………Two Months Later ……

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………. and here I am again.  There are various reasons for the long break, not all of them completely acceptable to serious bloggers or even myself.  Let’s just say “Life got in the way of blogging!”

It’s been a hard winter here in the Riviera of Antarctica.  Part of my city is being claimed back by the wild southern Pacific Ocean or being flood damaged by this new set of climatic conditions.  My dream of a cottage by the sea is on hold as it may no longer be a sensible place to consider putting down roots.

My art room has been partially given over to another and my painting hours have temporarily ceased.  I have been knitting, crocheting and making light-catchers instead.

Crochet: One Bavarian Stitch Throw of the very giant variety, not finished at the time this was taken, but now complete and waiting for blocking to happen.  It is so big it took 300g [6 balls] of yarn to finish the last round.

Jo'sbavarian

Mittens:  A variety of Mimi’s and Bohemian Mittens are about to begin winging their various ways around the globe to those of you who are still waiting their winnings.

Pizap Mimi

Light-Catchers:  Here’s one photographed on a rare fine day in the garden before beginning it’s journey to someone special in the USA

purple2 purple3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have made my light-catchers for a few years now – rather sporadically, as I enjoy making them especially for someone.  They are my gift of good wishes, good fortune and a  little bit of magic woven into beads and charms and crystals for someone special.  I like to think of the person I am creating for, then I choose colours and shapes and crystals and charms especially for them.  Then it all just weaves itself together.

Light-catchers are extraordinarily difficult to photograph – here are two simpler versions that just happened to be lying around on the work bench, coming to completionpink2

blue1

They look nothing very exciting lying around thusly – but hang ’em up and watch the magic happen.  A tip for those of you who have a catcher is if you hang them away from the window, maybe further out into the room, somewhere the sun’s rays filter in, even more magic happens!

I can’t leave you without a quick peek at the snoozing buddies – I’m under there somewhere.  It took the better part of a year, but we are all together with harmony reigning at last.

sleeping duo June

Though there is so much more to tell you about, this is all the time we have for now – So, it’s ‘Good Night’ from Siddy

June 15

And ‘Good Night!’ from me.  Thanks for coming by today, I’m so happy that you did.

 

 

 

110 thoughts on “………Two Months Later ……”

  1. How is it that I’ve missed commenting on your posts from the beginning of July, Pauline!!?? Yikes!! Be prepared to be comment-bombed (and please no pressure to answer – I just wanted you to know I’ve been thinking about you 😄).

    Now with my mea culpas out of the way, I’m loving your light catchers and the story behind their creation. What a lovely and special gift to give to someone! And your knitting and crocheting? Lovely as well. Many years ago, I used to cross stitch – mostly alphabet samplers (my decor tends toward early American). But now I don’t think my eyes could handle it, even if I had the time or inclination!

    I hope by now the threat of flooding has waned for you. The power of Mother Nature and water never ceases to amaze me. Stay safe and dry, Pauline💕

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  2. Hi Pauline, I totally understand about life getting in the way of blogging, having been away for the best part of July I am now playing catch up with lots of reading and trying to get back into the swing of things.

    I hope you weather improves soon, it sounds awful. At least you have your lovely big blanket to keep you warm!

    You’re light catchers are beautiful, I see you have done another post on those so I am going to hop over there now 🙂

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  3. I forgot to tell you, your pets are precious! I have several myself 🙂 I also realized I don’t know how to send anyone a photo on WordPress, ha ha, so this is the link to my facebook craft page…if you scroll down to the post that says “Into every room a little sunlight should fall…” and click on the photo, you can see my “boho” suncatchers. Thanks again for checking my blog out!

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  4. I didn’t even get a chance to pine for your posts, because I’ve been *so* far behind! Talk about life getting in the way. Welcome back, my friend, in any case.

    Now I see you are dreaming of a beach house with a studio. That is what I will help you wish for, then. And that reminds me! In my new big house, with a whole extra bedroom, you have reminded me of what my plans were for that space. I can set up my sewing, my oils and sketches, and crochet, and finally have a place to store all the materials where they are easier to get to and no longer in a box in the garage somewhere beneath spider webs… I imagine that will make crafts much more likely to appear in my future. This winter may be brighter because of that.

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    • The studio has always been part of the dream Crystal – except now we’ve moved it to higher ground 🙂 It is wonderful to have a dedicated space for playing in – you will never regret setting it up to meet your needs! So looking forward to seeing pictures of your progress in settling! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment on so many posts – I’ve read them all and appreciate them so much! [That’s said just in case I don’t get to respond to them all].

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  5. I really love the jeweled look and can imagine the light on your artistic creations, Pauline. Kiss Siddy snd Orlando for me. Seems like yesterday when O. was high on a shelf looking disdainful down on the “silly” puppy 🙂 ♡♡

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  6. hello Pauline…I feel remiss in not having checked your blog before now, especially since we tend to show up on sites we both follow! My only excuse is that I conserve energy and time for my own work, and sometimes that precludes expanding my garden of sites to follow and read. I am deeply interested in craft, though, and after browsing am quite impressed with the work you do. I have a studio space which sits idle because of moving and floods and discouragement. I used to do more, but life circumstances have contributed to my limiting things to my oldest and best loved, which is poetry…something I also regard as a craft, as well as an art. I very much admire the quality of your work, and will be stopping by again to have a look and a read!

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    • Hello Cynthia! Thank you for starting this ball rolling – I too have often noted your thoughtful and/or humorous comments on various blogs. I no longer have a dedicated studio space – it may or may not be temporary – I do have lots of flooding though 🙂 I shall stop by to read some poetry!

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  7. 95 Comments!!!
    Wow, Pauline, you have been missed and are loved!
    That photo of Siddy … what a face! Such a cutie. I love your crocheting, and your light catchers, and well, just everything. Hoping the winter will be less bitter soon, but if it remains challenging, I’m glad that peace reigns in your cozy, warm home.
    XO

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    • Dear Laurie! Thank you for popping in – I know how very busy you are and really appreciate you taking time to peruse and write a note here. I feel the love 🙂 Do you? xoxo

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  8. Welcome back! OBVIOUSLY you were missed! I can sure relate to life getting in the way of blogging – it can be SO rude sometimes!! LOVE your suncatchers – I can just see the sun bringing them to life! Once again, you have evoked numerous exclamation points from me – if we ever meet in person you may be disappointed that I talk much less excitedly than I write! Oh – and your darlings are, indeed, darling!

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    • Now Shel, when we do meet up I shall indeed expect lots of exclamation points – I can imagine us both sitting there getting very excited and emphatic actually! Wouldn’t it be fun!! I had a shower this morning [yes, I did!!] and I finally remembered to use the coffee scrub – and OH MY!!!!!!!!! Not only did I emerge smelling like a freshly brewed latte, but I am soft and smooth as a baby’s bottom to boot!! What a gorgeous product – thank you so much for sending it to me! The sweets are eaten, the little jam pots almost emptied, the Oklahoma tray filled with a variety of threads and the pan-handle makes the perfectly shaped receptacle for the pins and needles holder ……… It all worked out rather splendidly 🙂 You are a doll! I want to send you a light catcher – that’s why I asked for your favourite colour. Do you still want to decline? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    • Thank you Jill, it’s lovely to be back and to hear from so many wonderful people! I do so love my little community 🙂 Siddy is becoming more and more photogenic, he is maturing beautifully and I simply adore him. Even O does now which is proof don’t you agree, of how very fabulous a puppy he is. How’s the writing coming along Jill? I’m hoping I haven’t missed out on any news! xoxo

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      • You were certainly missed, Pauline. I agree, Siddy is very photogenic and just so handsome! Yes, he’s maturing and I’m happy he and O are bonding. The writing has been a rollercoaster, but I’m coming in to the home stretch. The deadline is July 15th, so I’m a little stressed, but Siddy’s face is comforting. xo

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  10. So lovely to have you back dear Pauline, now I see that you and I have had various things going on preventing us from blogging. I look forward very much to reading more of your news as the days/weeks go on and hope that things are settling down again for you. Oh my dream too of a cottage by the sea…but those floods do sound scary. I adore your lightcatchers. I have something similar hanging in my summerhouse, just love the way the light shimmers through the glass and beads and the way they ‘tinkle’ when the breeze catches them. Yours are so beautiful 🙂 And what gorgeously adorable harmonious photos of your sweet furry babies…how wonderful that a year on peace reigns for you all. I am beginning to breathe a little easier in my own life too…just…and it helps so much doesn’t it? 🙂

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    • I’ve come to see that we are thrown a variety of pebbles – or rocks – along our pathway and how we recover and handle our thoughts and fears about the events is more important ultimately than the events themselves …….. And the beautiful but cliche’d phrase ‘all things must pass’ resound sweetly along with George Harrison’s voice in my head 🙂 ❤

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  11. Wonderful post. So many lovely photos. I showed Your post to my wife and she enjoyed very much Your beadings. She has been beading long time.

    Have a great day!

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  12. Welcome back! 🙂 Very very very good to see you here again, and I hope that life hasn’t been too challenging in its interference. By the way, please could we have some more photos of the Bavarian stitch throw? It looks absolutely stunning.
    Hugs to Siddy and a respectful, dignified nod to Orlando.

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    • Hi Twisted – almost back up and running on normal again! I shall endeavour to do a Bavarian throw photo of the completed thing just for you! Siddy bounces and Orlando blinks vaguely back in your direction. xo

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  13. Hiya Pauline 🙂 My eyes just popped at those gloves and suncatchers lol. THEY ARE GORGEOUS!!!! Do you sell your gloves? I now will have to make one of those suncatchers….for all my beads and “stuff” I had no idea what I was going to make before I saw this. You have such a lovely eye for all the stuff I love!! And look at Siddy and Orlando, beautiful creatures 🙂
    Sorry to hear you have had such a harsh winter, it has been quite lovely here but I know down there has been awful and I hope at least you are managing to keep warm and cosy. The weather has not been kind to NZ this year has it?!

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    • You are most fortunate to be living in that little tuck of the island that somehow keeps the icy weather at bay! It’s been the toughest stretch of winter in my thirteen years here. Still it will pass and obviously the weather gods read my blog and decided to warm it up a bit the last two days……. it’s suddenly much more pleasant 🙂

      You must have missed the post several months ago that did a giveaway of those mittens – ?? I’m just finishing off the last of twelve pairs that are winging their way round the globe to new owners. But yes, I am going to put both mittens and light catchers up on my new blog page for sale soon-ish……. I still have to get in touch with you about my idea…….

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      • I must’ve missed it 😦 I thought I was managing to at least keep up!!! Would love to buy a pair. Yes do get in touch, would love to hear 🙂 🙂
        Yes, we do live in a little pocket, the worst of the weather seems to ricochet of Kaikoura and straight to Wellington. We have had some wonderful weather, this would be the first winter I have been out in the garden for many a year. get in touch x

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  14. Good to have you back! I love the sun catchers.

    Sorry to hear that winter is being awful to you – what is it this year? Crazy weather everywhere. We are having a cool summer, so far, had fires two nights last month, which is just not right! After the winter we had, we were hoping for a perfect summer. Still a couple of months to go, so maybe it will happen. Meanwhile, I hope your weather settles down and your dream cottage can become a reality.

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    • Thank you, it’s actually lovely to be back! Yesterday and today are more typical of our winter, frosty nights and cool, clear, sunny days – but we have had sleet, hail and thunderstorms [all at the same time] torrential downpours that resulted in the worst flooding ever seen, a sea that seems determined to claim back some land – on which a suburb is placed unfortunately – I just have to move the dream cottage inland further, it still remains a dream! Being used to a temperate climate this is all a bit of a shock. Apart from that life is a breeze 🙂 I hope your summer warms up!

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      • Moving the dream inland a bit could really work – if you could tell where to buy it now before it is seaside, you might be able to save some money!
        It has warmed up a bit the last few days, but we are definitely in a cool summer pattern still. Down comforter is still on the bed…

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  15. I love your posts. I love your words and photos.
    I truly hope we will meet in person one day.
    I am giving you something to take the pressure off. It was given to me a few years ago and I embraced it online and offline. here it is. a most special award.drum roll please.
    http://www.tartx.com/blog/?page_id=233

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    • Yes, I absolutely agree, it is the way to go ……. Thank you for thinking of me and for those lovely thoughts of yours ……[gracious curtsey included] 🙂 Wouldn’t that just be wonderful – for us to meet up, As Melbourne is the only Oz destination I have ever made it to, it is therefore my favourite…… It’s not as far to go as the US so maybe we could give it a little bit of thought – visualisation – etc

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  16. Antarctic Riviera – I love that idea! Ha! Glad to see you back in the fray Pauline – and the mitts look fab as do the light catchers. Seems like several of my fave bloggers are taking a bit of a break which in turn has made me lazy. Must get organised and down to some writing of blog posts. Life gets in the way here too. Note to self: make more time to do the things around life – does that make sense? It’s late here… I’m off to bed xx

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    • Jenny, thanks for popping in! Yes, it makes sense. We used to be quite amused by our so temperate climate in such close proximity to the South Pole, but these days the ‘temperate’ part seems to be evaporating and ‘glacial’ may be replacing it! [I exaggerate of course, but just a little!] Taking breaks is good I always think, but I have wanted to post about different things that have happened and just never quite gotten around to it – that makes me a tardy blogger I fear. Note to self: Must do better 🙂

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  17. Woo Hoo! So nice to see your creativity again! That throw is really amazing–the perfect winter occupation. I’m so sorry to hear all the disastrous weather and washout stories. It’s a scary and unpredictable situation. I like the picture of Siddy and Orlando. I did not know of their rivalry, having come to your blog only last winter. Glad they’re snuggling up finally. Like Lord David, I like the turquoise piece as well. Something so lovely about that color–it’s got earth and water and sky and when you throw the light in, it’s its own world. Welcome back. Don’t rush the next post. We’ll be ready when you are!!

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  18. “G’Day” Ms Pauline from over the ditch. Weird weather indeed. You get the rain, we get the permafrost apparently. Just had our first rain in almost a month yesterday and am starting to contemplate having to deal with the rats that have moved into Sanctuary and that have made it their own as the daffies and jonquils are out and pronouncing that it’s “SPRING YOU LAZY BOLLOCKS!” Here I was thinking it was only the second month of winter but nature is assuring me that spring is here and I had better start thinking about tomatoes and green things or I will be left catching up (story of my life 😉 ). Lovely to see sleeping dogs and cats laying together. Winter is a good time to “take thyself away” and go AWOL. Lovely to catch up again and your dream catchers are really lovely Ms Pauline and the most important thing is that they are going to make someone out there feel special 🙂

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    • I feel it’s been ages since we caught up Fran! I’m not on social media at all these days [except to play a couple of games with my playing opponents 🙂 ] And our blogging is highly irregular too! Miss you!! We have -5 C frosty nights and rain, hail, sleet and/or snow which of course = black ice. Which we all know keeps the vehicle panel beaters happy but not too many other people. Siddy has been living here for over a year now and has gotten very big [around as well as high] and is a grown up boy now. Time sure has flown by!

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      • I am thinking of abandoning Facebook as it keeps sucking my time. I have a LOT to accomplish this year and I want my time spent online to matter when I get here so I am phasing out time wasters like FB and focussing on the programs etc. that do matter and that I really care about. I will be spending more time blogging soon but at the moment I am snowed under with the “learnings” that my poor aching noggin’ has to stuff into itself on a regular basis. I am spending my holidays playing catch-up as I point blank REFUSE to fall behind. The rest of the class seem to find this all so easy (including Stevie-boy). I think my brain is wired differently to the rest of them! I created an arched conservatory window today with frosted glass and art deco panels. I am happy now :).

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        • Well congratulations on the arched conservatory window – that sounds like hard work to me! As a creative ‘big picture thinker’ I wonder if you are like me and are maybe / probably challenged by the step by step processes involved in techie work. Creative big picture thinkers get inspired by seeing something, somewhere and taking it off in their own particular direction. They often jump about subjects in conversation, arrive at the end before any body else and add in lots of other interesting tid-bits along the way. They get bored easily, lose themselves totally in really creative projects and having mastered one skill move on to the next. Their one small draw back is that they can flit like butterflies from one project to another, pick up a skill but not necessarily truly master it before moving on to the next attractive idea……. Sound like anyone you know?

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          • I think I might be the opposite actually Ms Pauline. I love the step by step stuff. When we were working on tutorials at the beginning of the course I was shining like a star. I thought the 3D world was my oyster and I was having fun using the program but then we had to riff on a theme and just “come up” with things from (the admittedly small pool of experience) what we had been doing so far and I hit a brick wall. Seems I am good at following a tutorial but not so good at pulling 3D creative genius out of myself on call. Stevie-boy is making the most magnificent creation. I am in awe of his ability to just get in there and “do” it. I have been phaffing around trying to nibble at the outside of my project and all I have is a narf-nibbled enormous nugget of a conundrum to show for it. It’s not like I don’t know how to use the basics of the program, it’s just that it’s not like picking up a crochet hook and riffing, its more like wrangling a technological tiger for me and I keep coming up against things that I have to head off and research online for hours on end. Example. I was working on my window (that almost took me an entire day by the way!) and had to work out how to join to “points”. Just a simple line between 2 points but you can’t actually do that in this program! The next hour was spent trying to work out how to join 2 dots with a line and in the end I just started looking for specifics on the program that “might” do it. In the end I spotted the word “bridge” and thought “bugger it, I am going to give it a burl!” Bridge WORKED! I am now greyer but wiser. I guess it is all a steep learning curve and the problem with me is that I am working blind. I am not naturally au faire with technology (still can’t use the TV remote 😉 ) and we are very strange bedfellows. I am chuffed out of my mind that I made a lovely arched window with frosted glass that you can see through. Now I need to create a trio of them in different sizes for the front of the conservatory and some doors, a building (not hard) and then a lot more. I guess it is the process of finding out how to do it all, the stopping and starting constantly to go and look things up on Youtube and the fact that if you don’t word your query exactly right (especially with this technological bampf…”the doohicky won’t work!” doesn’t come up with much that helps 😉 ) you are behind the 8 ball and running blind. I don’t do “out of control” well. Stevie-boy thrives on it ;). You just described Steve perfectly in your explanation. I am a processes girl. I like to start at the beginning, move through the processes step by step and arrive at the end and “VOILA!” I love patterns. I don’t love freestyling.

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            • Well then, there we have it! My conundrum now is that I am exactly like your Stevie-boy, not a whit like you [following processes logically is NOT my forte!] and yet can’t fathom how computer programmes work for the life of me. I think that must be a third type!!

              I have to say I admire your sticking to something that causes so many grey hairs! And wish you many more successes in your creations and research. Be assured you probably know tonnes more than most normal middle aged women already! Your star will rise again 🙂

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              • I just want my star to stay over my head, guiding me, to be honest! Sometimes I feel a bit lost in all of this but I find the old “put your head down and just start someplace and keep moving forwards” works when I get a bit overwhelmed. Stevie-boy is in his element. It is amazing to see how he is able to solve problems and the processes that he uses (if they are, in fact, processes as we know them 😉 ). I guess the secret is to keep moving forward and not to give up and at the end you should have something to show for your efforts. If you don’t, you probably need to find a different way of doing it ;). Cheers for your support Ms Pauline. I learned that I am not a “creative” but more a process follower when I started these courses a few years ago. I guess we all need to start someplace and work with what we have 🙂

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  19. Aloha, Pauline! I’m looking at your glorious lightcatchers from Seattle. I’ve been here a little over a week now, helping daughter. She is 39-1/2 weeks pregnant! Due date is July 8. Ben, her husband, is a salmon fisherman in Alaska, and will come home as soon as she goes into labor. I’m cooking and cleaning and sweating…global climate change is uniting us all in unprecedentedness. It is HOT here. No rain for a month…in Seattle! Hotter than in Hawaii now. What does it all mean? It’s so good to see your colors and animals. Now is the time for lions to lie down with the lambs, fierce Orlandos with sweet Siddys. Love you wherever we are, Christi

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    • Hard to believe it hasn’t rained for a month in Seattle – even I know it rains [nearly] every day there! And hotter than Hawaii – that does not seem right! Just a couple more days to go to hit due date for being a grandma – is that what you will you be called? I liked ‘Omah’ myself – but never got to be it any way. I have a puppy and kitty instead 🙂 Best wishes for it all going extremely well and I hope to hear soon that Molly is a proud momma and you a besotted new grandmama. Arohanui xoxo

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  20. Hi Pauline:-) So glad you are back so we can play catch-up on what you are doing across the waters. It looks like you have been busy! Always love your art and your sun catchers are lovely.
    I was wondering where you were this past month???? Now I know + am so glad to hear you were just busy with life.
    Your four legged family looks like they are buddies now + Orlando is not peering down from a shelf wanting to pounce upon her new family member…aww…look at them cuddled together. They are like humans. I remember how my middle daughter reacted to her baby brother coming home with me from the hospital-LOL-she was not a happy camper BUT when she realized he was fun to hang out well they were buddies:-)
    I know what you mean about dreams, looks like I have to “bloom” where I am planted:-) tee hee…but, a girl can always dream:-)
    You should be warming up since we are past July 4th..our days are getting shorter!!!!

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    • Yes, the ‘Bloom where you are planted’ mantra has eluded me these last few weeks, must re-adapt myself to it! You would probably laugh at my idea of a bad winter – given your feet thick snow falls and inability to grow anything outside for six months of the year – but -5 is harsh for us and a bit of a shock to the system! Still, today has bloomed sunny and blue skies and I can ignore the cold wind if I wrap up warm when we head off for our walk …… Yes, I have already noticed it is getting lighter a tad earlier in the day! Hoorah!! 🙂

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  21. Gasp! Looking at all your beautiful projects and Siddy and Orlando snuggling happily together, it’s no wonder at all why you would have time away. Your life looks artful, peaceful and full of love. A beautiful thing indeed and in itself, enough to sustain us. Just reading thru your messages, it’s obvious we’re all enjoying life too. Good friends are never too far away, and don’t need to keep a schedule it seems. I’ve been lucky to find this true in my own little corner of WP.

    I’m not sure how you managed to get such a good shot of your giant Barvarian throw, perhaps hanging from a trapeze on the ceiling? Six balls of yarn to do one row around? Crazy! I don’t know much about crochet but that sounds immense and must weigh a lot too. Gads, your postal man will be happy to see you 😀

    When I spotted the purple sun catcher, I immediately guessed who it might be for. Sharon will be so happy. I envy her and Alys to have the sister love and friendship they share. I think of you girls as one might a sister. At least in my heart I do, having never had a sister I really can’t ‘know’ what that bond would feel like. Unbreakable, I would think.

    What a difference a year makes for O and Siddy. They’ve grown to know each other better and feel the love and companionship so much more. Hey! Same could be said for us too xo Yes, quite a year indeed. Love you xoK

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    • I know what you mean about sisters K – I feel the same way! those of us who have been deprived must take it where we can 🙂 I have been really touched last night and again this morning reading through all my lovely messages – we have so many friends all over the globe and are made to feel so special and appreciated by every one of them – what a treat it is to blog! Yes, it has been quite a year hasn’t it – I wonder what the next one will bring! xoxo

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  22. Oh my – those light catchers are simply gorgeous! I’m not one for anything like this normally as they’re a bit fussy for my taste, but I’ve rarely seen anything quite so beautiful and would happily have this hanging in a prominent place to enjoy every day. Nice to have you back:)

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    • Thank you! I go for ‘opulent’ rather than fussy, not sure what the difference is 😀 but I think the magic lies in making them for a particular person! You may yet get your chance to hang one in a prominent place – stay tuned 🙂

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  23. …continuing my comment…tablet challenges. And I see I’ve typed ‘new’ when I meant to say ‘knew.’

    Your Bavarian has grown to an impressive shape and size. My gosh that must have been a challenge to maneuver toward the end.

    As the lucky possessor of my own light catcher, and the temporary guardian of Sharon’s I can attest to their beauty and their challenge to photograph. What makes them beautiful is also what makes them hard to capture: they throw off light and are in constant, subtle motion. Delightful. I remember the stories you told around Laurie’s, and Kelly’s and wish I had been there for the unveiling of Julia’s lovely gems. YOU are a gem, Pauline. I’m surrounded by your love and light, your art and gifts and support. This latest post is just another reminder of how lucky I am to know you. xoxox

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    • Yesterday I received a lovely hand made card from Sharon, so I thought [assumed] you had already given it to her, which is why I went ahead and posted those photos. I hope she doesn’t read my blog! 🙂 I’ve also read and not yet responded to your email – will get to that later today! xoxo Thank you for your so kind and generous words again Alys, you are a treasure to me!

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      • Sorry for the confusion, Pauline. Sharon received it with great fan fare (meaning I took video!!!) and it has been on my long list of things to blog about. The reason it is back with me is that she’s asked me to to hang it for her, something she’s not able to do on her own and also so I could take photos. Does that all make sense?

        xox

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  24. Pauline, what a warm reception you’ve had here. I’m delighting in all the wonderful comments, above, as much as I’ve delighted in your post. I read it just before bead last night, but new I was too tired to leave a proper reply. Now you are slumbering and hopefully staying warm and dry with the adorable Sid and Orlando nearby.

    I will look forward to Danella’s photos when she posts. I’m going to look for some news footage of your crazy winter weather and beach washouts. It seems these global weather extremes continue unabated. It’s hard to grasp its enormity.

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    • It has dawned a lovely sunny day Alys – it must have heard my grumbles! 🙂 Here is a link that shows a bit of news from a couple of weeks back. If you watch to the end you will see Danella’s often photographed beach poles in a new circumstance. We are no longer able to access that particular beach.

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      • I’m so happy to hear about the sunshine, Pauline. Thanks for sharing the link. Those workers must be miserable trying to complete there work while be hit over and over again by cold waves. I’m surprised they don’t wear a harness to keep from falling or being knocked over by a wave. How sad to see your beach under duress.

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        • Being kiwis we think it is hilarious – they probably should be wearing safety harnesses or something, but being ‘good-keen-kiwi-blokes’ that would sully their machismo……… That particular beach has now gone – the steps are washed away, the walk on accesses are all blocked and the waves are creating sink holes under the esplanade and eating into the protective sand dunes that sit between the sea and the houses. There are lower parts of this city that are deemed to be unlivable in 20 years, though it may be coming earlier than that – and my area is really only a couple of metres higher. Interesting times! 🙂

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  25. Pauline it is so good to hear from you again. As always your art is beautiful. The picture of Siddy and Orlando cuddling is precious. Sorry the winter season is not treating you well. I am not surprised at the ocean making forays into areas where it is not normally seen. We have that problem here too, and all it takes is a high tide. Yes, things have changed and continue to change with climate.

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  26. Oh, Pauline! You were on my mind I was thinking to send you an email this weekend as I have been wondering and worrying about where you have been. So glad to see you back. It looks like you have kept yourself busy. as usual, your crochet project is absolutely gorgeous!! The light catchers are inspiring and although I do not have the talent you have I am most certain. I have three sisters with birthdays coming up in a few months and it made me think I might like to give them a try. I think they would make a perfect gift. Any tips you might care to share? Good to see Siddy again. Sorry to hear about your weather. I have not done such a great job keeping up with the blogging either. Big hugs to you. I look forward to seeing some of your artwork soon. (as if you have not been busy enough) Have you been painting too?

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    • Thank you Jan – I appreciate the care! Now you make me think I should do a post on how I make a catcher – that should guide you on the way and be fun for me to do also. [I am in the process of putting up a page with a few items for sale too and intend to pop a couple on there.] I haven’t been painting and am itching to get back into it!

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    • That would be great if you offered some guidance or a tutorial on those beautiful items. We hold an annual sister’s birthday party and this year it will not be until early September so I have some time. Will you be selling your items on Etsy? I have thought of trying to set up a site to sell, in fact have an Etsy site and I have never done anything with it. Keep us posted.

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      • I have an Etsy shop Jan, but closed it down as it is almost impossible to get traffic other than people who come via my blog or friends and family. So I am intending to open a page on this blog that lists what is available, including postcards and original paintings and prints and light catchers ……….. Then anyone who wants to have something can, without the cost of Etsy being added 🙂 I’m already thinking about how to do a tutorial.

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  27. It’s great to see you back, Pauline! I’m sorry about your winter. I trust that your weather will improve quickly. I do know that although your winter is rough, it is spring in your heart and home. Your sun catchers are beautiful. I’ll have to try making one some day soon. I don’t know anything about Bavarian stitch throw or blocking; what I do know is that the one you’re making is beautiful! One day, some day, in the near or far off future, I’ll surprise myself and learn to crochet and make something purposeful 🙂 Siddy and Orlando look so cute together!

    Have a lovely week!

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    • I think we are all sorry about our winter Elaine! It’s been a long time coming and I remember watching Orlando put on a thick white furry undercoat back in March and wondering if he knew something we didn’t……. Turns out he did! You’ll get to the crochet thing when the time is right! xoxo

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  28. Welcome back Pauline, life does happen! Your post today is full of beautiful creativity. A feast for the eyes. Enjoy your day. 😊 Sharon

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  29. Lovely rug Pauline, such a pretty pattern. The light catchers are so pretty too. I can imagine how gorgeous they would look twinkling in the sun. You have been a busy bee 😀. Lovely picture of the two fur babies snuggled together 🐾🐾💖

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      • My winter is cold brrrr. I must be getting old as this winter seems colder than usual. On holidays at the moment, one week to go then back into it 🙂

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        • We’ve just had -10 and -11 frosts. I don’t think I’ve had anything like this here in my lifetime! I’m really glad not to have to go out in it first thing in the morning any more. 🙂 good luck when you have to go back to work!

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  30. Dear Pauline, so lovely to see a post from you again with so much beauty. Are you disappointed to have to let go of your dream cottage and do you miss painting?
    Your Bavarian is so beautiful, love the colors. Do you have space to block it? I just knitting a large shawl and I am blocking it on the mattras of the spare room bed! The mittens are charming and cheerful. And I can very well see how lovely the sun catchers are! I love the story of how you make them with a little magic woven into it.
    The critters are clearly having sweet dreams! Stay warm and lots of love from a hot Ohio, Johanna

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  31. It sounds like you’ve had some disruption in your life! And, yet, you’re still be very creative–that throw is so impressive, in size and beauty! And I would think the light catchers are soothing to make. The dog and cat sleeping together–that’s truly amazing–when I think back to the photos of Orlando, looking peevish, I can’t believe how far they’ve come!

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    • Wasn’t he the picture of disbelieving disgust when puppy first appeared 😀 Now the snuggle and snuffle and wash each others ears – it’s all a great treat to observe!

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  32. Lovely Bavarian crochet… I have some on the go, but it’s a bit too warm here to spend time draped in wool and it’s big enough now that I have to be underneath part of it whilst I’m working. It is a perfect winter activity. Yours looks fabulous – I hope you have space to block it!
    I love the light-catchers and as I am currently doing a lot of sorting through stuff, I may make one or two from the beads and bits of broken jewellery I keep coming across… likely to be more random than yours, but good for decorating the limery!
    You may not have done much writing recently, but I think of you every day as I gaze at ‘grow where you are planted’.
    Max sends a happy woofle to Siddy and I send all three of you my love ❤

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    • Re the crochet – I started this one about a year ago and then left it all over the summer for the same reasons. However it has made a lovely cuddly to snuggle under while growing it in these bleaker days! Some light catchers would look fabulous in the limery – what a touch of class! Your love is appreciated 🙂 xoxo

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  33. The light catchers are beautiful, even lying down. That turquoise is stunning.
    I’m sorry the idea of a cottage by the sea there is having to be shelved but I hope you can come up with a viable alternative plan to keep the dream alive.
    xxx Massive Hugs xxx

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  37. Dear Pauline, So happy to have you back again. ( sung to the tune of, ” Hello Dolly!”)
    I love the photo of kitty and puppy curled up together. You are lucky that peace reigns in the pet realm but so sad about flooding and changes in plans for your house dreams.
    Your green, large and beautifully designed Bavarian stitch crochet throw is gorgeous. Your pretty mittens and sparkly light catchers will certainly be treasured by their recipients. Wishing you some solutions for your living decisions, Pauline.

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    • I said Hello Robin, Well Hello Robin! 🙂 It’s so nice to be right back where I belong ….. Thank you for all your messages scattered about my blog in recent weeks – I so appreciated seeing them as I ran past. I hope to be back to my usual routine of reading and posting from now on – time will tell! My seaside cottage is just a dream that has been long dearly held with not much hope of realisation – so no great change really just a shift of colour perhaps in the dreaming. 🙂 Thank you again for your regular visits and encouraging comments xoxo

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      • So nice to have you back (where you belong) Look at all the friends who missed you! 🙂
        Your “gentle nudge” was more like my way of showing you I had you on mind, Pauline.
        I was hoping this whole water thing and flooding would not affect your dreams. I am not quite getting the impact since maybe in our area we would just move to “higher land.”
        I loved seeing you here again. I really do like your large and gorgeous green crocheted coverlet, Pauline.
        I can picture you and the 2 little “snook-ums” or “sweet-ums” curled up in it on a bed piled with pillows while you read and sip tea or cocoa.

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  39. I am so delighted to see you, Pauline!! I so understand about life getting in the way. But life is why we are here, to live it, not just to write about it. So the writing will come in its time. I’ve had the same struggles. I had not heard of the weather you are having. Not sure where to find out about it. I too love the sea but the sea is taking back land too quickly with all the melting. There is flooding in some parts, drought here where we always had an abundance of water. Everything is changing and we have to be willing to make the adjustments. I hope there wasn’t a job loss or something more serious going on. But I am truly delighted to see your furry family snuggling. It was bound to happen with time. Hugs.

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    • Marlene, thank you for all your good wishes and messages over the time I have been awol from posting. Life is different at the moment, but it is not my story to tell. This winter has been bitter! Though it is nothing like the season my northern friends have to bear, but for us it has been a shock! The sea will not be held back by mere mortals it seems and is washing away our beaches and making alarming inroads onto a very popular esplanade. Danella has some pretty amazing photos if she ever gets around to posting them. Thanks for visiting xoxo

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