Another Week – Another Update!

Posted on May 1, 2015 by thecontentedcrafter

Good heavens! It’s the 1st of May already – the year is racing away on me again!

I’ve got a post half written telling you all about the next part of the trip – but life and playing in my art room is getting in the way of my completing it ……..

Thank you for all your supportive words and shared stories around my hearing loss. It’s not 100% cured yet but is showing definite signs of improvement – an old, old friend from long, long ago read the last post and got on his white horse and galloped to my rescue. He is a homeopath in Germany these day [if you are there and need one just let me know, I can recommend him thoroughly] His suggested remedy appears to be working, I’m maybe only a foot or so under water now. On the chiropractic side my body has never felt more well oiled and smooth working – I’m very fond of my chiropractor too, even though he does inflict severe pain whilst aligning the bits!

Thanks Alexander, thanks Tat!! ❤

I’m painting – I did this one as my response to a Life-Book lesson published two weeks back with a most talented lady named Jenny Lee Wentworth. Her approach quite delighted me and I want to do more work with her in the future. I watched her lesson and a few days later sat down and started work without referring back. I still have to go back and see how far off the mark I was. Pretty far I think – but I liked the freedom it offered, even if I did come back into my own way of doing things really strongly….. This was a lesson in coming to form through layers of colour – no outlining or sketching involved. I am wanting to get to a closer resemblance of real people rather than this semi whimsical style – maybe I’m half way in that process………….

This painting is about half finished

Half completed ‘Ms Snail’

As you can see, it’s sitting firmly in its ‘ugly stage’ in this photo. You may be relieved to know she is already looking better, but has a ways to go still. It’s destined for the UK if I like where it gets to by the end – if not it will just get painted over and I’ll start again.

In really exciting news, I got suddenly and most surprisingly presented with a new phone by my YD a couple of days ago. It’s a Samsung Android, the one-before-the-very-latest version. Now I’m a modern woman ………. No more getting into scrapes whilst travelling and having no ability to contact my friends without it being a very long convoluted process involving texts being sent half way round the globe and back again – you know the story…….. I can do it myself now.

If I ever go anywhere ever again…….

It is not the latest super dooper-cooks your breakfast kind of smart phone, but it is an extremely clever and on-to-it kind of smart phone and is probably capable of doing way more than I shall ever require it to do – and it takes really nice photos.

Here’s Siddy peering into it – probably ascertaining if it is edible ….

Siddy King 30 4 15

Look at those eye lashes! And another one

this is his really serious ‘Whatyadoin’ Mumma?’ face.

Now I might actually get around to taking photos for the blog instead of getting where I’m going and saying “Blast, I forgot the camera again!”

If you are up with the play – and why shouldn’t you be? – you may remember I’m knitting a lovely pinkish lacyish shawl with a KAL [Knit-A-Long] group. I mucked it up a bit when I had to frog a row – then two – and oh dear, three …… I’d decided to gussy it up a bit by adding in a deeper pink for contrast along the edging and was undoing a row. Sigh! Now I am waiting for that other colour to arrive. In the meantime I got all carried away with myself and decided to use the Indian Silk on this pattern too….. This is where that is up to. It’s like knitting with a strand of cotton and will take, I am told reliably by Claire who knows about these things, double the amount of 8 row repeats to get a decent sized wrap out of…… but it will be so pretty and light and airy and just a little bit blingy too ….. I just might be spending the entire winter knitting it!

Here’s a tiny shot of the detail – just casually snapped with my new phone you understand…………

And that’s kind of where we are at this week folks – it’s cold and dreary and already winter here in the far south of New Zealand. Orlando is sporting a magnificent thick white undercoat which I take to mean it’s going to be a cold one! When he comes down to ground level I’ll try and capture a shot of him showing his new winter coat ……

And here’s a little bit more of a Siddy-fix for those who love him

Until then – thanks for coming by today, I love that you did!

69 thoughts on “Another Week – Another Update!”

Crystal M. Trulove on July 13, 2015 at 5:05 am said:

Congrats on the new phone! I took my time getting one, as well, and even once I had it, only slowly adapted. I refused getting a single “app” for at least a year, ha ha! It does take marvelous photos of your Siddy and Orlando, though. But with such handsome pets, it’s hard to go wrong.

I am in love with the slightly-blingy wrap. The colours are divine, and the lightness seems practically luxurious. A gift for royalty, I imagine.

LikeLike
Yolanda M. on June 28, 2015 at 10:54 am said:

I’ll have to keep reading to find out more about your hearing loss but I do hope you are close to 100% better today Pauline! Siddy is a beauty – ‘handsome’ does not do him any justice 😀

LikeLike
Stacy P. Fischer on May 14, 2015 at 7:57 am said:

All such wonderful, fun news, Pauline! So glad your hearing is improving 🙂 And what a great gift you received – love the pictures of Siddy (oh, for his eyelashes!!) and all your creative projects are lovely! I don’t know the language of knitting but can appreciate the work (and counting) that goes into it 🙂 And I’m looking forward to seeing the completion of the snail picture. I have a vested interest in snails – it’s the mascot of my daughter’s all-girls’ high school. Yeah, strange but true. And the motto? Make haste, slowly. Actually pretty cool. The best, though, is at athletic matches when you can hear the cheer “Go, Go, Escargot” 😀

Have continued fun with your phone, you modern woman, you!

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 14, 2015 at 8:06 am said:
  
  Thanks for coming by Stacy – wouldn’t it be grand to have another lunch together! Love the snail motto for your daughters school [though I doubt they will approve my finished piece!] and that cheer is both smile inducing and clever!! I’m intrigued to see an image of the mascot too ……… xo
  
  LikeLike
peakperspective on May 4, 2015 at 5:11 am said:

Such lovely news to hear things are looking up and perking up. And so good to have folks with sure skills who know how to bring back good health. That is an absolute must.
And are you sure that gorgeous shawl will provide the needed warmth for winter? Maybe you can borrow some of Orlando’s castoffs and make yourself a little undercoat? 😉
And that video of Siddy had me in stitches. Looks like he will tear any dangerous criminal limb from limb if they cross your threshold uninvited.
❤

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 4, 2015 at 7:22 am said:
  
  No indeed, it is to be a spring and summer and early autumn shawl – but it will take me all winter to make! And Siddy – isn’t he just the most intrepid hunter! But if anyone dare creep into this establishment they will find themselves licked to death in an instant! xo
  
  LikeLike
davidprosser on May 3, 2015 at 6:57 pm said:

I’m delighted to hear (sorry) there’s been some improvement in your hearing problem. I hope you can chase the problem away completely. Maybe someone can chase it out of the house after flinging it about the room a bit to create new records.
Thank you for all your support and encouragement on my blog,it’s much appreciated, How nice to visit you and see your many talents at work.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 4, 2015 at 7:24 am said:
  
  😀 David! Thank you for coming by and again for the tweet! xoxo
  
  LikeLike
narf77 on May 3, 2015 at 8:06 am said:

Siddy is putting Mr Fox through the motions indeed Ms Pauline. I fear a portion of Mr Fox may or may not have been extracted from his person. Glad to hear the waters are rising but that meant an entirely different thing to my Grandmother who was fond of tea and who regularly had to “duck away”… pure, unmitigated GORGOUENESS. That yarn is scrumptious. ALL of the gorgeous colours, ALL of the amazing crochet and ALL of the lust carefully knotted. I bow to that deliciousness :). Congratulations on the new phone. You are a step ahead of us who have a smart phone, but not THAT smart. Ours is a windows phone and thanks to the course that we are studying, we have been made aware of it’s (apparently severe) limitations. We have promised to make sure to upgrade to the latest greatest Samsung as soon as our phone contract ends. I don’t even use the one that we have now but whatchagonnadoeh? I can think of worse things to do than spend a long cold winter painting up a storm, crocheting a glorious tribute to spider webs wafting on the spring breeze and stroking and being loved by 2 gorgeous fur babies who love their mumma to the max. Life is good Ms Pauling :). Sorry it took me SO long to get here. Life has been good on this end, but plenty of studies had to be slotted in among the good in order to balance it all out 😉

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 3, 2015 at 5:53 pm said:
  
  I know you are busy learning how to change the [virtual] world and I am looking forward to observing all that rolls out from your studies. I have a Samsung – not quite up to the minute but only an hour or so behind in terms of advancements. And as we have all learned an hour can make a real difference in the techie world. I was warned off Windows phones a while back when I was flirting with new technology. By the salesman no less. I think that says a lot! The gorgeous yarn is actually being knitted – just to straighten out any needle confusion. But you are completely correct in likening it to a spiders web – it is so delicate and floaty. I shall feel like Isadora Duncan when I wear it!
  
  And you have it right again – the perfect way to spend a winter! Thank you! xoxo
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - narf77 on May 4, 2015 at 5:42 am said:
    
    Yeah, we bought our phone via a plan so no “helpful” salesman for us ;).
    
    LikeLike
Lois on May 3, 2015 at 6:31 am said:

Good to hear you are hearing and feeling better. It looks like your trip provided you with a burst of creativity. 🙂 I keep meaning to tell you my granddaughter loves your note cards. I send her one a month and she saves each to hang in her bedroom. She’s been trying to imitate your style so thank you for inspiring her.

I love the photos of Siddy, your phone camera is a good one. I hope for your sake your winter isn’t too bad.

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 3, 2015 at 5:59 pm said:
  
  I am made most happy to think I am inspiring your grand daughter Lois. Thank you for telling me! Even if our winter is a harsh one, we will all be nice and warm in our big fur coats or slightly thinner woolen jackets 🙂
  
  LikeLike
Claudia on May 3, 2015 at 1:14 am said:

I am glad that I came by too! Lovely pets, paintings and progress ❤ Happy winter weekend to you in New Zealand. xo

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 3, 2015 at 5:59 pm said:
  
  Thank you Claudia, I’m happy you dropped by too xo
  
  LikeLike
insearchofitall on May 2, 2015 at 3:21 pm said:

I’m so glad you are doing better, Pauline. Where in Germany is your friend. i may have to go there and find him. That’s home to me. A good chiropractor is hard to find. I had a wonderful one in Arizona that treated animals as well.

We are going to skip spring and head straight into summer from the looks of things. I love the winter because there is so much I get done inside. Now it’s outside time.
Siddy plays like my Schatzie did but with more enthusiasm. He can really fling that fox. Shatzie loved to make her toys squeak. My Blossom would hide a toy away if it squeaked, as though it had been hurt. Orlando looks a bit put out like he wants a bit more attention. Or maybe I’m projecting.:)

I’m glad you are trying your hand at the smart phone. They are not perfect but darn near it. GPS isn’t always easy to figure out but it gets me more places than not. Since I can’t see street signs, it’s been a lifesaver. I even use it when I’m walking somewhere. I hate that my phone is smarter than I am. 😦
I love your paintings. Ms Snail is going to enjoy her trip to the UK and I’m sure she will be very much appreciated. I love the new lace piece. Then I love any lacy thing. Wonderful soft colors. I hope you continue to recover and take lots of photos with your phone. I use mine quite a bit but no cute faces to focus on here. I am ready for an airline that will let us travel with our pets next to us. I hated leaving mine. Hugs

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:37 pm said:
  
  My friend in Germany is a Homeopath and my friend here is the chiropractor. Together they seem to be fixing me 🙂 [I didn’t know I was broken until the bits started to fit together better]
  
  It’s taking me a bit of effort to learn the new phone – there are so many things and I’m really not that into becoming dependent on it – but I can see it could be very handy. I haven’t even opened the GPS thing yet!
  
  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to travel abroad with our pets – Siddy would love to be tucked up into a plane for 24 hours with a captive audience 😀 .
  
  Let me assure you Orlando is very content. He has it all figured out now, is secure in his position of top cat and enjoys to tease the puppy. He is just high maintenance from years of pampering and never having to work for a living 🙂
  
  I’ve been hearing so much about Portland recently – it seems to constantly pop up. I wonder why!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - insearchofitall on May 2, 2015 at 4:40 pm said:
    
    We are a very progressive little city. Maybe because you will one day come for a visit. )
    
    LikeLike
    - thecontentedcrafter on May 3, 2015 at 6:00 pm said:
      
      Maybe!! ❤
      
      LikeLike
    - Crystal M. Trulove on July 13, 2015 at 5:02 am said:
      
      I second that! But only after you’ve had much, much rest and restoration. 🙂
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
jennypellett on May 2, 2015 at 2:48 am said:

Just caught up with you on the 1st May thing! I love the bluey greeny colours in that shawl. I’m a Pisces so anything ethereal and watery gets me going. Lovely!

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:28 pm said:
  
  I’m a Virgo and I love water – go figure! That shawl is going to be so floaty and ethereal when finished you will squeal with delight! xo
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
slippedstitches on May 2, 2015 at 1:16 am said:

As always Siddy is most wonderful. The pictures of him are absolutely the best and most adorable. I love your paintings. I love your style of painting. The shawl looks great. I love the colors and the beads in the yarn. We are trying to head into Spring here. Shawls and knitted socks are still in play as it hasn’t been that warm. Gardening season is 3 weeks behind where it should be. .

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:25 pm said:
  
  You are three weeks behind and I think we are at least three weeks further into winter than usual! I am most happy that you like my painting style – thank you!
  
  LikeLike
aFrankAngle on May 1, 2015 at 11:50 pm said:

That first pic of Siddy is awesome … and the video made me laugh. Has anyone ever told you that you seem to be hogging talent? 😉 Of the paintings, the snail is my favorite. Glad the hearing is improving!

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:23 pm said:
  
  Aww Frank! That is a lovely thing to say 🙂 I’m glad you like the snail – she’s become a bit girly now though so you may change your mind – you’ll have to let me know when you see the finished painting.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - aFrankAngle on May 3, 2015 at 12:20 am said:
    
    A girly snail. Hmmmmm ….
    
    LikeLike
LB on May 1, 2015 at 11:45 pm said:

So much good news in this post, Pauline!
Most importantly, your hearing is improving and your body is well oiled 🙂
More fun, though is your new phone (those photos of Siddy are so great!!) and your painting. I already like the Imagine piece and think your direction.
Have I told you how cool I think you are? You inspire!
I can’t wait til we all come visit you in NZ someday!!

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:21 pm said:
  
  Now there’s a sentence that makes me smile!! The last one 🙂 xoxo
  
  LikeLike
KerryCan on May 1, 2015 at 10:19 pm said:

You packed a lot into this post! I’m not sure where to begin, in order to respond. You sound your normal, happy self again which I take to mean that the travel fog has worn off and you’re back in your routine. Those sweet pets must be so glad to have you back! And you’re being so creative! Making pretty things should always come before hanging around on the computer!

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:19 pm said:
  
  Thank you Kerry – yes I am feeling like myself again and the hearing is a lot better and improving all the time. You are so right about being creative, I always feel better when I’m making something!
  
  LikeLike
angelswhisper2011 on May 1, 2015 at 6:33 pm said:

OMC that Siddy boy is so handsome…so is Orlando. “Watch out ladies..now there are two handsome guys walking around in bloggieland!” 😀 Your paintings are so beautiful. We love your new style, Pauline. Sorry you’re having so much trouble with your ears, that is such a handicap, but we trust in homeopathy that it will help you. Good to see you’re back 🙂 Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend 🙂 ❤

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:17 pm said:
  
  They are such lovely boys aren’t they! I’m always pleased when others think so too, such a proud mum 🙂 The treatments are working well! Thank you for coming by xoxo
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
brymnsons on May 1, 2015 at 5:59 pm said:

Oh and I forgot to say how relaxed and handsome Orlando is looking….

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:13 pm said:
  
  Thank you – I’ll tell him! 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
brymnsons on May 1, 2015 at 5:58 pm said:

Well the adorable King Siddy, (I think that should be the correct order of his name 🙂 ), had my Snoopy captivated. Toby, the poodle maltese, likes to throw his toys around too. Unfortunately since the arrival of “Me Too Snoop Dog” he only gets a couple of good chucks in before the fore mentioned puppy pounces on it and claims it as his own. Toby is a good sport and lets him have it. While he’s distracted with the toy he whizzes over to me for a quick pat and a “good boy” before “MTSD” cottons on and then he has to push in for his pat and “good boy”. I’m in such demand you know….
Very clever photography with your new smarty pants phone. Love the eye shot. When the puppies get a clip I always feel sorry that the eyelashes have to go. They soon grow I guess.
Hope your hearing continues to drain 🙂
The paintings look great and can’t wait to see the “improvements” x

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:13 pm said:
  
  It is fun to watch them playing isn’t it and to be much in demand for attention too 🙂 I’m using my new phone more as a camera than a phone – I wonder if that will change….. The hearing continues to improve slowly.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
colorpencil2014 on May 1, 2015 at 4:49 pm said:

Happy to hear yuo are feeling better! Work in progress and the knitting is beautiful and Siddy playing made me smile. The video is so funny, made my day! Have a lovely weekend, Johanna

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 2, 2015 at 4:09 pm said:
  
  Thank you Johanna. It’s nice to spread the joy with Siddy 🙂
  
  LikeLike
Apple Pie & Napalm on May 1, 2015 at 4:31 pm said:

I can’t believe how fast Siddy has grown up! I love the video, I could watch it over and over.

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 4:44 pm said:
  
  Siddy is a big boy now! He turned a year old on the 4th April and ever since then has been has been all over maturity! 🙂 You might remember one of the first photos of him on the blog was with his friend Mr Fox. They were the same size – now look – and Mr Fox still loses all the battles!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Robbie on May 1, 2015 at 3:09 pm said:

Good to hear you are hearing better!! I love your art-but I get wanting to grow:-) Your animals are so beautiful:-) He has an “eye” for his mommy! Love your up close shots of him + what a cutie he is-Love Orlando’s colors-I have always wanted a golden tabby:-) I have bugga boo( black cat-daughter named her-September ( she is a gray tabby), and Simon he is a gray long hair. The cats out number the dogs for the first time around here-1 dog, 3 cats:-)
You are so talented, wish I could make a shawl!

LikeLiked by 1 person
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 3:32 pm said:
  
  Robbie you make a garden! Way more satisfying, useful, beautiful and able to be enjoyed by many!! Shawl-shmawl!
  It is sad to see you now have just one dog – maybe that too might change one day. I like your cats names. 🙂 I had a dog named Simon once 🙂 It’s a good name! We call Orlando the ‘ditzy blonde’ when he is having one of his ‘precious’ fits. He is a lovely boy and I love him to bits, but man he is high maintenance! 😀
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - Robbie on May 2, 2015 at 8:30 am said:
    
    lol-I just burst out laughing when you said he is high maintenance-too funny-he sure is a “pretty boy” tee hee! I call Simon my “needy” kitty for he is constantly asking to be cuddled. He was found in a dumpster eating meat off the bones…I have to put the meat away quickly or he jumps up trying to find bones! He is not high maintenance, but he sure is hariy!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Born To Organize on May 1, 2015 at 2:47 pm said:

Pauline, I believe your snail is smiling at me. It’s the best kind of snail, too, painted on paper instead of eating paper, and basil and other things. I think it’s charming. I do love your new beauty and all the detail in her eyes. I like the light, the reflection if you will. I hope you’ll continue with these courses as they seem to challenge you and keep you inspired. Then we get to see the results!

Dear Orlando is the sweetest kitty ever. I’m glad to hear his winter coat is coming it, but sorry to hear that winter is arriving ahead of schedule.

Congratulations on your new smart phone. What a lovely gift. You’ll soon wonder how you managed without it and in the meantime YD and ED will worry less. I know as a mum it’s a relief now that both boys have a phone. At almost 15 and 18, they spend more time on activities. It’s a nice way to stay in touch.

Does this mean that the lovely pink knitting you worked on during your travels is now completely unraveled? Or frogged as you put it. I wasn’t familiar with that term, but guess it means the unraveled bit of yarn that was once beautiful stitching.

On the bright side, you’ll have three options for a warm lap this winter: Orlando, Siddy and your lovely knitting bundle.

So glad you are feeling a bit better. xox

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 3:19 pm said:
  
  No Alys, it is not completely unraveled – but there is a bit of a mess to tidy up what with all the knittings together and making of stitches, when you undo a row it gets a tad messy. We’ll see how clever I am when the new yarn gets here next week.
  ‘Frogging’ was new to me too, but it is the new ‘in’ word for knitters. I’m guessing it comes from the old saying when undoing your knitting ‘I’m ripping it down’ Someone made that into ‘rip-it, rip-it’. and that became ‘frogging’. Which is awfully clever don’t you think? ……
  
  Wasn’t that such a lovely gift? It came as a complete surprise, but I know she had been wanting me to have one when I visited you – now I can come again and not worry about getting lost. In fact I should deliberately get lost so I can call and tell you where I am! It’s giving me a headache though sorting out how to use it. Touch the wrong thing and all kinds of crazy stuff happens – which I can then not find again when I want to!
  
  I can well imagine however the invention of phones has made parenting and tracking down teenagers a little easier. Mine were still on verbal arrangements, notes and land line calls to tell me they were at a friends house when I thought they were due home…. and hours spent sitting around at train stations waiting for them to eventually turn up…………. I used to always have some marking or other school work on hand to do while waiting.
  
  Thank you for liking my snail – I agree it is the best place to have them… I made her look friendly to overcome my native dislike of them…….
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt on May 1, 2015 at 1:00 pm said:

Aw…my heart is melting over Siddy. Thank you so much, it’s just what I needed this evening, Pauline. He can really fling a stuffed animal…so funny! I’m happy your hearing has improved. What a relief that must be. And your art work…stunning as usual. xo

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 2:09 pm said:
  
  As I have said before, Siddy is very proud of the heights he can achieve with the flinging of his toys. If it goes really high he gets super excited and runs around to make sure everyone has seen then he tries to do it again 🙂 Hours of amusement! We are happy to help make your evening a better one xoxo
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
quarteracrelifestyle on May 1, 2015 at 11:51 am said:

He throws a big throw for a little dog lol, love the photos of him peering into the camera 🙂 Your lady painting is beautifully done and she has hair like mine! Pleased to hear your hearing is improving Pauline, it must be terribly annoying – and woohoo, a flash new phone!!! xx

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 2:07 pm said:
  
  He is very proud of those throws and likes to make sure we are watching and enjoying the show. He stopped and stared at the camera because no-one was laughing and cheering him on and he was wondering why not ……
  
  My lady painting does have hair like yours – that must be where it came from! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  - quarteracrelifestyle on May 1, 2015 at 5:08 pm said:
    
    He’s gorgeous. Syd does that too, waits for approval or acknowledgement when he thinks he’s been very clever.
    🙂
    
    LikeLike
gentlestitches on May 1, 2015 at 11:46 am said:

Siddy really is a very handsome boy! He is brave too, keeping you all safe from that fox! That smartypants phone takes a good photo. Thank goodness for the younger gen to help us with us our technology! Before I leave I must admire Siddy’s eyes again! 😀

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 2:04 pm said:
  
  Doesn’t he have the most beautiful eyes! Imagine those fixed on yours imploringly ….. He usually gets what ever he wants 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
arlingwoman on May 1, 2015 at 10:21 am said:

Could you hear the fox squealing??? If so, then things are better. I’m glad you’re seeing improvement and the new phone/camera/video tool sounds great. Keep up your painting!!!!

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 2:03 pm said:
  
  Doesn’t he make the fox squeal loudly! He is quite proud of that! And no, my hearing was still very poor and when my daughter was recording the video I was busy trying to undo the mess I was making in my pink lace shawl and making it worse! I’m trying to paint at least every second day in order to keep some momentum going., Perfection is painting every day! 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - arlingwoman on May 1, 2015 at 3:00 pm said:
    
    Perhaps you should paint every day and work on the shawl every two days 😉 After all, you have all winter!
    
    LikeLike
    - thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 3:02 pm said:
      
      What an imminently sensible suggestion! I think I’ll get off this computer and go do some painting! xoxo
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
jem arrowsmith on May 1, 2015 at 9:34 am said:

Hi Pauline, I’m glad your hearing is getting better 🙂 Your new paintings are just lovely, Imagine is very serene and I love her hair!

Have fun with the new phone, the pictures and video of Siddy are adorable, especially his expression at the end of the video! The shawl is coming along nicely too, such a pretty yarn! Xx

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 1:57 pm said:
  
  If it all works out as I should like it to Jen there will be a version of your gorgeous shawl in some pink Indian Silk yarn 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  - jem arrowsmith on May 2, 2015 at 4:10 am said:
    
    Ooh, I hope it all works out!! X
    
    LikeLike
Laura (PA Pict) on May 1, 2015 at 9:08 am said:

I’m really glad your hearing is improving. Your version of Jenny Wentworth’s lesson is fantastic. I love the softness in the hair and the sparkle in the eyes. I look forward to seeing how your snail comes along.

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 1:55 pm said:
  
  Me too – I’m not a huge fan of snails per se, so I’m humanising her 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
derrickjknight on May 1, 2015 at 9:07 am said:

Your new phone is brilliant. I hope the hearing continues to improve

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 1:54 pm said:
  
  I feel quite grown up now Derrick 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
reocochran on May 1, 2015 at 8:53 am said:

I love my Siddy fix, and his peering into the lens is so funny! Also Orlando is precious, so cute while sleeping. I enjoyed the Magine lesson where you produced a beautiful character, without pencil or lines. Just layering colors and paint strokes is such a unique approach, I would have a hard time doing this, I think.
Pauline, I enjoy visits where I get a chance to ‘see your world,’ including the little details of the blues and greens in the woven wrap. All winter, at least you know what will be your project!

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 1:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks for popping in Robin – always lovely to see you – and anyone who appreciates my little fellows is doubly welcome! I am challenged by creating purely from colour, I always come to form very quickly which in this process is a no-no 🙂 I am determined to master it!
  
  LikeLike
  - reocochran on May 5, 2015 at 10:54 am said:
    
    I accidentally got sidetracked on arts and crafts, but meant to say I am pleased the homeopathic friend from Germany’s suggestions have been helpful in your improvement in hearing, Pauline. My parents always felt choosing natural solutions was best, whenever possible. I have a friend, Jenny, who has been taking medicine for her ringing and little ‘elf’ tapping in her ears. I have been trying to encourage her to try natural remedies.
    I may just mention Pauline, my friend on wordpress and how it is working for you! Hugs, Robin
    
    LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness on May 1, 2015 at 8:01 am said:

So glad that your hearing is improving.
Lovely to see Siddy’s beautiful face… I am so jealous of those eye lashes.
xxx

LikeLike
- thecontentedcrafter on May 1, 2015 at 1:44 pm said:
  
  And he doesn’t use mascara or those curler thingies 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people