY. We don’t know exactly your milestone birthday, it must be 25 and maybe something. Pawkisses for a wonderful new birth-year 🙂 ❤ *to Granny* Are you sure it's Pauline's Birthday…it's all so still over here. Granny: I think it is, LB, I'm not sure either. Better we go now 😉

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    • Good morning Little Binky and Granny! You were quite right, it was my birthday and I had the most wonderful day! I was fast asleep from happiness overload when you left this message, with Orlando curled in on one side and puppy on the other. Thank you for this lovely birthday purr ❤ ❤ ❤ from us all

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  4. Lovely post, Pauline! I have looked several times at the photos of Siddy and the soother and still find it hard to believe . . . I nearly choked to death on one when I was very new and after that there were no more seen in our household. My boys didn’t have them, either, The doctor said I should teach them to suck their thumbs if they needed to self-calm, but neither was ever interested in that, either. But honestly, this is the first time I ever saw an animal with one . . . just makes me smile to see it! So thanks for sharing.

    Love the curtains; the crochet work just makes them, doesn’t it? But what caught my eye even more was the bedroom photo; where did you get that amazing crochet throw/shawl/whatever? The ribbon in it is just perfect! I have to agree with you about the wallpaper, and I like the suggestion about using fabric to cover it. I’d be most tempted to go totally Bohemian / Bedouin and gather the fabric on a dowel and then hang that. Easy to take down if you ever want to and I feel it would give the room a lovely, soft feel . . . but that’s me . . . If you were truly extravagant with it all, you could let the gathered length hang down to cover the wall, then hang another gathered length over a dowel hung above the foot of the bed, loop down a bit, then be tucked in behind the first, wall-covering fabric. Truly Arabian Nights, eh? don’t mind me; it’s just my vicarious yearnings going on here.

    I see it is your birthday already (over there; I get to celebrate your birthday tomorrow back here LOL). So I wish you the most happy of days and the loveliest and most loving of celebrations! I’m sorry you had a rough beginning; it’s not easy to start out in life in such a challenging fashion. Yet you have made so much beauty and loveliness from all that . . . I am most grateful that you are a part of my life, even at a distance. Your example leads me on in so many areas . . .

    So Party On! my friend;

    Oh, nearly forgot to say: I’m happy you are getting a car and will be able to visit the sea whenever you want. And retiring, too! Such fun lies in store for you . . .

    Big Hugs from up north to you. ~ Linne

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    • Hi Linne – full of good ideas for my bedroom I see! Since discussing it again with Alys I have been thinking about the Bohemian option – so you never know what might happen 🙂 I knitted that shawl a few years ago. It was one of my plans to support myself when I gave up teaching – I made dozens of these mohair wraps – they were huge, long enough to wrap your whole body in. I ended up giving most of them away just to get them out of the house when I downsized. This is one I kept and I pop it over my shoulders when I’m reading in bed.

      Thank you for the birthday wishes – I have had a wonderful day and been made to feel really special.
      xoxo

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      • Do you still have the pattern? I happen to have some balls of mohair yarn somewhere here . . . and, of course, I need another project! 🙂

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        • I made the stitch pattern up at the time Linne and all I can remember now is it was based loosely on making a button hole stitch. It’s just like a giant long scarf, so no pattern necessary. Just play around and see what comes. Also use really fat needles 🙂

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  5. Orlando does seem to be coming round! Delighted to hear you’ll have a car soon – with Spring coming there will be lots of things to introduce puppy to. The dummy picture is just wonderful.

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  8. Sending Birthday Wishes Pauline, I wish I had gotten organized with mail, alas it may arrive by Christmas, LOL
    Looks like the little ones are becoming more tolerant of each other and ‘almost nose bumping’ is a giant leap forward. You must be on cloud nine watching all the cuteness of their budding relationship.
    The lace trim on your new privacy drape is amazing. I love the handmade vibe and cut work. Very pretty.
    Summer here seems to have gone buy so fast. I’ve barely blogged (twice I think), choosing instead to focus on other projects like the house, the yard, work and holidays. I’m missing it and must endeavour to fit it in. Your journals have turned out very charming. Of course they’re the perfect colour 😀
    I’ve considered buying a laminator too. Are they very expensive to operate? Hey!!! Congratulations too on retirement and a new car. What an amazing summer for you with so many good changes. Do you know what kind of car you’ll buy? What’s the cost of fuel in New Zealand? Ta ta for now xoxoxoK

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    • I have bought a good quality laminator and we can purchase packs of 100 pockets for less than $NZ13 off Trademe – your Ebay – and it doesn’t cost anything much to run. I have wanted one for a long time and am now laminating everything in sight 🙂

      I have a list of maybe six models I am considering and am just keeping an eye on what is out there at the moment. I have to wait until my savings are released which might still be a month away. I have a friend who is knowledgeable and knows the ins and outs who is also looking and will test and advise when I start to consider. Fuel is expensive, around $2.18 a litre currently – but it goes up and down a lot! Mostly up!!
      So I am looking for an economical model – small, zippy and brightly coloured 🙂 Can’t wait – but have to 🙂 .

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  9. Happy 65th birthday to you on September 5th, Pauline! Happy Retirement! Happy Creating!
    You said you lost your creativity this year, but that is not true at all. Your creativity comes shining through in all that you do…your photos of the boys, your interior decorating, the way you express your thoughts in your writing etc.etc.
    About the baby’s dummy, we called it a “comforter” when I was growing up in Guyana. I’ve never seen a puppy with a pacifier! I am glad that the boys are now “friends”. About the giveaway, whoever wins is in for a treat; I know this because I already won a beautiful poster.
    Have a great day, my friend. Enjoy your birthday and know that you are an inspiration to me and your other blogging friends. Xoxoxo.

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    • Thank you Elaine – you are very kind 🙂 You always leave me such thoughtful and generous comments, I am very touched by them.

      I have to say I prefer the name ‘pacifier’ or as it is called in Jamaica ‘sootha’, rather than ‘dummy’. I have never had one in my house before – my babies never had them – and to see this puppy playing with it is hilarious. He tosses it and jumps about playfully as if it was a long lost friend! It is still in one piece which I find amazing and is a good advert for the resiliency of whatever brand it is 🙂

      We are on countdown for the big birthday week which begins in three days – I shall have a wonderful time 🙂 xoxo

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  10. So much to say here. Love your bright airy look and the cutwork curtains with the crochet trim. Just my style. I’m glad you are doing artwork again. It’s just too beautiful not to come forth. As for Siddy and Orlando, I knew they would bond; but over a pacifier??? Siddy bringing a peace offering to Orlando is priceless. He has grown so in just a short time. Those two tickle me, are adorable and so entertaining. They will be friends now that Orlando knows he still has his crown of lord and master. As for birthdays, I always get a bit sad “after” my birthday. It’s usually more or less overlooked except by my children. They of course, are my greatest treasure. I’m grateful for each year as it tells me my work here is not yet complete. Congrats on the retirement. I had no idea you were still employed. I haven’t had a job in many years. Other than caregiver. I’ll have to read further what all your retirement entails. I was able to draw on my first husband social security as he passed at 42. It was much more substantial than mine would have been. I would be working until I dropped without it. I’m wishing you the grandest birthday ever. I’m going to have one too. 🙂 Hugs

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    • Marlene, happy birthday for Tuesday! I hope your new home is shaping up to your satisfaction and that you will have a lovely day within it. I have been self employed for the past four years and earning less than the pension I am about to get, so I am really happy about the upcoming improvement in my circumstances. I am looking forward to having plenty of time for art and gardening and all the other things that bring me pleasure. xoxo

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  11. We love your curtains, your decorations and the colours, Pauline. It all fits..even Orlando and the puppy fit in 😀 Granny’s dog had a dummy to, when she was still a baby, that’s overcute. Granny has a creativity block for years, she doesn’t know where to start anymore 😀
    Thank you for your support while Granny was busy with her busy schedule. We appreciate that very much. Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend 🙂

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    • It [the dummy] is very popular and even Orlando wants to play with it ….. it is quite odd 😀
      I have decided to just start doing something – it doesn’t matter what, just picking up a brush and some colour will begin to move me back into creative mode – I guess you just have to wait until that feeling hits really. Much love to you both xoxo

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  12. I love those curtains! Must be a real treat to look at each day. Oh the photo with Siddy was just too too cute. It made me laugh right out loud 😀 I bet he had you giggling all day. At last Orlando has annointed Siddy with his blessing, so sweet. I don’t thing I could be without a car, hope you have fun looking for the right one. I would love to retire, so well done. Still a few years for me yet but have a great long list of what I want to do, when I do x

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    • Pauline I just finished reading the link to your post about your upbringing. I think you have emerged from that terrible beginning to be such a caring, warm and loving woman. It oozes out of your blog. Well done on achieving this. Well done on surviving such a brutal introduction to life, and well done on being brave enough to share it with your followers. Love and hugs from this follower who admires your creativity and now your fortitude as well x

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    • The curtains have completed my room and provide much needed privacy – I love them. They filter the sunlight in the prettiest way too. Siddy is adorable and funny and has even won Orlando over and I am sure I have found the best puppy in the whole world! My last car was costing me more than I could afford to run and repair and as I work from home I made the decision to see if I could live without one – with my daughter generously offering her support. It wasn’t too bad , but as I began to let go of clients and practise for retirement it has become frustrating. My pension savings will be mostly blown on getting a decent, economical, new as possible vehicle 🙂 I am going to love being retired – all day to do what I want and an art room sitting waiting for me to get back into …… Yum!!!

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  13. I really like how redecorated the bedroom. The gold in the duvet works perfectly with the old wallpaper–and the room looks great.

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  14. Beautiful Pauline, I love this post. And I love you. I haven’t been able to read all of that post of your early life; it hurt to read it at the time I tried. I’d love to have the link and give it another go. I am always moved by your comments on my blog, and you clearly have this magical effect on many others. Part of the reason we don’t have a dog or cat yet is I’m getting the vicarious honi-honi through you, Siddy and Orlando! (and the reminder of how much work puppies are!) GREAT photos.

    Here’s a Hawaiian word for your birthday. Honi-honi.

    “The honi is a Polynesian greeting in which two people greet each other by pressing noses and inhaling at the same time. This is a very honorific as this represents the exchange of ha–the breath of life, and mana–spiritual power between two people. This act and the concepts behind it are very unusual to western audiences and care should be taken to explain the spirituality and sacredness of this simple act of greeting.”

    Source: Renee Bishaw, Hawaiian Greeting/Protocol

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    • See how we grow ever closer dear Christi – the Maori word is ‘hongi’ the greeting is the same and the spiritual meaning is the same. Most of the western Pacific peoples came from the same source, scattering across the Pacific as they followed the whale streams, some say they came from the earliest and most ancient Aztecs and Incans…….. I have a beautiful book that tracks the ancient stories that were never written down, the secret lineage that in this country pre-dates the Maori who arrived much, much later. It is called ‘Song of Waitaha’ There may be a similar book in Hawaii as there was a movement in the early 90’s to share the old esoteric stories from all the native nations including those in America, the Pacific and, I believe, in India. Fascinating stuff!!

      Thank you for your beautiful and sacred birthday greeting xoxo

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  15. I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had the birthday blues, Pauline. I think a stroll around your beautiful and colorful home is a sure cure.
    Being the foreign type, I had no idea what a baby’s dummy was…thanks for the translation, although I figured it out when I saw cute little Siddy with it in his mouth. 🙂
    Great photos of Orlando and Siddy, they seem to be getting along. xo

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    • I’m cured already Jill – they come, they go 🙂 I was astounded when I saw him with it in his mouth – I am intrigued with both of them being interested in it. My boys are actually almost ‘good pals’ these days, but Orlando would deny that! 😀

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  16. Well now … seems that the puppy is wearing you out a bit! Hang in there as talking to Orlando does help. Meanwhile as that birthday approaches, image a lot of smiles from those who visit you here!

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      • Wonderful that family is gathering for the event … and at least you won’t have to be the one giving SIddy all the attention! … well, at least not until everyone leaves.

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  17. I feel as if I’ve just had a lovely morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine 🙂 and a nice long chat. As I read through your words I was able to visualize what you were sharing with us. What a way you have with words.
    There are just so many things to comment on … coming out of the blues (I commented on last year’s post), retirement, your daughters, “new” car, your beautiful home, of course Siddy and Orlando, and your incredibly creative, giving, loving self.
    I’m not clever enough with words to adequately express my admiration for you. Just know that I wish you a happy and peaceful birthday and year. You surely deserve it.

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    • ❤ ❤ ❤ Laurie!! Thank you – I read this comment first in my email this morning with my hot cup of coffee in my hands and just felt the love 🙂 Isn't this the oddest and most wonderful experience? Such lovely deep connections with people from places we may never get to………. Simply priceless! xoxo

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  18. HaHa! I notice 3 not 2 pairs of eyes in the second last photo. Siddy is growing up so smart and handsome! Happy Birthday and the bump was soooo cute!

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  19. Hello Pauline, I am new to reading your blog but I just love the pictures you post of your animals and I find your writing very moving. Sending you warmest wishes from Claire & Mollie x

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    • Hello Claire and Mollie, thank you so much for coming by and leaving a note – I love to meet new people and creative ones with pets are really great 🙂 I am impressed with your life outside of blogging too [I peeped] and thank you for liking my writing – that is always nice to hear 🙂

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  20. Sorry about the birthday blues but I think we can all identify a bit with that one. It gets worse year on year, doesn’t it? A good friend is reaching a milestone this weekend and we’ve all been dared to even mention it. She’s going away for a couple of days to pretend it’s not happening!
    I’m envious of your laminator – I sometimes use the one at school and it fascinates me 🙂

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    • I have wanted a laminator like this for years – I had one in my teaching days and laminated everything! This is a bit like dying and going to heaven – there is nothing this baby won’t wrap in a protective sheet of plastic 🙂

      My blues aren’t about getting older – I love getting older! I don’t feel old and I don’t think old so therefore I am not old – but I get to stop work and that is really great 🙂 Way more time for playing!!

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  21. nose bump! there it was + Orlando was hanging a bit closer, but higher-lolYour little family is coming together + they all look so happy. Spring is happening there , that is incredible…we are in the end of summer and heading towards fall. I can’t wait to see your new garden:-)
    I have to keep some things fenced off since my dogs use to like to jump in the beds but as they get use to my plants living with them they leave them alone more each year:-)
    I love the colors in your space:-) so relaxing:-) I can’t remember which birthday it was for you? Is it a big one? I know each year that passes seems to come more quickly! I feel like it was yesterday- I was the start of a decade and then I turn around and I am heading towards the next decade! How does that happen???? Remember when we were kids the holidays took FOREVER to come around..lol..now they zip by!
    A car will be fun for you + your new buddy! Your life is getting interesting with your new buddies ( pacifer really cute in his mouth) + your art is always amazing…you have the “Magic Touch”…you just make everything sparkle! 🙂

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    • My garden will not be a patch on yours Robbie, but it is inspired by yours! Its to be my 65th Robbie – I will officially be an OAP 🙂 I find this hilarious and am so looking forward to being ‘retired’ and swanning about living off a portion of my past taxes…….. and painting more and jaunting about in my not new, but not too old car. Such fun! 🙂

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      • Well, I think you are doing amazing! I had no idea it was 65. That is a great achievement in life to make it to 65 and being doing and looking as great as you do:-) Just think what you can create in the next 5 years before 70+! Some of the best art is created in “older years”…..now you have the time to spend creating , enjoying your new furry family + sharing all your great wisdom from a life well lived:-) Bravo!!!

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    • They didn’t make it in yet – the photos are really not good enough and I have to try again when the sun is in the right spot. I think my next impulse buy has to be one of those magic light boxes you can find on the internet. I’ll message you here when they are up.

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  23. There is so much to love about this post, but first, a gentle hug, arms wrapped around you from someone who knows all about the angst of a birthday or anniversary. It seems last year was harder for me; this year harder for you. Perhaps next year we’ll both be out of the emotional woods. Meanwhile, I’m glad to hear you have birthday plans with your daughter and very happy to hear that things are returning to a more even keel.

    The drapes are gorgeous! Did you find those in town, via Etsy or did you have them on hand? Thank you for remembering to share the photos. You’re the best! I love the colors in your new duvet cover. Is the print or painting over the bed new too? It’s all lovely. I understand how you feel about the floral wall paper. It wants to own the room, doesn’t it?

    I’m tickled to see all those gorgeous bookmarks and delighted beyond measure that you thought of me and our California LFL. The serendipity of us both making bookmarks at the same time pleases me to no end. Thank you, thank you!

    As for Orlando and Siddy sitting together, then nose-bumping…be still my heart. You’ve worked wonders with those two. What an adorable pair.

    Now Siddy, please avert your eyes for a moment. Ok?…

    Orlando, you are the handsomest kitty I have ever seen. Those eyes, that coat, your adorable little ears. Oh I could snuggle you all day.

    Siddy, you can look now. You sure are cute with your new dummy. Mum did an amazing job taking your picture. She also did an amazing job with her stunning journals. I’m a fan.

    Pauline, it’s so nice to read your words, to hear your thoughts and to visit with your arts, crafts, animals and of course you. xoxoxoxo

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    • Thank you Alys I feel your warm hug and return it 🙂 I got through better than ever really, just low energy and no creative spark. I think it was a brilliant move to get a puppy before it hit 🙂 I’m glad you still love my Tiggie best – he is adorable and now that he is getting over being huffy about the puppy is returning to his lovely warm and funny ways. I laughed out loud when I read your post about making book marks – sigh! Still, mine are still not ready to send away and you must keep waiting for your package until my mojo is back in place. 🙂 xoxo

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      • Thank you, Pauline. I”m glad you got through better than ever. That’s wonderful progress and reason itself for celebration.

        Invited a sweet puppy into your life was a wonderful idea. He sounds like quite a character and clearly smitten with you. It’s sweet that the two of them are making nice. Kudos for your gentle patience and love. Perhaps when your birthday has come and gone, your mojo will return once and for all. Meanwhile, be gentle with yourself. We all understand. xoxox

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    • The curtains I got off ‘Trademe’ which is our version of Ebay. They are called ‘French Country Crochet Curtains’. The painting is an old one I did in 2004 I think. Back when I was living in the cottage by the sea and painting all day. I really don’t like that wall paper – I so wish I would wake up one morning and find it gone!

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      • Great find, Pauline. They’re lovely top to bottom. How wonderful that you can create art that’s both vibrant and peaceful. You have the touch.

        As for the wall, and forgive me if you’ve already thought about this, but could you keep your eyes peeled for some large, neutral-colored bed sheets on sale or at a thrift store, then make a panel or drape that covers the entire wall? You might need more than one, but the fabric would at least soften the flowers. Our mum made bedroom drapes from printed bed sheets once upon an time and they were quite pretty. I’ve also made duvet covers using sheets. They’re wider than most fabric at a yardage store and washable too.

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        • I had talked about doing this with a friend a couple of months back but chickened out at the thought of living in a tent – but maybe I need to rethink this and at least give it a go. Maybe I could go full on Bohemian and do walls in different colours….. 🙂 Or maybe I will just be sensible and look for a nice pastel or creamy colour and hang ’em on the walls…. I’ll keep you posted. Thank you for the inspiration.

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          • I remember that painting over it wasn’t an option, but what about another wallpaper? I did that in our former townhouse. The walls were badly damaged from glue and paneling so just paint was out of the question. I found a thick cream on cream wallpaper with a reflective but subtle pattern, so I got good coverage, a play of light, and a nice, smooth surface.

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            • I think maybe I need to investigate that option again – there was something about the type of wallpaper it is – a shiny vinyl so loved by the 70’s – I think it has to be removed as it won’t take glue well. This requires a professional and those are a bit beyond my means.

              But I do think the time has come when something needs to happen – give me three months and we will see 🙂

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  24. Awww, seeing Siddy and Orlando like that together made my heart melt 🙂 that was too sweet, lovely, adorable. It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen you, I was happy to see a post from you tonight. Lets see, I wish I could hang out for spring/summer/autumn (as we are having hybrid weather right now :/) too but as I say: its either too hot or too wet to do that, lol. Dont worry about your painting ebb, the wave is coming, it always comes. Twas foretold 😉 I love the faint tree like book mark to the left, although all of them are lovely. They seem delicate with a touch of rustic, I dunno but I love those. I really hope you have a blessed and truly beautiful birthday, I pray that your memories and feelings dont overshadow the blessings that are yours every year and that you really have a great time starting today 🙂 That pic with Sid and the sootha (thats what we call it in Ja) is hilarious, correctly sucked on too, dwl. And thank YOU for sharing with me today, nuff love 😉

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    • Awww – lovely Char, how lovely to hear from you! I’m pleased to hear you like that leafy one, I am not too sure how I feel about them so it is good to have some feed back! I like that you call those things ‘sootha’ that fits it better than our prosaic ‘dummy’ which name I guess is because it is a false bottle teat. And isn’t it amazing that he knows which end to put in his mouth – I was dwl too when I realised what he had 🙂

      Thank you for those thoughtful words and birthday wishes, I really appreciate them 🙂 xoxo

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  25. Yep, birthdays have been known to give me the blues; don’t really know why. It’s nothing to do with ageing. Thank goodness we have the cuteness of Siddy and Orlando to bring joy to life. Glad you have the pension paperwork done. Paperwork is another thing that gives me the blues; terrible blues. I hate my life being squeezed into boxes that don’t ever fit properly and thus require more paperwork and more boxes…grrr. Your curtains are gorgeous, the bedroom looks beautiful and I don’t even mind the wallpaper. Blessings on your milestone birthday.

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    • Paper work makes me want to lie on the floor and have a tantrum dear Gallivanta! I LOATHE it! I told the poor girl on the other end of the phone off for making it so very difficult for people to get their own money back from the investment company ….Grrrrr! I knew even while I was venting at her that it wasn’t her fault – but dear heavens – how many bits of paper are necessary to prove you are you?

      The curtains are beautiful – that photo really doesn’t do justice to them – but that wall paper – please take it!! xoxo

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      • Is that Kiwisaver? Because my husband has just applied to withdraw his Kiwisaver, and, and, and…..I am waiting for the headaches to start. I am quite expecting fingerprints in triplicate or something equally difficult.

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          • Oh heaven help us. Well, the application for withdrawal is in…..we shall see, what we shall see. It will probably take a month for them to get back to tell us that they want another piece of this or that. And don’t get me started on my earthquake claim……some of it is still in limbo and I really haven’t the strength to un-limbo it.

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            • If the application is in then you are surely alright – that was all the stuff I had to get to put in with my application! Good luck with the earthquake thing – some of our friends are still trying and one redded friend has just gotten her new house a couple of weeks ago – is it three or four years later?

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  26. Oh! That nose bump is beautiful, Pauline. What gorgeous babies and a lovely way to start my day with your fantastic photos. Funny Siddy with the dummy! So cute.
    Your bedroom is decorated beautifully – the colourful duvet, the stunning curtains and, feel free to call me odd, but I love the wallpaper. You have a beautiful home.
    I’m not overly keen on birthdays either (mine’s in September). I’m not sure why I’m not – it’s not an age thing – just – I really don’t know. Anyway, many happy returns from me and happy times ahead with your beautiful daughters!
    I truly believe creative output naturally comes and goes – like the rhythm of the tides. You’ve also added another member to your family this year – a huge (and super cute!) event. What also astounds me about you, dear Pauline, is your incredible ability to unconditionally support and thoughtfully (and with sharp wit!) comment on so many blogs out there. That is greatly appreciated. You have added so much to the blogging experience and community.
    Happy Spring to you and your family. xoxoxoxoxox

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    • Thank you Dani, that is a beautiful response to read! I feel so connected to so many of our shared friends, closer than some of the people I live among really – I think it is so wonderful that we have the opportunity to find each other through our writings, and take it deeper through the comments if we wish to and if we ‘click’ I love it!

      You are a Virgo too! Go the Virgos!! Which end of the spectrum are you – go on tell me the date, I won’t share it 🙂

      Happy Spring to you and all in Teddie & Tottie Land too Dani – xoxo

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  27. Oh, those gorgeous animals lol. I love that photo with the dummy Pauline, priceless 🙂 🙂

    Where, oh where, did you get those gorgeous curtains?! I do love your pretty home, makes me long for the days when I lived on my own with my little kids and I had the most quaint little bohemian cottage, beads and pretty everywhere….but that was another life! I am interested to read your post you mention, can you point me in the right direction?

    I am pleased to hear you can now buy a car, that will make the world of difference to you. I am sorry though to hear it’s a bit of a rough time for you, I know what that’s like. We think we have things sorted but some triggers are triggers, we find we still have “stuff” going on. I very much like the picture on your wall and that quote. I have never heard it before but love it. You are a Virgo?

    Love your art, you know that but I keep saying it. I hope this next year for you is a brighter one with more money and a car to journey in. Take care Pauline xxxxx

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    • There’s some poor baby out there fretting because he/she has lost his/her dummy – I hope the parents have some more in stock! Siddy loves it and only grudgingly dropped it for his breakfast. So funny!! I have always said he was taken from his mother too young!

      I’m glad you like my tiny home – I do too 🙂 I got those curtains off trademe – I am given to making impulse purchases at this time of the year and this year I tried really hard to monitor myself – I looked at these for three consecutive listings and in the end just agreed with myself that they could be perfect and they are! They are quite pricey but I have never seen anything like them before. I’ll send you the link if you want it.

      I am already out of the blues – It seems to be somewhere in the last two weeks of August I feel myself begin to lift – today I feel almost normal again. I can breathe again! Siddy has celebrated it in fine style 🙂 I am indeed a Virgo – can’t you tell? That painting bears an old Celtic quote that I first heard years ago and which stayed with me, it’s one of the thoughts I try to live by.

      I posted this on my birthday last year, I think you read it then https://paulinekingblog.wordpress.com/2013/09/05/a-fortunate-life-part-i/

      I am ecstatic about getting a car again! I thought I would enjoy being car less for a bit – and I was, but there are times when you just need to be mobile! And having Siddy means I can get out and have adventures and not be alone 🙂

      Thank you for being here xoxo

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      • The curtains are beautiful, I wish I could have some but Roger isn’t a “pretty” sort of man. I am pleased you allowed yourself to buy them, truly gorgeous.

        No, I didn’t read this post, it made me cry. I can relate to so much of it Pauline. I will have a look tomorrow to see if there is a part two…your story and mine are so similar it’s thrown me a bit for today. I am very glad you are feeling better though xxx
        Good luck with your car hunting and the first of many adventures 🙂

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