April – Slipping By …………

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The month is slipping past and while I am daily engrossed in blog land and catching up with the writing, photography and daily doings of you my friends – not much attention is paid to my own posts.  So, more to keep a record than to add pleasure to your day, here’s a quick catch -up.

It’s Autumn here and the last rose in the tiny courtyard is making a break for it

Courtyard April 16The crochet shawl got finished – it’s beautiful and oh so soft………..  worked in an alpaca/silk mix and edged with beads.  Learning the art of blocking is finally paying off – I just wish my photos were better.  Each edge scallop has ten tiny red beads hooked through.Jo's shawl April 16

There’s some new light catchers being worked on – some simple ones and some very ornate ones.  Here’s a glimpse of two versions of the Simple Single Rainbow ‘Catcher.  Can you spot the difference?Simple Rainbow x2 April 16

And just for Alys, in lieu of a ‘fairy garden’ here is a glimpse of the guardians at the front entrance…….Entry Garden April 16

Can you see them? No?  Move closer to the door and look down.  They make me smile!

There’s the green wobbly headed dog with the waggling tail and little Winnie the Pooh smiling hopefully up at visitors.  Everyone smiles!

I’m not a collector of twee garden ornaments usually.  These two turned up in my Christmas stocking and wandered out to the front potted garden and stayed…..

Entry Guardians April 16Everything in the garden is dying back now, even though the weather remains unusually warm for this time of the year.  Soon the tiny courtyard will be without any sun and will stay that way – barren and unloved until next August when both the sun and I will return to replant and enliven once more.

I’ve started work on an open vest for me for the cooler days – the knit pattern stolen from the jumper knitted for ED for her birthday last monthVest 1

I’m moving it along a pace because I want to start this – more alpaca and silk and maybe some beads too ….  Isn’t it a stunning colour?Artesano Shawl April 16

April has been a time of concentrating on health and well-being.  Walking and creating and reading and spending quiet times concentrating on gratitude for all aspects of my life and enjoying the quiet way everything unfolds around me.  I live simply, I make time every day to hold others close in my thoughts and also to seek understanding of what is going on in the world.  There’s more good going on than the news media would have us know, I look for that and do not give my attention to the other.  This long Indian Summer lingers on and Siddy and I go walking every morning, me enjoying the subtle changes in nature and Siddy- well Siddy just enjoying being alive really……..  I say it often – and mean it – I love retirement!!March 16 3

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

132 thoughts on “April – Slipping By …………”

  1. Oh, how I am missing your posts. Pauline. I think of you every day as I admire your art, and show it off to others. Hope you are busy and creative and the winter is not getting you down ❤ ❤ ❤ oh and big love to Siddy ❤

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    • Thank you for this lovely note Jan. I’ve been having a time of introspection and, concerned with the negative news that rides the airways, finding ways I feel I can be in the world and not contribute to the negativity, but rather ensure my own corner concentrates on the positive – I have a plan …….
      I am having a resurgence of creativity as some warmth and light begin to filter back this way, and maybe a post might appear before too much longer. 🙂
      Siddy accepts all big love – or small really – and returns it tenfold – you know how it is 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤

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      • I agree-I miss your posts! You are one of the top blogs I read weekly, but I have to admit I’ve been missing these past 8 weeks from the blog world. I skipped over here to see what you were doing and noticed april last post. I thought that must be mistaken, so I kept refreadhing my page.
        I am looking forward to reading your inspiring thoughts:-) and creations!

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      • MISS YOU PAULINE!!! I go to your blog to become inspired:-) You have such a creative soul and a bright mind and may I add, you write some pretty witty and wise posts:-)

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    • Hello Jill ❤ Thank you for your thoughts. My unexpected blogging break is continuing on, though I feel it may be nearing an end soon – I am composing posts in my head, just not actually on the keyboard. 🙂 Orlando is a little unwell right now [he is getting older!] but I hope he will rally as the temperatures begin to rise. Otherwise all is well and we are all looking forward to spring!! xo

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      • I’m sorry to hear Orlando is not doing well. He would enjoy the weather here…temps in the 90’s. I’ll be watching for your future blog posts. Enjoy the remainder of your week, Pauline. ❤

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    • Hello Robin ❤ Thank you for popping in again – I am taking a bit of a break and being quiet and thoughtful this winter. Sometimes it is a good thing for me to do this. I hadn't planned it, but am going with it and will be back sometime soon I imagine. Thank you for your good wishes and caring. I know you are enjoying your summer 🙂 xoxo

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  7. Hi lovely lady 🙂 I am sorry I have been so bad with my reading here, I am scooting out shortly but want to catch up with the rest later in the day. Everything is so beautiful on this post and lordy, I love that burgundy beaded piece of gorgeousness!!!!!!
    Pleased to see you are well and taking time out for yourself – aye, making sense of the world is a pastime of mine at the moment too and searching for the good and beautiful – no short supply on your page 🙂 xxx

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    • I woke up during the night thinking about you 🙂 Got here and found you had already been ……. Glad to see you! I think my next post will be called ‘May – Slipped Away!’ or possibly ‘May, June – Gone Too Soon’ 🙂

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  8. Siddy is quite the handsome pup. He looks smart too! I really enjoyed your photographs. Everything looks so cheerful. The rainbow beads are lovely. The bobble on the bottom are different sizes. I like them both! I love surprises in the garden. Makes one want to stop and really look! Thank you for posting a happy post. Made my day! 🙂

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    • Hello Koko. thank you for coming by my place 🙂 Siddy is a clever pup and he has a sense of humour too! You are correct about the light catchers, the crystal balls are different sizes. I’m glad we could make your day a little happier 🙂

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  10. Pauline, stopping by to wish you a lovely Mother’s Day, if you celebrate this there on this weekend. Take care and hugs for you, scratches or pats for the pup, Siddy, and cat, Orlando. ❤

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  12. Pauline you will be forever be the wise one-“There’s more good going on than the news media would have us know, I look for that and do not give my attention to the other.” that is my view this year and forever more as I approach the 60’s in my life…turn 58 in 4 weeks and that is how we should live our life…look for good.in this world and make beautiful things with our hands:-)

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    • Hello Robbie! A late response from your tardy friend – with apologies! I saw that you had been by and must have gotten distracted…….

      I’m not wise, I just pay attention, Some years ago I came across a quote from Mother Teresa which made a huge impression on me and I have tried to live by it ever since. She was asked to lend her support to an anti war rally and she responded that she wouldn’t do that – but when they had a rally for peace she would come. I thought deeply about what she said for a long time. To many people there is no difference between an anti war rally and a peace march – but it is all in the intent and where our attention is placed, because that affects our feelings. And our feelings have an incredible affect on our surroundings.

      I’m all for making beautiful things with our hands – and your garden is looking spectacular!!

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  13. Hello Pauline! It has been awhile since I’ve visited blog land and it is so good to see your smiling face pop up on my post today. I see you are creating beautiful things and living your gracious and contented life with sweet Siddy. Sending hugs and smiles!

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  14. Hello Pauline, I am not around much in blogland these days as you know, but I wanted to pop in and let you know I’m thinking of you and also to see what you’ve been up to. And now I know! What a gorgeous photo of Siddy, he is so handsome and he knows it! What a joy he is to you. Your posts radiate all that fills your life: joy and contentment, fulfillment and productivity, peace and gratitude. It seems strange to me that you are winding down to autumn in April just as our gardens are ‘springing’ into life, but that’s one of the many lovely things about blogging, sharing the different seasons of life in more ways than one 😉 Your shawl is absolutely beautiful and I think the difference with the light catchers is the different sized crystals at the end? Your creativity shines through in word and picture, always such a pleasure to visit you Pauline, thank you for the warmth of heart and smiles you send my way 🙂 xoxo

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    • Good morning Sherri – I was delighted to find this message from you as I sipped first coffee. I hope all is going well with you – and the memoir is behaving and being coddled into shape for publication – I’m hanging out here you know!!

      Our autumn has confused itself with summer. It has been more enjoyable than summer was anyway. I am enjoying long walks on balmy mornings at a time of the year when I am usually wrapped up in coat, scarf and mittens.

      You got the difference in the catchers right. Thanks you for taking an interest 🙂
      I hope you are enjoying a lovely spring and enjoying your break from blogging too xo

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      • And now I think I can say good morning to you Pauline as I return to read your lovely reply and kind message about my memoir 🙂 It is behaving as well as it can, sometimes a bit hard to coddle when it wants to go off the deep end, but hoping soon to apply endless editing notes thanks to the workshop! Thank you so much for your wonderful encouragement 🙂
        I’m hoping to get a post out but probably not until next week now…clinging on, just!
        Oh your long walks sound just perfect…sounds like our autumn last year. I hope it stays that way for you for a little while longer. We are in the throes of a warming-up spring at the moment, lovely after a cold spring so far. Let’s see how long it lasts 😉 And I love to visit you and see what you are up to with your latest creations. You bring joy and smiles to my day Pauline. Take good care and I’ll see you again soon! ❤ xoxo

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  15. Hello Mama P. Looking at all the beauty you surround yourself with is a feast for the eye’s. Your doorway impatiens are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, I’m not even ‘buttering your biscuits’. They don’t do well here.
    I can hardly believe that with a little hooked tool and a couple of digit’s you turn out these tremendously intricate fashions. It’s beyond my comprehension how you manage the beads in there too. Silk no less, gasp, I had no idea yarn was anything but cotton or wool or cashmere. OMGosh, I tried on some cashmere lined gloves once at Holt Renfrew (Canada’s most expensive store). They were beyond soft.
    I see you’ve put the pretty magic window coverings at your entrance too. It totally looks like a work of art. Does it reflect those colours inside too? Siddy looks really soft right now, almost downy. When I look at his sweet little face, I feel like I see a little man with lots to say. Such an expressive face that little munchkin has 😀
    I went to a fund raiser at a church tonight and just now arrived home. It was for World Vision, I’ve fostered children thru them for over 25 years. I don’t know if you’ve heard of them. They’re focused mostly on helping children and where by helping their communities in the process. The event was organized by dynamic and talented young people. I couldn’t help think how awesome and inspiring they all are. It was all musical performances, worthy of any music festival I’ve ever been too. Just WOW. Gives me hope! Too much attention goes to junk these days. But there’s so many good things happening too. Goodnight my dearest, thanks for the update. Love you K

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    • Hugs Boomdee! Thank you for this lovely long comment – it made me feel like we were having a chat over a nice big glass of wine somewhere. Yes I am very familiar with World Vision and have been thinking in recent months I need to pick them up again – it’s been Greenpeace who gets my monthly donation dollars in recent years and it is only fair to spread my small donation capabilities around 🙂 Serendipitously you have mentioned them here. It does give you hope doesn’t it when you see the young folk come out and show what they can do – they need more press 🙂

      There are some fabulous yarn blends available now to the knitter and crocheter – it makes you want to create with them. I’m determined to knit some socks next 🙂 That window film is even prettier on the inside because it has a rippled effect – slightly 3D – and the light plays around with the colours and design to make quite lovely effects – it stays pretty static to the outside observer.

      Thank you for seeing such lovely things in my little fellow – I think [as long as he doesn’t pop from too many treats] Siddy is going to be quite an amazing mature dog – he has such a wonderful personality and increasingly shows signs of being able to read people and situations. I simply adore him!! ❤ And you too! xo

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  16. It sounds like April has been very productive for you, Pauline – I love seeing all your handwork! It’s weird thinking of your garden dying out just as ours is taking hold and we celebrate all the new growth! This is probably old news, but I am LOVING that haircut you’re sporting in your profile pic – it’s got zip! Happy almost-May!

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    • Hi there Shel! Thanks about the hair – if it’s the pink one that has all washed away now and I’m just a fetching silvery colour now 🙂 Yes, it’s almost May and we begin the slow slide towards Mid Winter and you look forward to the high days of Summer – it’s so lovely how we reflect each other isn’t it. I haven’t seen a post from you gals for a while – am I missing you from my feed too or are you having time out?

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      • It wasn’t an intentional time out, but I just can’t seem to get to it! I have several posts in the almost-ready stage, but when it comes to completing, life happens! The FB page takes up much of my creative energy! Thanks for mentioning it – one always wonders if their presence, or lack thereof, registers out there in the big world. And now I must scroll back up and say good-bye to Siddy on my way out – have a wonderful day, my friend!

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  17. It’s so odd, to think of you heading into autumn! You’re so busy and productive and yet you seem so calm and centered–what a perfect balance in your life! I love the red shawl–I can’t believe the detail of the tiny beads–simply perfection!

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    • Thank you Kerry. The red shawl is a hit and I am glad of that. Our opposite seasons are amazing aren’t they! Though Spring and Autumn are similar in many ways – length of day and night, temperatures and changeable weather.and the slow moving into the extreme of the next season…… It’s just you are heading up and out with the call of summer and I am looking to come into my home, to cosy up and be quieter by the fire as winter approaches. It’s an amazing balancing act the earth does!

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  18. Your crochet shawl is so pretty and delicate – and almost the same colour as the last rose standing…there’s something quite nice about that 🙂 It took me a while to spot your 2 guardians peeking through the flowers, but I smiled when I did. I know those flowers as Dizzy Lizzies too, my Nan used to have many pots of them on her windowsill and in the garden.

    That blue yarn is such a vivid color, this is going to make a stunning shawl! I am going to check that link above…if yarn is in the sale it doesn’t count right??

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  19. I do love your outlook on life – to enjoy the simple things and be grateful for what you’ve got. A mantra I firmly believe in and also live by. It’s certainly easy to be happy if you live like this. Your shawl is beautiful and the blue alpaca for your next project is stunning. Is that the pattern behind it in the photo? It’s very pretty – would you mind sharing where you bought it? Lovely to see Siddy’s ‘smiling’ face, too. I also know Impatiens better as Dizzy Lizzy😊

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    • Don’t mind at all Sheila – both yarn and pattern came from Artesano in the UK https://www.artesanoyarns.co.uk The pattern is a free one: Kassia by Anniken Allis and the yarn is alpaca/silk blend colour Persian Teal. The finished red shawl is made in the alpaca/silk blend from Artesano also. I do like this particular yarn blend but they are in the middle of changing up their lines and I think this one is being discontinued. There’s a sale on now 🙂

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  20. Starting with the end, I love how short Siddy’s hair cut is! 🙂 He is such a smiling sweetheart of a companion, Pauline. I liked the whimsical garden sculptures of what looks like Snoopy and Winnie the Pooh. The blue is so pretty for your upcoming vest, what color do they call it? I wanted to use “azure” but not quite sure. You will look so nice in the blue! The bottom rainbow light catcher has multi-faceted crystal beads and the other has smooth clear beads. I may be wrong! 🙂
    I adored the gorgeous maroon or burgundy shawl was lovely indeed! Your garden phlox and rose making an escape were so enchanting while combining spring with fall. Our phlox die long before roses and leaves turn rusty.

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    • Hello Robin 🙂 You are correct about the general name for the shade of blue I have chosen ‘azure’ – it’s a lovely colour isn’t it? Thank you for having a go at the light catcher question, it’s pretty hard to tell in small photos isn’t it. The difference is in the size of the crystal balls that hang at the bottom, otherwise they are exactly the same. Although many people noted the tiny heart on one of them can’t really be seen either. [I used to have a facility that allowed photos on this blog to be made bigger by clicking on them twice, but that has disappeared recently. I don’t know why.] Thank you for your lovely comment xo

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  21. Such subtle differences in the light catchers one would not notice if you had not drawn our attention to it. I didn’t even see the heart. Autumn is lovely where you are. That entry is so welcoming. I love yard art when I see it in others yards. There was some here when I moved in but it was rusted and in disrepair. I loved how your lacy shawl turned out and the beads probably add another dimension to it. The blue yarn look luscious. I’m sure it will be stunning when completed. Knitting is not in my repertoire. I wish it were as the results are lovely. Siddy would be all anyone would need to make a smile happen.
    I wish I could take a page from your book, relaxing and being at peace more during my retirement. I always seem to be rushed. Just reading this was relaxing. Thanks for sharing your wonderful world. Giant hugs,

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    • Well, I’m happy to be able to bring a few moments of ease to your rushing Marlene 🙂 I like how you call garden ornaments ‘yard art’ I must try and adopt that phrase. It sounds more pleasing to my ears to have ‘yard art’ rather than ‘ornaments’. Re the beads on the shawl, they add a bit of bling [bling is always good isn’t it?] and also add a tad of depth to the otherwise fly-away feel of the fabric. I’m really pleased with the way it looks and feels, my ED will love it!

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      • How could she not love it. It’s exquisite. Doing some final work before hanging my danglers. I should find a moment to write what I have been up to as well. No rest for the wicked. 🙂

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  22. Thank you for sharing what you have been doing and your wonderful way of viewing the world. I felt a sense of peace and tranquility as I read your post. It soothed my soul as I felt the pace slow. But it doesn’t seem to be slowing down in your activities. You have still managed to do many tasks. It has slowed down in your attitude. It exudes from your words.
    I saw that the crystals at the bottom of the rainbow catchers are different.
    I love the vibrancy of the blue you are excited about working with.
    The rose in the courtyard is beautiful.
    I spotted the dog but not Winnie the Pooh until you alerted me to his presence. But you didn’t mention the butterflies. I love the butterflies!
    The shawl’s scalloped edge and each loop with ten tiny beads is amazing.
    And Siddy defies description. You are made for each other.
    It’s wonderful to get this glimpse inside your life. Thank you for spreading the light through your positive attitude. Hugs. xx

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    • I think I live outside of time and convention these days Norah. I’ve never enjoyed my life so much as I do now – which is probably strange to say as this is the very time when I feel I offer less to the world than I ever did before. It is a peaceful existence though and I like that. I love my butterflies too. I have two sets, one at the front and one at the back doors, they tinkle delicately in a breeze 🙂

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      • I am so pleased you have reached that place of contentment, Pauline. Many search for it for a lifetime and never find it. I think you are still contributing much to the world. Please don’t underestimate yourself in that regard, but I know when are are toiling hard for a living in service to others it can seem like we are putting in more effort, making a bigger contribution. I know that, as a teacher, I always felt I did. But you are shining your light and sharing your contentment, and helping us to live in the present moment, and enjoy. That is a wonderful contribution. Enjoy! 🙂

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  24. It’s always a pleasure reading your posts, Pauline. I love the updates. I just love that blue yarn! The light catchers are beautiful- I tried to catch the difference, but not confident with my answer? Is it the little heart at the top? Is one slightly larger than the other? Love the pic of Sid! I am glad you’re loving your retirement. Earlier today I read a bit about retirement and how important it is to have a plan in place with things to do. I’m far from retiring, but when I do, I want to make sure that I love it just as much as you do:-)

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    • Hi Elaine 🙂 I think you must have made a comment on the last post too that came through as ‘Someone’. I see your second comment has your name attached to it and your ‘like’ has your blog name attached. Just another little glitch in the WP emporium. [I keep losing bloggers out of my feed which is quite challenging!] You are spot on about the light catchers. One crystal ball is larger than the other and the heart. Be confident 🙂 About retirement – I think the article is correct too. I ‘practised’ for a couple of years, letting go of dedication to work and picking up on hobbies and interests and preparing myself by making purchases while I still had the money and collecting ideas of what I wanted to do. Now I don’t know how I ever found time to work 🙂 Of course, getting a pet helps too 🙂

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      • Pauline, i think my comment on your last post went through with my name. Glitches keep us on our toes. Good to know I caught the differences with the light catchers. Yep, I’ve got to be confident! Practicing or moving slowly into retirement is a great strategy.

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  25. Love that blue colour, just stunning! Can’t wait to see it made up. I don’t know which made me smile more, Whinnie the Pooh or Siddy 😀

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  26. Reading this certainly added pleasure to my day. I’m not a garden ornament type either, but I love your green dog. The blue yarn is absolutely gorgeous, as is your shawl. And great to see Siddy – as always. Give him a hug from me xx

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  28. Oh CC, that shawl is a work of art. How pretty. We are enjoying an extended Indian summer too. It’s so warm and pleasant and set to continue for a while yet. It’s great. I look forward with anticipation to retirement, which is just a couple of years away.

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    • Thank you ET, I’m glad you like the shawl. And are also enjoying the Indian Summer, it IS great! Will retirement for you mean even more travel to even more exotic places? That would be fun!!

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  30. Everything looks beautiful but Siddy stole the show. He looks like he is made out of whipped velvet cream! I really love impatiens, well all flowers but there is something about impatiens!
    I too am a ‘blocker” it makes a very big difference. I agree with you about the news. I catch public transport and I can report I see people helping people and even saving people (once) every day. It doesn’t get in the news though. I am determined to get more compassionate as I get older, not less. ❤ ❤ ❤

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    • The blocking thing has been one of those wondrous ‘Eureka’ events of my life 🙂 I had no idea it would makes such a difference! We didn’t block back when Adam was a lad and I was taught to knit. Thank you for verifying the good things in life – and I’m with you on the compassion!! 🙂 ❤

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  32. Its wonderful to read from you again Pauline. Your garden is so colorful and so happy. I wish I could sit there and enjoy the view with you. Your projects are looking great. I love that stunning blue yarn! Warm hugs to you and Siddy!

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  33. What a delicious post Ms Pauline. Roses and knitting and whiskers on kit…er pups. I love the detailed beading on that glorious shawl. You have been working hard on your beautiful creations and your efforts are stunning. I adore that gorgeous blue and it will make a spectacular shawl. I need to slow down and take note of your pace. I need to take time to “do” and pull back from everything else. Loving the pace of this post Ms Pauline. Keep up the good work in ushering in autumn magnificently 🙂

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    • It’s a bit difficult to slow down when you have rampant blackberries to murder, huge self-watering plans to implement and studies to complete. However when you have beaten your world into a shape that is pleasing and well balanced and representing your lovely selves in the best possible way, maybe you can just ‘be’ and enjoy it. It’s nice. My autumn is being very nice this year, is yours?

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      • Our autumn is a steady run of gorgeous 24C days. We had a day of rain the other day and I am sure I could hear the garden sighing with bliss. I am crocheting again and enjoying the processes. I might attempt a crocheted sock pattern next. You may hear me “expressing my opinion” from N.Z. 😉

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        • It’s raining this morning – the weather gods were obviously eavesdropping and decided to end the golden weather! I tried a crochet sock once – it was pretty [I did it in pink and purple] but I got stuck at the heel turn – it still sits in the box of unfinished socks. One day I shall knit a toe up sock and what’s more, I’ll also make two of them – there are patterns out there for making them toe up, two together – it’s the only way I’ll ever complete the challenge!!

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          • Its one of my quests in life to make socks. I am going to master bread making this winter when it gets cold enough to light Brunhilda (IF it gets cold enough…) and in between becoming a master bread maker I might have a wee bit of time to master a sock or two (or at least throw one in my “failed crafts” cupboard to languish with the rest of them 😉 ) No rain here today so I am going to have to water Sanctuary but we are off for a beach walk with the boys when Stevie-boy gets up so that should make up for it 🙂

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              • I just found a pattern (crochet) that you work from the toe up and work the heel in as you progress so that by the time you make the cuff you are finished. Looks like a nice result. I am going to trial it next.

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                • I shall look forward to hearing how you do – I have just ordered a book of patterns of two at a time toe up socks and other ways of knitting them too. I decided to go for it and make this winter the time I actually make a pair of warm woolly socks to schlep around in!

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                  • I get the feeling that I could seriously get addicted to making socks. I love the look of sock wool and am not sure which wool to buy to make them but I am sure I can find out. I am going to use regular wool to have a go at making an experimental pair but I just got 5 more slouchy beanies to make (2 for Kym in local football colours, 2 for friends of Stevie-boy who play online gaming with him and 1 for a lovely lady who is swapping me some exotic chilli seeds) so no socks till I knock out my beanies. Let me know how the socks go and if the book is good. I can knit simply and know that if I put the effort in, I could get better. Knitting is so much slower than crochet though 😉

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  34. We are in spring time in my part of the world, so my flowers are just now beginning. I adore roses, and I enjoyed seeing your solitary rose peeking through as they have a way of getting their last hurrah. The shawl is absolutely beautiful, I love your variety of crafts. I know what you mean by the good in the world, we can’t forget about that, it is important to focus on it every now and then and remember. Wonderful post!

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  35. Pauline, your posts bring such a smile to my face. I love hearing about the joy and contentment of your well deserved retirement. And all of your creations are beautiful. Visiting your blog is a treat!

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  36. Pauline, how wonderful to read your news. Your courtyard guardians are charming. If Pooh doesn’t make you smile with the surprise of him being there and the joy on his face, I don’t know what will. Siddy ensures that the smiles remain once your guests are inside. What a sweet face.

    I’m always in awe of the things you create. That’s a lovely, lacy, frothy shawl and I’ll bet the beads give it a bit of weight while bouncing light around the wearer. I’m looking forward to the pictures of your soon to be blue project. Is that a lace scarf pictured?

    I’m inspired by the time you take each day to think of others and to focus on all that is good and right with the world. It seems a much better way to use one’s energy. You’ve given me pause. The media distorts the news to such an extent that it can be difficult to know which end is up.

    Rest little garden until we meet again next season. Hugs dear Pauline.

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    • Yes Alys that is a lace shawl pictured that will be made with the blue alpaca/silk yarn. That’s the plan anyway 🙂

      You have just perfectly put exactly why I don’t listen to the media unless there is something I need to be informed about. I then actively pursue other points of view and draw my own conclusions. I look out for the good things people do for each other. It’s become natural now I think, though it took assiduous practise at first. I wonder if a lot of what is intolerant and bigoted and mean-spirited about our world is down to people believing all they are fed by politicians, by news media, by corporations with vested interests in selling weapons, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and etcetera, I wonder what would happen if people started asking ‘Is this true?’ I wonder what would happen if people understood spreading fearful news makes fear stronger? I wonder what would happen if we understood that the thing we focus on makes that thing stronger, how would it be if we then focus on what we want to have happen rather than what we don’t…….

      Sorry, I’m trying to stop preaching……. I’m failing again 🙂

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      • I agree with everything you just said here! People think I’m stupid not to listen to the news. I tape it, watch in fast forward with the sound off and only stop if there is something worthy of my attention. Most days, I don’t even watch what I taped and delete it. 🙂 Focusing on the good in the world makes it grow. You are such a wise woman.

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      • Preach away! I agree with every word. Every time there’s a discussion about reducing military spending, someone shouts about all the things that could have happened if we didn’t build that fill-in-the-blank, bomb, tank, weapon system, etc. It is tiresome. I think this is why mediation works well. We train our brain to be in the moment, to relax and remain in the present. It’s hard, but with practice, as you note above, everything becomes easier.

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  38. A bear of little brain to greet you guests? How cool is that? And the craftwork leVes me admiring and jealous, as does my wife’s for she too creates because, like you, she has to. You send such contended vibes I’m to my bed, for a few winks, maybe forty….

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    • Are you lurking behind the garden pots somewhere? I have likened myself to the bear of little brain on many occasions Geoff, which is exactly why he appeared in my Christmas stocking 😀 I hope you had a very good sleep!

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  39. Well, those long summer walks have made my Siddy even more handsome, Pauline. He’s looking very buff. 🙂 The shawl is absolutely beautiful…the color is stunning. I’m quite shocked how fast April is passing by. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos!

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  41. Your shawl is so beautiful. It almost looks like the lace with intertwined beads and the delicate crocheting. I couldn’t agree more. Retirement is so fantastic. I don’t remember my parents having the same experiences but then they had some health issues. I am grateful to be able to move around with some degree of agility, to sleep late if I so desire (which isn’t often since I love mornings and can’t bear to sleep the day away), cozy up with a book , or just whatever. I closely looked at your light catchers and saw that one had a heart on it ( although I did have to look closely). It is a happy / sad thing to fade from one season to the next but each one has its magic, doesn’t it?

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    • We are fortunate now to be in good health and retired and to have our interests and hobbies that we can pursue freely. I sometimes hear of people facing retirement who are afraid of all that time that needs filling. That is sad I think, for it indicates they have no hobbies or interests that they are champing at the bit to spend more time with. So we are indeed fortunate! One light catcher has a larger crystal ball then the other and you spotted the heart and you said it so well about the seasons – each one has magic! xo.

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  42. There is much to marvel at in this meandering post, not the least of which is YOU HAVE IMPATIENS! There was a blight of some kind in Canada and we haven’t had any in several years. Your beaded shawl is a bloody delight! Siddy’s mascara’d eyes are delightful, too.

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    • A blight!! Unbelievable! I grow them because they are so easy and so colourful and – as I mentioned elsewhere – I am a lazy gardener. I can’t imagine a garden centre without pots of impatiens waiting to go to good homes. I was going to suggest we set about getting some into Canada but I wouldn’t want to be arrested by the horticultural police. You’re right about that shawl 🙂 Siddy’s eyelashes grow and grow and keep on growing. They get trimmed along with his coat every six weeks else he couldn’t see through them. Imagine!!

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      • I have sad little eyelashes and lately my eyebrows are thinning, too. I am starting to understand all those older women I see with penciled lines where eyebrows used to be.

        I’m a lazy gardener, too, and love strategically placed pots of annuals (which impatiens are here) in bare spots. This year I’m thinking of using attractive bark mulch to cover the sad places and flinging pots all over the place and calling it a day.

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        • That’s pretty much what I did this past summer……… Maybe I could patent Siddy’s DNA and make an eyelash grower – they grow so fast no one would notice if you don’t have any eyebrows 🙂

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  43. Well, I am an old lady who does not wear shawls…the old-fashioned kind were for warmth (and I’ve not yet attained that stage where I am always cold) and the beautiful, gorgeous, lovely kind you have made are for ethereal beauty (and since I am a hermit, I can’t show one off to anyone except my cat and she would probably ruin it with her claws anyway!).

    What to do? Admire yours from afar. I remember trying to knit lace of that delicacy and how difficult it was to learn. I also love the fact that it is alpaca and silk, being as I am a great lover of natural fibers. And…mirabile dictu. your planned one is blue!!

    You sound so contented, my friend, and that makes me glad. Let April slip by as it will; there is always May and crochet, and June, and the moon, and July, and the sky, and who knows what, beyond the ineffable pleasure of good health, good friends, and beloved critters to share your days…

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  45. The shawl is amazing – although I always associate shawls with old ladies and you are anything but.
    A wonderful splash with the impatiens. You should get a couple of cyclamen to brighten your winter yard! (And I didn’t say cycling-men!) Such a happy photo of Siddy!

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  46. The crochet shawl is absolutely beautiful – the beading is such an exquisite addition. Funny to think of you in Autumn…our Spring here is a little slow to start but I’m pleased to report a faint green haze on the trees as I drove to work this morning.
    The difference I can spot is a larger crystal and a heart, I think, on one of them…both very pretty. You are surely making the most of your retirement. Siddy looks very pleased with himself – give him a pat from me! 😉

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    • You spotted correctly Jenny – 10/10 for good eyesight 🙂 I love knowing we reflect each others seasons, it makes the world feel whole somehow. Beaded shawls are all the rage and I think I’ll be adding beads all over the place now – it is such a lovely addition.

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