On the eve of a New Year

Here we are on the very last evening of 2018 where we reflect on the year just gone and wonder what the new one will bring. For our little family this past year hasn't been easy and I know it is has been a tough year for others as well...maybe the planets were out of alignment during 2018??!! For now we try to concentrate on "the now" while trying not to overthink but just being grateful for the little things in life like long slow walks close to home.......

 Family always come first and the little ones were full of smiles with their gifts on Christmas day......

 On boxing day we enjoyed their company and the weather was perfect for a cool down in the now crowded wading pool!!....

I've still been stitching for my next market day and I find it very meditative doing these latest bowls by hand.......just the thing in front of the telly at night........

and a larger one and some quilted purses and pencil cases including some using William Morris prints.......

It might have been one of the busiest weeks of the year for most people but there is still normality in life that included this lovely email and photo I received from a friend who was visiting the Love & Desire exhibition at the National Gallery in Canberra where she spied one of my William Morris Appliqué books for sale.........how wonderful and looks like fabric for sale too.........

I am thrilled that two of my quilts now have new homes....this one is now also living in Canberra with the before and after photo.......

and this quilt has a new home in Upper Manhattan, New York......I was very excited when I heard it had arrived safely......maybe one day I will see where it is resting in its new abode....

It is definitely now Summer and we've been having some very hot days, so we are enjoying the blooms before another heat wave hits us..........

The William Morris rose will be frizzled in the piercing sun in just a few days.........

and who would have thought that just two days after Christmas Larry would see these at the supermarket...who cares that it is not Easter - still yum!!.........

So as this year is almost over we prepare the new calendars. I have a William Morris one of course........

But at the shops some weeks back I noticed this one full of English Country Cottages and Gardens. I turned over the back to see what was inside and was immediately struck by one image that was the very same image I had taken back in 2012 in the UK on one of our very first Whitecroft Morris tours and you can see a record of that by clicking on this post here.  

The photographer and I almost stood in the very same position but I think the calendar photo was taken long before mine judging by the size of the plants........

and my images........

As I was searching for my photos I came across more in the same street.........

Such wonderful memories that we hope we can do again in 2020.  So as this year closes we are hoping for a more restful and enjoyable year ahead. The "Happiness Is" desk calendar is almost complete but instead I have this new one from Sophie........inspiration and calm and I am sure what the world needs more of. So until next time.........may the coming year be full of wonderful memories for you and your loved ones and thankyou once again for sharing in our lives xx