Monday, November 16, 2015

#PrayforParis


The week started with celebrating my birthday! I love birthdays and surprises and so I was up early with my family opening up presents! I was so spoilt and blessed with presents, phone calls and messages throughout the day. We spent the day in Cape Town at the Waterfront. One of my favourite places! The Christmas tree is so huge and stunning - just imagine it at night full of twinkle lights! 


My husband met us for lunch at Melissa's - their food is so deliscious. 



Beautiful Table Mountain! 


 My daughter had a photo shoot as part of her birthday present at Boulders beach. We love this beach with its crystal clear water, huge boulders  and the cute little penguins. 


It was a little chilly in the early morning so we didn't have a swim! 




 I made 11 little poppies for Remembrance Day on 11 November. We remember those in World War 1 - 1918! I followed a video tutorial by Bella Coco to make these little poppies.  http://www.bellacoco.co.uk/  




I just love these words and think that everyday we need to reflect and remember how blessed we are! I used my watercolour paints to paint this little design - added one of my little crochet flowers with a button and attached it to a small white hoop. It is a little extra gift for a friend for Christmas. Yes I am busy with my Christmas list! 


There was time to relax in the sunshine with our beautiful weimaraner! 



Saturday morning I woke to the devastating news of the attacks in Paris. I couldn't hold back tears as I watched the news reports in horror.  Some of theses attacks took place near where we had visited only 6 weeks ago! We all felt the pain and sadness! 

" later that night 
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world 
and whispered
where does it hurt?

it answered
everywhere
everywhere
everywhere"

- Warsan Shire 


 As we walked on Kommetjie beach in the late afternoon sunshine  and soaked in the beauty of this place we call home - I was reminded  - "Count your Blessings" - everyday! 

Have a wonderful week! 

Shirley xx 




Monday, November 2, 2015

Hello November....


 It is hard to believe its already November and nearly Christmas! All the Christmas decorations are in the stores and the busyness of end of the year has begun.  It has been a very busy week and my husband was also  away on business.  We spent a much needed relaxing weekend  at my nieces apartment in Camps Bay while she is way overseas. There is something so  simple and beautiful about this seaside little bay near Cape Town city centre. We took a long walk along the coastal road and stopped at a favourite coffee shop "Baked". Delicious cinnamon croissants and the much needed strong cappacino! 


 I never get tired of watching the sunset with my man! 




Sunday morning we ventured back to our coffee shop for  almond croissants! I think this could become a Sunday morning tradition! Just like every morning in Paris! 


I could not resist this pattern when I saw it on one of my favourite crochet blogs -  http://byhaafner.blogspot.co.za/! The first square of a new blanket! I am using MoYa yarn in a gorgeous  - Lilac colour. This pattern is using a new stitch I learnt - the Popcorn stitch! I love the way it "pops" out! 


I started joining the little hexagons  together for the little baby blanket for my niece. Slowly making progress.  


My first large granny square blanket is now all finished and being put to good use! Magazine, coffee and chocolate break! 

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                    I am so excited my MoYa yarn order arrived! So many beautiful colours!  


A friends yarn order is all packaged and ready to deliver! She chose a lovely cream -" Sand" and is making a beautiful skirt. I will post pictures when she is finished. 

I am now a MoYa yarn supplier - so if you are interested in ordering please send me an email and I will send you my catalogue of colours. 

This week I plan to start a few gifts for Christmas presents and a new little Christmas cross stitch! 

What are your Christmas plans? 

Happy creating xx 

Shirley