Just Another Winters Tale - A Spoonie Walk

Well the snow I ordered has finally arrived.

I do so love the snow its always a sight that cheers me up and when I see it I long to go out and play.

Luckily I have a spaniel who is all to willing to join in the fun. So this morning on went the thermals and wellies (other clothes were also included) and off we went.

I discovered very quickly that I couldn't properly control the lead with my lovely warm sheepskin gloves so raynaud's be damned as I took them off (also needed free hands to operate the camera) and we had a lovely time.

Though it was interesting juggling a dog, camera and walking stick. The walking stick that I am very glad I took with me as getting up from crouching down - doing my bit as a responsible dog owner - was challenging. Oh and then there was the time that Ferd was bored of me taking yet another picture and there was something really interesting in the hedge and he pulled me over while he went to investigate (thankfully I was already crouching down so didn't have far to fall).

So this was our walk:

I can get Mum

Ferd had a bracing swim 

An Afternoon Stroll

I know that I have not yet updated with my Photo A Day Challenge - I have been taking photos every day and a catch up post is coming :)

My photos can also be found on blipfoto :)

But in the mean time I thought that you might enjoy another Mouse walk.

Today we went to Shipley Country Park in Derbyshire. It really is a lovely place to visit and is also accessible to everyone and plenty of spots to sit down before carrying on, also we had fun checking out some of the activity equipment that they have (think of it as a free green gym) some of it even I could do :)

The trip to the park was prompted by a promise to Ferd that I would take him swimming as I wouldn't let him dive into the canal the other day.

We are also checking out some more places that we can visit with Ferd (if you have any dog friendly suggestions for Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire let us know - Ferd says he likes swimming and anywhere that he can get to swim would be ace).

About the Mouse

So I while ago I mused about updating my blurb - the 'about me' so here goes:

I have been creating for as long as I can remember – from pasta necklaces to long stitch tapestry with activities for ‘rainy days’ thrown in and makes from Blue Peter. I simply know no other way to be.

I grew up watching my Grandmother knit and crochet, my Mother cutting patterns, sewing and knitting and my Great Aunt knitting and being fascinated with the tailors chalk and pins, remnants from the days when she was a tailoress/seamstress.

I lost my creative way during my teenage years – oh the urge was there but it was mainly channelled into doodling my school note books (and shirts – yes with fabric pens). It wasn’t until I became ill with ME that I re-found myself.  I re-discovered cross stitch and lost myself in it rhythm and the joy of creation and the sense of achievement.

Over the years I have re-discovered other passions the main ones being sewing. I love to create snuggles and cushions – to take fabric and give it life.

I have also discovered the joy of jewellery making. I like to use a mix of materials but I have to say that my favourites are sterling silver and real gemstones for their beauty and warmth.

Recently through the encouragement of my husband I am drawing and painting – a secret passion for many years because I simply thought that I wasn’t good enough. Not a lot of people realise but part of my degree was in design – it was environment design but I still had to learn form, function and legibility (oh and drawing was involved).

LittlemouseLilly was born out of my need to create. For many years I have made gifts – cushions, dog beds, snuggles...

And for years people have said that I should sell my creations. But I never before took the leap. I dipped a toe in once – I had an exhibition and sold a couple of cushions. But I have now decided that I don’t want to get old and wonder “what if” so I have taken that leap.

My inspiration comes from my upbringing in rural Essex. Time spent wondering fields, by the coast and in a castle.  Fascinated by Arthurian legend, Boudicca, Magic and Fey (Fay/Fairies).

And then there is Oxford – I have been privileged to call Oxford my second home (a family history and time at uni) walks in the park, along the river, Alice in Wonderland and dinosaurs. Oh and not forgetting the amazing architecture – gothic, defensive, Victorian gothic, Victorian, Georgian.....Medieval streets, ghosts stories, the covered market and the tavern that my head has no idea where it is but my feet do.

I now live in Nottinghamshire bordering Derbyshire and I soak up the rural landscapes and look forwards to further exploring, always with my trusty camera, wonderful husband and dog (and coming home to the rest of the family – 4 cats and 2 rabbits). 

So what do you think? Do you feel like you know a little bit more about what makes the Mouse (me) tick? Is it too long? Not enough information? Would you like something more?