When the Post Box Brings You Sunshine

The door bell rang on this dark morning and a familiar red jacket could be seen through the frosted glass.  A recognisable smile greeted me as I was handed a large, padded brown envelope with the sweetest scent escaping from it.  This was my morning sunshine received from the lovely Karen at Beatrice Euphemie's giveaway!

Hearts, roses and lavender are three of my favourite things and they are dotted around my home, so these gorgeous additions will settle in very nicely.

This gorgeous little packet made by Karen contains some  sleeping seeds of sweet William, soon to be brought to life in my cut flower patch - if I can bring myself to open this perfect little bundle!

The dainty little brooch held the contents of the hand made items in an envelope made from a darling handkerchief.  Real handkerchiefs always remind me of my late Welsh grandpa who used to have one nearby, such happy memories.

Then a lovely hand made card with a sweetly dried flower with an equally sweet message inside.

Blogging gives us wonderful virtual interactions with like minded people but the rattle of a letter box and the smile of the postman that will deliver such a personal package (other than bills) is a lovely start to the day.

Please go and visit Karen and her lovely blog here. Her surroundings and sunshiny view of life always takes my breath away along with her beautiful writing.

Thanks again Karen for sending me such a gorgeous piece of your world.  You have now filled my home with the most amazing scent from your potpourri and prettiness.  This has been perfect while resting my feet after yesterday's London onslaught and putting words to pictures!

Is the post box giving you some sunshine?

Have a wonderful week.

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Happy Spring Moments

And so, Friday evening and a deep breath as I sit down with the knowledge of a full nine days off in front of me.  Time to enjoy the colours that now fill my world as I to and fro between Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, all becoming more vibrant and hopeful.  Mother Nature showing that, with patience, she will sort things out for you and the bad winter will just be a dark and distant memory.  A sure sign of spring has to be the little surprise I found in one of my kitchen window boxes.  

I do hope that the little nips are from the new life emerging, just like the bulbs that surround this open parcel in my window baskets.

My favourite tree is about to explode with the most gorgeous pink blossom.  Spring is truly here when this tree starts to show off its pink jewels.

The fields that surround my village are still full of daffodils however, they are now joined by other fields full of equally yellow sunshiny colour... rape seed!  I can't tell you how absolutely awful the smell was while standing by this bridalway, but the sight made it much sweeter.

Other happy moments this week began with my Mother's Day gifts - Camper van cushions (how I would love to have one of these one day!), an ENORMOUS tea cup for the garden - to be planted with thyme (thyme for tea!), and of course... chocolates.  I LOVE my kids!!

And then a lovely visit from Mumsy while I was at work, to go for a little walk down to the river.  It was so wonderful to see the green rain falling from the willow trees, gently swaying in the breeze.

The swans surrounded us, showing off their new babies.

The river was calm and teeming with birdlife.  The swans looking so majestic.

Mumsy walked on ahead enjoying this quiet walk along the river before I went back to work for the afternoon.  Such happy spring moments.

Now I would like to give a shout out to these two fantastic ladies: Amy at Ms Toody Goo Shoes and Claire from A Little Claireification who are putting together a 'Show Us Your April' link up.  The idea is to take a photo a day and then create a post to go on the link up on May 1.  Take a look at Amy's March blog to get the idea.  I think this is brilliant as April is such a quick changing month, in weather, colours and the fact that we do tend to get out a lot more.  Go and take a look, I think this is a lovely link up.

So, time to look at the trips planned for next week, Covent Garden being the first with hopefully a trip to Oxford Street (Hamleys and Selfridges) and then an unexpected trip to my old hamlet and a walk past my darling Sweetbriar Cottage.  Now, where's my walking shoes and spare batteries for the camera!!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Take care.

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Wordless Wednesday - The Sahara Sun... in England!

Yes, the Sahara Desert sand is in the British atmosphere!

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Where Shall We Go On Our Journey Today - Sandringham Craft Fair

The mist was still visible on the fields as the day began to wake, but the weekend was here and it had been promised that this was going to be a warm one.  It was glorious to have the choice on whether to take a coat with us or not, but we chose to anyway (you never know what the weather will do nowadays!).  Me and Mumsy were to go to Sandringham's Craft Fair today, a regular trip that never disappoints.  The day would be filled with so many choices of crafts and visual delights, all so different that it reminded me of an assortment of buttons with their aim to make something normal become incredible.  

So grab yourself a cup of tea and put your feet up while I take you around our first visit to the craft fairs this year.  The blue and white tents that dotted the land near Sandringham House were full to brimming with arts, crafts and different types of food produce.   

Inside we couldn't help ourselves be drawn to the gorgeous fabric stalls.  This particular display by Lottie Ann looked so pretty with their pastel colours and gorgeous little hearts of happiness.  

And then beautiful scents greeted us from The Black Sheep Company.  Their stall was just a symphony of scented waves, and they were so friendly and helpful.

 I couldn't resist and had to buy one their gorgeous soaps, and across the way, a pinny in the most delightful colours.  We both fell in love with the colours and the edging, and luckily they had two to sell!!

What I love about these craft fairs is the fact that you see things being made.  I have been to some others where it is the usual stuff that you can buy in the shops and the sellers don't have a clue on how the items are made.  Here, everything is explained to you and the stories behind them.  This makes the buying experience so much more personal and the sellers have such pride in watching their hard work being appreciated.  We saw the potters...

... the weavers...

 ... the glassblowers...

 ... but by far were my favourites - the chainsaw wood carvers!  The noise, smell and respect of watching these artists work was heart lifting.  For thirty minutes we watched these men turn a piece of wood into works of art that were to be auctioned afterwards.  My camera was working hard during this time, and I have cut the number down, but I felt that you really should see this fantastic craft (without the obvious high decibel noise coming from the different array of chainsaws used).  It doesn't take long for them to get some form of shape and the wood starts flying through the air.

Their different interpretations were shown instantly as the larger chainsaws were used.

This one was easy to work out as to what the finished object would be, but I loved seeing such a small delicate cottage being made with a chainsaws and heavy boots to steady the wood.

Birds were also being formed.

Heat was being used to accentuate the more delicate cuts into the wood.

And smaller chain saws were used to pick out more detail.

The chainsaws were now relentless as the time ticked away, and the details became more complex.

Every time I looked back at the one in front of me, the details of more wooden sculpturing were more apparent.

The little cottage was almost finished with the tiny chainsaw.

This little toadstool's face was almost there.

And Old Father Time was getting his finishing touches.

The finished products... The Green Man...

... the little cottage...

... the toadstool face with its creator very  happy to pose during the auction...

... and the bird.

The auction prices didn't get above £55, an absolute bargain!  We went along to where their main work areas were and their other works of art were for sale.  Some of their equivalent work were priced in their £100's so we will be back next year with some notes and will snap up one of these newly carved pieces!  Just look at the detail of these wings...

They belong to this dragon fly (and notice the swan in the background).

And these books...

... which belong to this chair.

A truly amazing craft, and one that I would not be taking up, but it is great to watch and see the forms taking shape.  

In another part of the arena, there were live birds such as this magnificent owl on display.

He showed off his amazing soft plumage to the crowds and flew around the arena to pick up tit bits until he couldn't eat any more.

On our way out of the Fair, we stepped into the owl tent where this majestic owl gave a special Mother's Day treat to Mumsy by allowing her to hold him.

The weather kept sunny and the temperature was comfortably warm, it was such a special time for me and Mumsy to just be together and not be rushed around.  The perfect Mother's Day present!

And, for me, there was another purchase to be made before we left!  This little taster is the perfect accompaniment to the projects I have in the pipeline.  It was an enormous bargain!  

 Along with my other projects that I am currently doing, this one will be revealed when all the others are in place.  It's huge!  It just about fit in my car but how could I leave something so beautiful behind.

To all those celebrating Mother's Day this weekend, I hope you have a wonderful day either being spoilt or spoiling those you love.

Now, back to those projects!!

Have a great week and take care.

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