happy birthday..

A month of celebrations..happy birthday Mum! happy birthday me and happy birthday Lois!

'tis the season..

Christmas is almost here, so I though I'd get the gallery looking 'Christmassy'. And if I don't say so myself it looks pretty damm cozy, all I'm missing is a fireplace with stockings and roasting chesnuts....

my fiddly fellows masterpiece

This has been a real challenge to complete. Not only have I had to improvise several details in the picture it has taken well over a week to complete. In all honesty I never thought I'd get it done for the time my customer said he wanted it for..but it has by all means been worth every minute. I'm obviously gonna brag about this one cause it is the most challenging piece I have yet undertaken..so I am simply and rightly proud of it.

original photo

masterpiece

Happy Birthday Peter Pan!

Phil's 40th....in fancy dress!!

Spooks night and us pumpkins

Dan came home for good at the end of last month, it's so nice to have my big brother back again. We've spent some quality time together already and done some serious catching up. All he has done is catch up with sleep, food and music!

So Dj-ing at Elaine's halloween/house party was the perfect to 'warm up is decks'. Elaine put on a nice buffett, was slightly dissapointing on her behalf that many didn't turn up but I expalined that the most important ones were there...and they were. What a good night, Dan's music, small crowd = perfect evening!

I was the designated driver so I stuck to pepsi's while Dan and Rick got off their heads on guiness and fosters! Was good to see Dan enjoy himself and being in his element doing what he does best..he was so good Elaine and Adam have booked him for her 40th next May!

Then a few of us headed to town where we finished off our spooky party with more dancing and drinking! Looking forward to the pirate costume next week at Phil's. Then more partying the week after at Tommy's Argos acheivement! All this partying will kill me one day...but enjoying it!!!!!

in my life

Having rekindled my love affair with The Beatles I thought I'd print one of my most beloved songs written by John Lennon..I'm in one those moods!

There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no'one, compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something you
Though I know I'll never lose affection
The people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more

Oh I know I'll never lose affection
The people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more
In my life, I love you more

staying home

I can't believe I've been off work for over a week now. I've had a virus, didn't see the doctors, just pumped myself full of para's and lemsips, but really had no energy and a pounding headache. It's only just starting to ease. Just as well it's been quiet at work, only went in one day middle of last week to take an order and even then Mum came with me for a couple of hours...oh well next day or so I'll be right as rain. *sigh*

Why do I love Scouseland?!...

You learn something everyday..now that is true infact I learned two yesterday..although one I cannot say here.

A visit to The Beatles Story in Liverpool was in order for Saturday. I was buzzing having been reading 'John Lennon - The Life' by Philip Norman, which is a wonderful read by the way, one you cannot put down! But also advertised at work 'The White Feather - Spirit of Lennon' exhibition at the Pier Head, Liverpool. So Dad, Gran and me enjoyed a simply wonderful day out there.

We hadn't seen the Beatles story for years so it was great fun just walking through seeing how much had changed and what we had remembered as kids. Gran loved every minute of it, as she'd never been before and likes the music of the greatest band of all time!

We got to the stage where the Beatles were just signed up with Brian Epstein and just leavingthe Cavern club when there was a huge blown up photograph of Cilla Black, Gerry Marsden (of Gerry and the Pacemakers) and a young lad by the name of Tommy Quickly. My dad had spotted this photo and collared to my Gran 'there's Tommy Quickly'. My gran shouted 'oh Auntie Maggie's grandson!' So I was inquisitive and asked who he was..only turns out he was managed by Brian Epstein, had a record deal in the 60's and had worked with The Beatles and he was related to me!

I couldn't believe it! My Dad recalled him telling my brother and I years ago, which I could not remember. This was a first for me! I am the 2nd cousin twice removed (I think, I find it easier to say 4th cousin) of Thomas Quigley aka Tommy Quickly, rock and roll star of the early 60's! I did my research on him when I got home and heard his voice for the first time on youtube and I have to say that the lad had talent! He was promised and great career but due to his shy character and lack of material he 'quickly' left the music world as fast as he came in! I even managed to find a great photo of him sat with his backing group, 'The Remo Four' and YES..THE BEATLES!! Amazing stuff....

I do(not) like to be beside the seaside...

The taste of Blackpool is not what I would call refreshing..they have the cheek to call it the Las Vegas of Northern England, I can say it's anything but Vegas!

We went simply because it was cousin Hayley's 21st birthday and to be honest we had never experienced Blackpool in all the times we had been there..fond memories of when we were kiddies though, our parents strolling us along the promenade taking in sights such as the illuminations, the smell of fish and chips, candy floss, blackpool rock and the rollercoasters on the funfair..that what all we went for as kiddies and you didn't really pay that much attention to the drunken, foulmouthed layabouts that flocked there..infact I don't recall seeing many.

Much to my dismay since growing up this place has become, quite simply, the WORST town in Northern England!

The people, the litter, the noise, the language, the behaviour! What can I say but APPALLING!! The hotel, the worst again I have ever stayed in, for those heading to Blackpool anytime soon, beware of the Hotel Angelee on Coop St!!!!

But for the record...Happy Birthday Hayley!

A new costume!?.....

Phil's party's coming up so I figured I had to get myself a couple of new things...also Elaine's party is the week before, so that was an excuse to get two costumes!!

Let them eat cake......

Arghhhh matey....

he came home!!...but it wasn't long enough

I'm a little late with this post but nevermind..Lindsey and James's wedding was a delight simply because of the fact our Dan came home, but it simply wasn't long enough, if he hadn't have been working then it might of stayed the full weekend....or...longer???

He got here late so he didn't have chance to eat or chat properly as a family (did I mention we hadn't seen him in 6 months)..won't go into detail too much about that. But we got to the reception a little late so there was some serious catching up to do with the family already there. Sadly come 12am we were all kicked out but Dan was stopping the night so it didn't matter to us. It was pretty emotional with the fact that he hadn't seen our family for well....ages! Infact I can't even remember the last time he saw grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins etc... he really has missed out on so much in our family and it was good for him to see exactly what it was he was missing. Only so much can be said here though.....

I managed to talk to him alone, when he was downloading music for me..like old times...and we talked about everything we could, I did most of it, he only says so much but what I heard was enough! I only wish he could come home....for good

definately maybe...

This is the bridesmaid dress that Rachel and I really took a fancy too..after a first try at shopping for the perfect dress we didn't do bad at all. It's taffeta to match the brides dress (who looks stunning by the way!) and more than likely we will be purchasing this one in a few weeks time. Unfortunately I couldn't fit in the size they had in the shop (boooo) but Rach tried it and it was simply stunning and they have a kiddies size too! She has 3 bridesmaids and 1 flower girl, the eldest two will be the same dresses, the next one will be a childs dress and the flower girl will be in white...the colour we think...chocolate! It will look stunning, all we have to do is go back and be measured, can you believe they take 6 months to come in! They're worth the wait though....

My Branwell...

spooky happenings at the a Haworth Parsonage...

another one for the bag..

Here's the second installment of the MJ series, pretty cool huh? Didn't take as long as the first, not so much detail. Now I just need buyers!

Me and Rachel found a few bridesmaid styles we both like, we're off to try them on a week come Saturday, that weekend is fully booked in my diary, Preston shopping on Saturday then Sunday off to Franks for his belated birthday celebration.

There was also some news regarding my Branwell ghost picture at work. I am having it investigated by the clairvoyence Dorothy. She has connections to a photographer who deals with these kind of things. I cannot wait to hear what they have to say. Speaking of my Branwell picture, Mum and I visited the parsonage on Monday.

Instead of spending another day off inside, we wanted to go out somewhere. Mum suggested Clitheroe, but it was such a nice day, I suggested Haworth..partially because of my Branwell ghost. I wanted to talk face to face with the museum and really let them decide on what they thought it was, and to let them know that's it's being investigated. They were pretty enthusiastic about the photo and were keen to hear what the experts had to say..we shall see..we shall see...

getting back to basics

A night out WAS needed so Rach, Sam and I decided to head to town, unfortunately Sam couldn't make it, so it was just us two..the bride and bridesmaid to be..don't worry she doesn't get hitched till next May it's gonna be round fast though!

One thing Rachel did mention about the wedding is that she wants me to pick the dresses for all her bridesmaids, 4 to be exact, well 3 bridesmaids and a flower girl. So am searching NOW! She goes to Norfolk next Saturday for a week, so we've arranged a day bridesmaid shopping when she comes home. At least she's decided the colour so that's a job done!

She has only a few things sorted for sure, she said she'd booked the make up for the day for all her girls, not sure if there's a trial involved, there usually is. I'm so excited and it's not my wedding!!!

It's complete!

Well after 7 solid days work (less than I thought)....Viola!

Life is Good..

Life couldn't be better at the moment. Commissions are rolling in (good karma or one of those things) I'll never know..Work in general has actually improved these past couple of weeks. I'll be honest before America I never really looked forward to going. I just used to sit there with my head down, hardly talking to anyone besides customers..not good. However I've made new friends, Michelle, Rachel and Elaine aka Podiatrist, Lighting and Beautician! They're a great bunch..talking to them breaks the day up and I look forward to getting work done...besides that Elaine is pretty new to the Mill so her business draws big business so I'm feeding off her. And she's already painted my nails!

I'm making more money here than where I was before they moved me. It almost makes me wish I hadn't have complained!

The good times are here at last.. (I've actually got a waiting list for commissions!!!!)

LG Viewty aka my new phone!

Check out this beauty, or should I say viewty..my new phone (in black of course). I've been overdue one for a looong time. I might trade in the old one, but want to keep my old number. I can't believe I'm actually up on technology now, I never used to be..but now I'm running my own business I thought it's only fitting I look the business woman!

MJJ

For Michael.... Rest in peace, your music will live forever in our hearts (I'm officially paying tribute to the true king of pop by producing a series of drawings) Will be posted here..watch this space!

I want to go to Scarborough fair!

Groovy Gran and Grandaughter !....

Geez I can't believe it's been 2 whole weeks since we got back from the states, feels like longer..the week after we came home I dissapeared off to Scarborough with my Grandparents while they were away. They took a short break (away from all those grandkid and dog sitting!) I drove there all alone, much to mum's worry and my excitement..what a thrill, dad sent me text messages with which roads to follow and off I went, didn't get lost once! I have to say I really enjoy driving here, there and everywhere, I must get it from my dad as my mum's a nervous driver, don't think she's travelled further than Manchester in the car and she's been driving for some 20 odd years!!

I'd be lying if I said I'd driven the whole way, Grandad decided to meet me at Clifton Moor, just outside York city, we had a coffee and a bite in the supermarket there then headed off to Bridlington, very nice sea-side resort I even managed to drag Gran on one of those simulator rides..very very funny to hear her screaming ' oh bloody hell Luce!' several times!

At night we walked down to Scarborough town, had great fun on the penny slot machine which both me and Gran won a pair of sunglasses, Grandad claimed we'd paid for the sunglasses with all the 2p coins we'd put in, we were determined to win them!

I stayed there till the following morning, drove to Filey, spent an hour or two there then headed back toward Clifton Mill for lunch, then home..... ahh I want to go to Scarborough again..planning now

The sunshine state... part II

Some pictures from our stay in that wonderful city....

The Sunshine state..part I

I'm back!!!!! Much to disappointment and relief..firstly I want to say what a fab time we had with Lois, Cassie and those super duper kiddos Thomas and Lucy, little sweethearts and what characters! They really entertained us, and I think we did likewise. It was so good to see Lois again, what a precious friend she is..we both felt part of the family with her and her fantastic granddaughter and great grandkids.

Secondly it is nice to be home but at the same time a huge disappointment. Work has been a nightmare and a real ballache to say the least. During our last few days at Marina Del Rey I received an e-mail from the receptionist at the mill telling me that the general manager had moved my stall as my neighbouring tenant was expanding, no polite notice, communication or courtesy...zip!! I am absolutely blazing and disgusted with the people that run this place, that isn't how you run a business and when they moved me they just dumped everything so my poor Dad had to sort things out as best he could, the lighting is crap, there are hazzards everywhere and there is no where near enough space to display everything. As it happens I've written a rather strong worded e-mail to the director and general manager about my situation and let them know that I am not happy at all!

All I can do now is dream of that good ol' city of amazment and wonder, Los Angeles...until next year!......*big big sigh*

yo-yo night

My last night out with my most important friends, it's just a shame my best girl Rachel couldn't make it! Was so looking forward to seeing her before I go..we'll have a playdate on my return though.

Saturday such a busy day, shopping, packing, play, family and partying all in one day!!

This is probably my last post before jet 5,000 miles away so adios, farewell and goodbye...... VIVA LA!!

Not long now

Well it's exactly 4 days till we jet off to L.A.....3 if you count the fact that's I'm typing this and it's almost 9pm! Roll on Thursday...the packing has begun!

The former Woodside Rd gang....

Wow, it's been almost 6 weeks since Dave and Em moved away! Mum and I finally found some time in our busy little lives to go and see them, and after googling the area (googling everything since Dan took the satnav) and a near hit on the motorway (partly my fault, and partly mum's due to her shoddy map reading) we found the place!

What a beautiful and ancient little cottage (date 1613), a few close neighbours but nontheless very quaint with buckets of character! The weather was glorious once again (same as BBQ weekend) so we sat out in the sun under her huge sunbrella, I so want one of those Em! Mum played football with Kye whilst Em and I caught up on a few things, then it was my turn to entertain the little one, I say little he's almost 2 stone in weight and a very tall lad for a nearly 3 year old! He's such a character, I had the job of holding a glass whist he tipped a full bottle of water into it, trying not to spill it, not easy for a toddler! Then it was my turn to tip the water from the glass back into the bottle, not easy for me either!! Then his turn, then my turn, really kept him amused until all the water had spilled on the patio...oh well

Shame we wanted to stay longer but as Mum was working nights again, we had to shoot off, sorry we didn't see Dave, he was out on various jobs..but we'll certainly do it again when get back from L.A.

BBQ weekend..

BBQ with the Southwards...