Sewing Projects - Part 2

19. Make something new on my sewing machine every month

 

Read Part 1 by clicking here.

 

 

After seeing a photo of myself in this dress last summer, I decided that it needed a strap to break up the expanse that is my right arm and shoulder.  I love this dress, and although it was quite expensive, it’s already met my sewing machine a few times for alterations and being taken in/ let out.  I added the strap in October, in time for a friend’s wedding (although don't seem to have a photo of me wearing it).  In November I made a scarf, which I’ve also claimed for number 17 on my list (make an item of clothing for myself), and December was a last minute panic make to tie round a present for a friend.  I made a bit more of an effort in January and created a jewellery travel roll.  I’d looked at lots of pictures on Pinterest and picked out the bits I liked best, and made my own pattern up.  It’s not as neatly finished off as I would like, but it’s pretty and practical – always a good combination in my book.

 

 

I managed to get in quite early with February’s item and made some bunting for my youngest niece, Carys, as both her older sisters already have some.  I used scrap fabric from some bedding that I had altered for them, and was pleased with how it turned out.  I was also surprised that it was quite straight forward to do, although relatively time consuming as I was drawing out the letters by hand rather than tracing it from a script.  And in March, I whipped up a wee case for my phone and a couple of shopper style bags.  My iron decided to stop working during the bag making process, so thankfully my hair straighteners came to the rescue.

 

I have to admit, that I’m relieved to be finished this item on my 30:30 list.  Unlike my monthly book reading project, this got harder as time went on.  I know I have the practical ability to make things on my sewing machine, but I totally lack the necessary creative skills to come up with ideas.  The more I try to feel motivated and inspired, the more frustrated and upset I become.

 

I wrote this in my diary last May and it pretty much sums up how I’ve felt this weekend while working on my sewing projects:

 

Why does my creative side come at such a cost?  It’s so painful at times to try and make things.  I’m not talking about ‘crochet claw’ or ‘embroidery eyes’.  I mean the gut wrenching ‘I can’t do this’, ‘nothing I make is any good’, ‘I should just give all this stuff away and give up’.  All I wanted to do was make a few cards and now I’m fighting to hold back the tears and feeling overwhelmed by all my insecurities related to being arty.  At high school I decided not to go to art school because I didn’t think I was good enough, so stopped at Higher Art.  After dropping out of uni and having a year out at home, I returned to Glasgow to do textiles and fashion design at college.  Then came two difficult years at Art School and somehow I came out the other side.  People tell me the things I make are lovely.  Or ask if I still do my arty stuff.  I try to brush it off and say it’s a hobby, I don’t want to make a career out of it, I make bits and pieces etc.  But I feel embarrassed that all I seem to make are a few cards, the odd bag or something for my nieces.  Shouldn’t I be doing something more worthwhile?  More Art School worthy?  I want to enjoy it, I really do.  And there are times when I do get some satisfaction from being creative.  But the majority of the time it’s such a struggle for me.  And then at the worst times, like this evening, it’s a traumatic experience that leaves me feeling defeated, frustrated and really upset.

 

All I see when I look in my boxes of fabric is the amount of money that I’ve wasted and the lack of ideas in my head.  I can’t seem to overcome the soul destroying impact that my time at Manchester Art School had on me.  Life feels hard enough at the moment, so I think I’m going to pack my sewing machine away for a while and take a break.  Sewing is a useful skill to have, but right now I just can’t face using it.

Beautiful Attitudes - Part 3 of 3

3. Write 30 good memories/ achievements from my twenties

 

The third and final instalment of my list of memories/ achievements from the past decade. I’ve enjoyed looking back over photos and thinking about good times. Because despite what my brain might tell me, there have been plenty of them. I need to retrain my way of thinking into remembering the positives more, instead of focusing on the regrets, hurts and disappointments. I’ve been through some really difficult situations in my twenties, but I think the point is that I’ve come out the other side. I’m still here, and I’ve learnt a lot from those difficult times. Who knows what the next decade will bring?!

 

(Remember that you can click on the photos to see larger versions of them)

 

21. Dinner with Lynsey, Kirsty and Katie, February 2013
The 4 of us had decided to go for dinner, and ended up in Arta in Glasgow, I think because we found a deal. We were then asked by a member of staff if someone could come and take photos of us eating our meal, and in return we would get money off our food and free sangria. Of course we said yes, although I’ve yet to see our photos appear on any of their promotional materials… funny that! Good food, great company and a lot of laughter.

 

 

22. Getting my degree, July 2010

When I dropped out of Glasgow Uni in 2005, I wondered if I would ever get a degree. Even if it was the right thing to do, I still sometimes felt like a failure. I was so delighted to graduate from Manchester Art School 5 years later. My Graduation day itself was quite stressful and I have an extremely useless obscure degree (BA Hons Embroidery), but it felt like such an achievement to walk over that stage and collect my bit of paper. Thinking back on it, I’m not quite sure how I survived my final year – the level of support I received from my tutors was minimal, and I didn’t have many friends in Manchester. So that bit of paper represents much more than an academic achievement to me. It proves that despite the difficulties I faced, I was able to see it through to the end.

 

23. Rwanda friends reunions, Oct 12, Jan 13, Nov 13 and Dec 14
I was very nervous about going to Rwanda with 4 girls I hardly knew. Fortunately we all became good friends. Since our Rwandan adventure, we’ve met up a few times – camping at Momentum (a Christian event near Bath), driving round the sights of Stirling, touring Northern Ireland and seeing in the New Year in snowy Sheffield. Always plenty of banter and reminiscing to be had.

 

 

24. Celebrating 30th birthdays, July 2014 – January 2015
The daunting prospect of turning 30 has been lessened by seeing other friends go through it and survive. It’s also a good excuse to meet up more often and celebrate together. So far there’s been a surprise party complete with bouncy castle, ice cream in Largs and a box of chocolates birthday cake, hot chocolate and cake in Luss, with a surprise Skype call from New Zealand, and afternoon tea.

 

 

25. Grouse drawing from final year at Art School, November 2009
For me, drawing is probably like childbirth – an extremely painful process, but with a (usually) good outcome! This drawing is the one I am most proud of, although it is also unfortunately the only piece of work I sold at my degree show. I’m gutted that I don’t have the original, but do still have a photo of it. I love the level of detail in it.

 

26. Piccadilly Fountains, June 2010
I didn’t particularly enjoy the couple of years I lived in Manchester.  Having said that, I did find moments or places to enjoy. The massive Paperchase store near the Arndale Shopping Centre. The corners in Manchester Museum on Oxford Road where I could sit and draw for hours without being disturbed. The squirrels in Whitworth Park, who liked to snack on milky way bars. I also loved sitting in Piccadilly Gardens in the summer – not so much gardens, but patches of grass and concrete. But they did have these amazing fountains in the middle, which were programmed on a cycle. If you sat for long enough you could work out what would happen next, but it was fun to watch adults and kids get caught out. Or people running, jumping, splashing. It’s soothing sitting beside water watching people have fun. And very photographic.

 

27. Buying my first car, June 2013
It felt so grown up and independent to have my very own car! And it was a huge achievement for me given how terrified I used to feel about driving. Although I passed my test when I was 17, I never practiced enough and lost my confidence very quickly. After my dad’s climbing accident in 2010 and with a lot of negotiating, we bought a wee Fiesta which was a more manageable size for me to drive. I wouldn’t wish those circumstances on anyone, but I’m so grateful that it forced me to confront a fear and overcome it. I was able to buy the car from my dad and although I’m struggling to afford it right now, I love the freedom that it gives me.

 

28. Seeing Coldplay, December 2011
Coldplay have been my favourite band for a long time, so being able to see them live was a dream come true. I queued up early and managed to get a spot right down at the front of the SECC in Glasgow. They were AMAZING! I sang and jumped along to every song, and still have some of the confetti that was dropped out over the crowd during one of the songs. Wrist bands were handed out as we went in and these lit up during the evening – I remember looking behind me and just seeing flashing lights everywhere. Beautiful.

 

 

29. Uganda, October – November 2014
I loved my three weeks in Uganda, working with Dwelling Places in Kampala. The people I met were so friendly and it meant so much to me to be part of a bigger team. Although this was a work trip, I think the personal gains from my time away were just as valuable. I felt accepted, that I had something to offer, and was reminded why I do this job. I would quite happily have stayed there for longer.

 

30. Living in Glasgow

I’ve lived in Glasgow for about 6 years in total now. I will openly admit that Edinburgh is a more ‘obviously’ beautiful city, but there’s something about this city and the people that make it special. I grew up in Stirling, and it will always be my ‘home’ in a sense, but I love that feeling of having lived somewhere else long enough that it becomes your other home. Knowing the best places or shops to go to, having your favourite café and recognising the staff because you’re there most weeks… I think it’s made a difference coming back here for work. I feel more settled rather than the feeling of potentially just ‘passing through’ that comes with university or college. Glasgow is also an incredibly friendly city, with banter and heart in equal measures. 

 

This photo was taken looking down Buchanan Street.

 

Who Do You Think You Are?

14. Write a list of 30 things people might not know about me

 

This is replacing the original no. 14, which was 'Read the instruction manual for my camera and finally learn how to use it properly'.  I'll get round to it one day... perhaps.

 

Recently on Facebook, a post was doing the rounds where you wrote 7 facts about yourself and then nominated someone else to do the same.  I was nominated, but never quite got round to it.  So here is my contribution, albeit slightly longer!

 

1. My real name is Catherine.

2. I did a solo skydive in 2003.

3. My current favourite films are The Shawshank Redemption, Back to the Future trilogy, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Silver Linings Playbook and Crash.

4. I became a Christian when I was 5.

5. I have weird pinkie fingers - one cracks every time I bend it, and the other has a scar down it with a lump from where it was shut in a gate.

6. I can't stand my graduation photo and have banned my parents from putting it up in the house.

7. I'm scared of eating prawns.

8. I don't drink tea or coffee, but sometimes wish that I did.

9. I have my grade 9 (out of 10) in figure skating.

10. I used to take tiny bits of artificial flowers that had fallen on the floor from the local garden centre.  I still feel a wee bit guilty about it.

11. I've never broken any bones.

12. My dream job is to be a photographer for National Geographic.

13. A lot of the time I don't actually enjoy being creative, but feel I need to pretend that I do.

14. I used to think horses was spelled hourses.

15. If I could choose a superpower it would be a close call between flying, being invisible and hearing what people think.

16. I had nits just before my 18th birthday.  It was a very traumatic experience.

17. My first job was in Clinton Cards.

18. I broke the roots of my upper two front teeth playing rugby in primary school - my teeth collided with Christopher Scotland's head.

19. Earlier the same day I had fainted in the bathroom by holding my breath to see what colour I turned.  The answer is red then purple.  I don't remember what colour came after that.

20. I burned my leg on the exhaust pipe of a motorbike in the Dominican Republic.

21. I saw my first 15 rated film at the cinema when I was 14.  My parents took me.

22. I used to know the American states in alphabetical order.

23. I once put lemon juice in my brother and dad's hot chocolates because I was annoyed with them.  My mum got the blame for having sour milk in the fridge.

24. I don't have 2 complete eyebrows.  Some of my right eyebrow is missing from where I was hit in the face with a football.  By Christopher Scotland.  Was he trying to tell me something?

25. I was obsessed with 'The Animals of Farthing Wood' when I was younger - the books, magazines, TV series, VHS, toys, clothes...  I cried when Vixen got swept away by the river in the TV series.

26. My favourite book is 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.

27. Sometime I wish I was a bird, like Jenny in 'Forest Gump'.

28. I once took a banana for a snack without asking my mum, and ate it hidden behind the sofa in case I got caught. (Yes, I was that kind of child)

29. A few years ago I nearly drove into a street sweeper vehicle.  It was such a near miss, and I feel sick every time I think about it.

30. There's a part of me that would like to get a tattoo, but my mum won't let me.

 

So, how well did you know me?!

King Charles

27. See a band I've heard of before

 

The last gig/ concert I went to was 'Rwanda Superstar' in June 2012.  So it's been a while! 

 

I'd been putting off doing this item on my list - there's definitely more of a risk in going to see someone you know nothing about.  I must admit that I did have a quick look at some YouTube videos, just to make sure I wasn't letting myself in for any heavy metal/ rap/ dance music.  I saw that this guy, King Charles, had been on tour with Mumford and Sons, and was playing at Oran Mor in Glasgow in February, so that was good enough for me.  I booked a couple of tickets, and hoped that I would be able to find someone to come with me.  Thankfully my good friend Lynsey offered.

 

It was exciting to be at a gig again.  I did feel like an old lady at points - remarking on what some of the girls were wearing, trying not to yawn (in my defence, I had just driven 250 miles that day to get home in time for it), trying to avoid getting trod on by the couple dancing in front of us, being blinded by the lights, holding onto the jacket that I'd worn because it was cold outside (my pride is no longer enough to keep me warm)....  But I had a lot of fun, and it was good to be out with a friend.

 

I don't think I'll be rushing out to buy King Charles' album, but I would quite happily listen to his music on the radio.  And I enjoyed hearing some live music.  There were obviously some proper fans in the crowd, who were singing along, which always makes for a good atmosphere.  I did go onto the Ticketmaster website as soon as I got home and bought a ticket for another gig in March (Nick Mulvey) - I blame the guy who handed us a gig listings flier on the way in!

 

King Charles, with impressively big hair

Blinded by the lights

By the tour bus - Lynsey's 'discreet' face and me just looking like a weirdo



Where Trouble Melts Like Lemon Drops

13. Learn to play the ukulele

I would love to have the confidence to post a video or sound clip to accompany this post.  In fact I’ve recorded multiple versions of me singing and playing the ukulele, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.  Ever since I heard my voice on a recording at Primary School and the class laughed at me, I’ve never liked hearing my voice played back to me.  And it’s even worse when I’m singing.  I could just post a clip of me playing the uku and not singing, but that wouldn’t be particularly interesting.  So you’ll have to take my word that I’ve completed this.

 

But I feel I can now say that I can play the ukulele, after buying myself a lovely metallic blue Makala back in November.  My fingers have toughened up and I’ve been practicing a lot, having found a great website which has the chords for numerous songs.   I’ve been using that to learn everything from Coldplay (of course) to Paramore, Adele, David Guetta, Train, Semisonic, Alicia Keys…  The first song that I was able to play was Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of ‘Over the Rainbow/ Wonderful World’.  A lovely wee tune, which makes me wish I was lying on the beach in Hawaii.  So rather than listen to me squawking away, click here and come and join me in the sand.

 

13 down, 17 to go....

 

 

Sugar and Spice

Two in one day, woop!

 

26. Get a make up lesson

 

I'm not a particularly girly girl, and have never been all that confident with anything to do with my looks (or most other things for that matter).  So I thought it would be a good idea to visit my friend Sarah, especially given that she's just finished a Beauty and Spa Therapy course!  We looked at my skin type, face shape, proportions, colours etc.  Then Sarah looked through my current make up (which thankfully all seemed to be along the right lines), and showed me how to put everything on properly and in a better order.  I'm not claiming to be any expert now, and don't expect this to be a daily look, but here are the results from Friday...

 

Keep an eye out for Sarah, hopefully coming to a salon near you very soon!

 

 

11. Invent a flavour of ice cream

 

This was in replacement of the original item on my list, 'do an evening class in something I haven't tried before'.  I decided there wasn't anything I wanted to do enough to merit the cost.  So the alternative is still along the lines of learning, but is cheaper and much tastier!  Given that there are hundreds of different flavours out there, I'm sure this isn't technically a 'new' flavour.  But it's an adapted recipe so that will have to do.  I used an old family favourite recipe and made oreo cookie dough ice cream.  And I can confirm that it tastes amazing, but extremely filling.  If anyone would like to try it, come and visit soon!

 

 

From double cream to oreo awesomeness to a quick taste test

 

 

Yum

 

Beautiful Attitudes - Part 2 of 3

3. Write 30 good memories/ achievements from my twenties

 

This is part 2 of ‘feeling more positive about my twenties’.  Remember that you can click on the photos to see larger versions of them.

 

11. Becoming an aunty to Ishbel, Eryn and Carys, July 2010, July 2012, November 2013

Anyone who knows me well will know how much I love these girls. I don’t know what it’s like to be a parent or a wife, but if it feels anything like how I feel about my nieces then it must be pretty special. I’m so grateful for the good relationship I have with them, and hope and pray that I can be a positive influence in their lives as they grow up.

 

 

12. Taking part in the college fashion show and having my collection in the Evening Times, June 2008

I can’t quite believe I had the confidence to do this! I remember it being very exciting, and enjoying being able to model something that I had made myself. And I was really pleased to be the only textile student chosen to have my outfits photographed for the Evening Times newspaper (the other 2 collections were from fashion students). It was a great atmosphere getting ready backstage, with hair and make-up, running around between outfit changes and practicing our walks. I had a lot of fun.

 

 

13. Going to Rwanda, March to July 2012

An incredible 4 months in a beautiful country with 4 great girls. I had applied to go on a Tearfund team in 2005 to Rwanda, but failed the health clearance so couldn’t go. I was devastated and thought (like uni) it was another failed dream. I remember standing at the top of Zion hill, just behind where we stayed in Cyakabiri, tears running down my face because I couldn’t quite believe I’d finally made it there. It was worth the wait. When I think back on my time in Rwanda, there are many things that stand out and I still feel the impact of that time on my life today. Having my weaknesses and self-doubts totally exposed (for example, leading a group of teenagers in ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ or being asked why I wasn’t married at 26) was very humbling. But I came to a greater level of understanding of who I am and took a step forward in accepting that person. And I made some good friends along the way.

 

14. Dinner with Lynsey, Katie & Kirsty at Lynsey’s flat, August 2014
We spent the evening together eating and looking through old photos of our school days. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time - my face hurt so much. Looking through the photos reminded me that it doesn’t always need to be big ‘moments’ that are counted as good memories. It can be the small things – the trips to Beanscene, all those games of consequences, hanging out in the park. Sometimes it’s more about the people than the event itself.

15. U2 at Hampden Park, August 2009
We were so close to the front, and I managed to take this photo of Bono. Even if I don’t know all the words, there’s nothing quite like jumping and dancing all over the place to live music, surrounded by hundreds of other people doing the same thing.

 

 

16. Overcoming my fear of public speaking
I still shake like a leaf when I have to speak in front of a group, but I know that I can do it, and finally feel like I have something worthwhile to say. Before and after I went to Rwanda, I spoke in front of my home church (about 200 people). The time I spoke for about 15 minutes in March 2013 probably stands out the most to me, as people were so kind about it afterwards. Much like on my blog, I seem to let my guard down a lot when speaking, and was quite open about my struggles to see any value in myself as a quiet person taking part in short term mission, but how God had been teaching me slowly about the place that quieter people have in life. A lady who I’d never met before, nor have met since, came up to me afterwards and thanked me for what I said – she told me that her daughter would love to volunteer overseas but had felt too shy to do it. But after listening to what I had spoken about, the daughter felt encouraged and inspired to go and do something… Wow!

17. Wigwams with school friends, April 2014
A wee trip with some of my oldest and bestest school friends to a wooden wigwam in Perthshire. This trip was made eventful by almost setting my shoes on fire, being rescued by the disposable BBQs in Kirsty’s car, hysterical laughter, plenty of snoring and arguments over having the window open or not.

 

 

18. Getting merit passes in all 16 units for my HND at college, June 2008
I found college pretty stressful at times, and struggled throughout the 2 year course. But I had fantastic tutors, who couldn’t have been more supportive. I remember sitting crying in front of one of them about boy troubles – I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing that at school or uni! They were reassuring without giving me a false sense of hope. They responded well to hard work and enthusiasm, and were willing to give up their time. I will always be grateful for their kindness and encouragement. I was amazed to receive merit passes for all the units.

 

19. La Crosse Terrace days
This is the flat that I lived in with some of my Uni friends during my 2nd year at Glasgow Uni and 1st year at Cardonald College. Those were some of our best and worst days together. I have so many memories of living there with the girls – the broom trick, pile-ons, taking it in turns to study beside the radiator in order to stay warm but keep our gas bill low, staying up most of the night together to help each other finish off assignments, the time I had to kill Jodi's goldfish, birthdays and parties and Beanscene trips, the ‘bunch of roses left at the door’ incident, sharing clothes, the fire in the basement, the quote wall… I could go on. I’m grateful to still have these friends in my life – they had to put up with a lot living with me!

 

20. Cutting my hair short and dyeing it, August 2010
After a difficult few months, it felt like the change that I needed. It helped me to see myself as ‘me’ again rather than ‘us’. It gave me a bit of confidence to go out and face life again, get a new job and make a fresh start. 

 

 

Beautiful Attitudes - Part 1 of 3

3. Write 30 good memories/ achievements from my twenties

 

Sometimes I have to work quite hard to see the positives in my life. This item on my list has forced me to look back over the past 10 years and pick out some of the best bits rather than remember the hard times. It’s a good exercise to do. I hope none of these come across as boastful, as I certainly don’t mean it in that way. I’ve split this into 3 parts, so come back in February for the next instalment.

 

In no particular order:

1. School friends reunion weekend, November 2010

I love these friends dearly, and even after leaving school nearly 12 years ago (gulp!) we are still a close group. Some of the girls I see more often than others, but every now and then we manage a catch up with all 8 of us. This weekend involved leaking wellies, lots of jumping photos by Portobello beach, screaming with laughter in the taxi and drinking out of teapots and teacups. Something happens when we’re all together and we regress to being unsophisticated teenagers again, mucking about and having a lot of fun together. Who needs anti-wrinkle cream with friends like these?!

2. Greenhouse photo, August 2007
This may not look like a particularly special photo at this scale, but out of all the hundreds of photos I’ve taken, it’s probably my favourite and the one I’m proudest of. It was taken during a week-long college project at the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow. I was standing outside Kibble Palace after a rain shower, and just liked the curves and lines, the sunlight coming through the glass, and being able to look in and through it. Right place, right time. I’ve given framed prints of this to a few people, and I know my parents have as well. It makes me feel happy to think of my work being in someone’s living room.
 

3. Commonwealth Games, July 2014

I was pretty sceptical about the games coming to Glasgow, and didn’t feel that bothered about going along to anything. But once they were here, I thought it was great! The atmosphere was amazing, especially when I went to one of the athletics evenings at Hampden Stadium with my dad. The noise was incredible! I was also on TV (yes, I watched the events back on BBC iPlayer until I saw myself)! Given how competitive the home nations can be with each other, it was really noticeable how good people were at cheering for everyone, no matter where they came from. I also enjoyed some of the free events – the road race, marathon and chilling in Glasgow Green in front of the big screens.

4. Dropping out of Glasgow Uni, August 2005

Although this was a difficult decision to make, it was also a huge relief. I remember leaving my advisor’s office and walking down the street with a grin on my face, and a weight off my shoulders. It was the first time I had felt like that for months. It’s surprisingly easy to quit University - all it needed was a quick chat and a signature. That is, after the months of agonising and discussing it with my parents. I still have occasional moments of regret about dropping out, and worry that I let myself and my family down, but it was the right thing to do. And it makes me thankful once again for supportive parents and friends.

5. Weekend at Compass Centre with Uni girls, July 2010
 

I’d just moved back to Stirling after finishing Uni in Manchester, and spent a weekend with 4 of my 5 best friends from Glasgow Uni at an outdoor centre near Glenshee. I’d neglected these friendships so much over the 3-4 years leading up to that point, and I don’t know if these girls realise how grateful I am that they stuck it out and didn’t drop me. It was weekends like this one that reminded me just how important friendships are in life. And no matter how special that guy might be, he will never and should never replace those friendships.
 

 

6. Being able to fit into clothes from 10 years ago, Winter 2014
I’m so pleased to have lost over a stone since May 2013. I feel a lot better for it, and have the added bonus of getting ‘new’ clothes without spending any money. My wardrobe at home has plenty of clothes in it that I didn’t want to get rid of, but didn’t quite fit anymore. Until now!

7. My 21st Birthday, April 2006
I went to Edinburgh Zoo with my parents. This might not sound that exciting, especially for a 21st, but I remember having a really good day. After a year of being ill and having very little energy or motivation, it meant a lot to me that I was able to walk around the whole zoo and that I enjoyed it. It also reminds me how patient and kind my parents were to me at that time, when I was incredibly difficult to live with.

 

8. Getting into Cardonald College, May 2006
I felt quite lost after dropping out of Glasgow Uni the previous year, and had no plans or thoughts about the future. Mum and I went along to a craft fair at the SECC in Glasgow and I stopped at a stand for Cardonald College. I spoke to a lovely lady, who would eventually interview me and be one of my tutors. It was just what I needed – something to focus on again, but without the pressure of the investment in a 4 year degree. I’d written off my art skills at school, and enjoyed the chance to rediscover them through this course.

9. China, June – July 2014

I’ve blogged previously about my 2 week holiday in China (see July and August 2014 for the links on the right hand side). It was so different from anywhere that I’ve been before – it’s hard to describe the scale of China, it’s so vast and varied. Highlights included seeing pandas, walking The Great Wall, taking in the views of rice terraced hillsides and watching the sunset over Hong Kong’s harbour skyline. I’m so grateful to have had opportunities to travel to exciting places over the past few years. To see beauty, to be amazed, to marvel, to take it all in, to wonder, to be still, to learn. These are all reasons why I love travelling.

 

10. Rwanda fundraising sale, February 2012
I was fortunate to have two jobs at the time, so was able to cover my own costs for going to Rwanda. But I wanted to raise some money for RDIS (Rural Development Inter-diocesan Service), the organisation I was going to be working with. So I decided to have a cake and craft sale at my house…quite a big challenge for someone who doesn’t like to display their art work in public, and a mother who doesn’t like to bake. But we pulled it off! I had lots of help from family and friends, and was so encouraged by the support and generosity of those who came along. I’ve never seen so many people in my house at the one time. I collapsed in a heap at the end of the day with my friends, and counted up the money – £790 on the day, with other donations coming in before and after. This is one of many occasions where God has showed me that He can turn my (perceived) weaknesses into strengths when I open myself up to the possibility.
 

All That Glitters

28. Go to a ballet performance

 

I feel a bit like Eliza Doolittle in 'My Fair Lady' after she returns from the ball and sings 'I Could Have Danced All Night'.  I may have been trying to stand on my tiptoes whilst drying my hair this morning.  And I may have just googled 'tutus'...

 

Yes, I was at the ballet last night!!  I booked tickets for The Scottish Ballet's The Nutcracker months ago, having (easily) persuaded my mum, Gill from work and her mum to come along with me.  The disadvantage of booking that far in advance is that I kept on forgetting it was coming up.  But by the time we were walking into the Theatre Royal, I was pretty excited!  I felt like a small child going out for a very grown up evening.  I even wore a skirt - it takes something special to get me to wear anything other than jeans.

 

The story felt a little slow to begin with, but then the Snow Queen came out wearing a beautiful, starched-till-it's-horizontal tutu, embroidered and sparkly - the was the moment when I knew why I had put this on my list.  I can't describe just how elegant, and graceful the dancers were.  Everything from their finger tips, to their toes, the angle of their neck, the position of their arms and legs - it's all considered and placed precisely, yet flows seamlessly.  These guys are athletes really - unbelievably toned, flexible, fit and strong.  The costumes and scenery were fantastic as well

 

I loved it, and found it mesmerising.  Oh how I wish I had been good at dancing or gymnastics when I was younger.  I'm about as graceful as an elephant.  But at least I'm a slightly more cultured elephant now.

 

A fuzzy mother-daughter selfie

Ceiling in The Theatre Royal - impressive. Unfortunately photography

during the performance was not allowed.

 

Fabric Habits

17. Make an item of clothing for myself

 

Technically a scarf is an accessory rather than an item of clothing.  But hey, this is my list, so I get to choose the rules!

 

I've had this butterfly fabric for a few years, having intended on making it into a top or something, but changed my mind.  So in it went, into the murky (but super organised) depths of one of my fabric boxes.  I've brought it out a few times, looked at it and then folded it back up and put it back in the box (a frequent occurrence with many of the fabrics in there).  But in November, I finally chopped it up and sewed it into a snood scarf, and bought some turquoise pompom trimming to put round the edge.  I just finished sewing that on last night, so here it is being worn today.  Not very technical or skilled, but it's something that I made for myself.