10 things to be thankful for

It's always important for your well-being to count your blessings and look for the positives in your day.  For me, as a Christian, it's an essential part of my life too.  At the moment, I've found school quite exhausting and difficult, especially since I haven't been particularly well all term so it is all the more important to do this when I've felt incredibly gloomy at times.  So, here are some things that made me thank you and happy this week!

1.  I was on the train home from a rehearsal on Thursday and got into the lift with two girls. I just knew they were Indonesian.  When they got on the train, they were looking at the map a bit confusedly. I asked, "Mau ke mana?" (taking a risk as I didn't know for certain!) and the girl suddenly realised I was talking Indonesian and was delighted. We had a nice chat and I couldn't remember nearly all the Indonesian I needed.
2.  Depping for a fellow flautist on Thursday to help out was a joy- playing Daphnis and Chloe by Ravel- what a joy!
3.  The fact I have sorted out the wretched list of adults for the carol services at church for taking 18- kids in the morning and then the afternoon.  Thank God as I was really stressing about it.
4.  Friends who still care.  Friends who still actively seek me out and care.  I don't have a huge amount of friends who do this or I see regularly so those who do do this mean a lot to me.
5. For good old veg!  CBC and I have been terribly lacking in motivation to cook these past few weeks. Our dinners haven't been hugely inspiring plus we've been out quite a lot.  This pair of beetroots have been festering in the fridge for weeks.  Finally, tonight, I bit the bullet and prepared ourselves a lovely tray of roasted veg and used up lots of scraps from the fridge. It felt good to be eating 8 types of veg for dinner!
6.  The old adage goes, "Never work with children or animals!".  As a teacher of 12 years now, I certainly experience that unpredictability which prompts the sentiment- you never quite know what you will get.  But occasionally, they react in some way that just makes me smile or makes my day.
So, today, I was teaching the year 3's how to read the musical stave with the 'Every Good Boy Deserves football' phrase to remember the notes on the lines and FACE in the Space for the space notes.  So far, we've just learnt the note names and tried to remember them.  But today, I said, "What if there is an easier way to remember the notes."  I did the Every Good Boy Deserves Football exercise first which they were all excited about but when they discovered that the spaces spelt FACE, they burst into spontaneous, raptuous applause for it, saying they couldn't believe it. I've NEVER had that reaction before- they were SO happy about it. It made me smile ALOT!
7.  My hotwater bottle.  My little sister bought me this for Christmas a long time ago and it has really helped this week. I've still got this rotten cough which has gone to my chest and since I've pulled a muscle in my chest from the excessive coughing, the hotwater bottle is really soothing as I sleep.
8. Delphi:  My Brompton bike.  I find it increasingly hard to wake up in the mornings and I am so grateful for the time that riding my bike to the station saves me.  On the way home- knowing I don't have to make that long 15minute slog home in the dark but instead can zoom my way home is really a good incentive to cycle quickly!
9.  Warm kitchen:  Whilst we don't seem to be able to get the underfloor heating working in the living room again, the kitchen is SO cosy.  I write here with my feet warmed from below. I lived in cold houses for so long that I will not take the warmth here for granted. Thank God for great insulation too!
10.  For friends here who visit me and share your kindness, time and comments. You may not all be friends in 'real life' but I really appreciate you all! Thank you for coming to visit.

What are you grateful for today?
xx

10 things I'm thankful for

It's a little while since I've done one of these.  Always good to count your blessings.


1.  The prolific growing of my mint and chive plants this Summer.  I have been so grateful for all the fresh herbs this Summer. I have drunk many, many cups of fresh mint tea made from leaves in my garden. It tastes so different to bagged mint tea.  I've had Mint, Mitcham Mint, Lime Mint, Lemon Balm and now I have Chocolate Mint.  The chives have been delicious on potatoes and other dishes.

2.  A day off with my husband yesterday.  We were so gleeful to have a weekend without plans. Sometimes CBC is rather despairing if we don't have fixed plans but he was glad and so we had a beautiful walk near Coggeshall in Essex.  More to come of that but we were most grateful. It was so lovely to spend time with each other out in the fresh air.

3.  Wonderful fresh tomatoes.  Tomatoes were my star crop this year- we've had hundreds of them and they are still growing!

4. Having the time to help. I've been able to cover for illness for friends playing flute a few times recently and I know it has been appreciated.  That said, I thoroughly enjoyed it- even having to play second flute part in the Cosi Fan Tutti guessing it from the First flute part because the Second flute player took the music with her!

5.  Delicious vegetables!  CBC made a delicious Butternut Squash risotto last night- I was thankful for Lidl selling massive squashes so cheaply as their special meaning we had a delicious dinner very cheaply. Also the same for our Reduced to Quick Sale Vegetable stir fry.

6.  So grateful for sleep and a comfortable bed. I really was tired this week.

7.  I very much enjoyed the Open Mic church service at the local Baptist Church today and enjoyed the Service more because there were live musicians for the worship band. Also grateful to my nice neighbour for being so delighted I would like to come and try out her Elim  church- she's so nice. Wish I had taken the time to see her more in the Summer when we were around.

8.  For the delightful day I had at school on Friday.  Can't believe the difficult class from last year are so different minus one individual.  In fact, lots of things about last week were good in school- I thought it was going to be hard but lots of lessons I feared would be hard just weren't.  When I was most exhausted on Wednesday after a late night coming home from Orchestra, it was much easier than it could have been teaching 90 Year 3's their second ever recorder lesson.

9.  For friends in different forms- real life ones; work colleagues; blog friends (including sweeties like Bev who send me pretty things- thank you!!!); Instagram pals; kind people I meet at church).  I may not have loads of friends I hang out with regularly, but I am grateful for those of you that touch my life.

10.  I have been thinking about WW1 a lot recently due to the concerts I am preparing for at school and am really grateful for all those who sacrificed their lives.  War is awful and I do not like it- so many sad memories but I am thankful and sorry for all those who died on all sides.

What are you thankful for?

Positive News

Fil shared this great link to this magazine online:
https://www.positive.news/ 

It inspired me to share some positive news- I suppose this is a version of my 10 things to be thankful for but with a different title! Written on GOOD Friday.

1. Our heating is now fixed! Electrician came round and fixed new underfloor heating box.
2. Back in October, I lost my case which houses my school digital recording device, digital camera, portable hard-drive, spare batteries, memory cards and all electrically useful items.  I had no idea where it had gone but the last time I had seen it was in Northumberland- I just couldn't fathom where it had gone and thought that the people who cleaned the car (valeted it) had stolen it from under the seat as that's where it was the last time I'd seen it.  Weirdly, I opened my suitcase to go to Northumberland today and there it was in the suitcase.  I had checked said suitcase several times in the search for the case and have even used the case about 6 times since October so I have NO idea how it turned up in there! Whatever, I am so grateful!
3.  We made it up to Northumberland safely.  We are here for several days!
4. We have arranged to see my Dad the following week! So happy to see him!
5. I am meeting up with my lovely flute quartet next Tuesday for the first time in a year.  Annoyingly, I have been double-booked for a rehearsal for a Jazz gig we have at Pizza Express Jazz Cafe in Soho in 2 weeks so I can't stay as long as I would have liked but this is positive news!
6. My cold is almost gone, pretty much!
7.  Our new sofa arrived! After almost 4 months of sitting on a camp chair, I am very grateful! We took a risk on it as we hadn't tried it but it is perfect! You might even say my dream sofa!
8. Our dining table is arriving next week too!
9.  Going to the wedding of two music camp friends next Saturday who I am very excited about getting married!
10. The most positive news of all: Christ has died, but he will be risen soon!
In the words of Isaac Watts: "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all!"

10 reasons to be thankful July 2017

I love to think of things that I am thankful for. Active Gratitude is essential for avoiding discontent and to help us to realise how much we do have. I read this lovely article by Sandra on the website she writes for and she talks about how gratitude should be a daily practice.   I was thinking about things I was really grateful for earlier and how I haven't written one of these for ages, so it was really appropriate that I just read her article.

1.  I am thankful that year 3 went to the Hindu temple today and gave me a lesson off in which I got some useful admin for the school concert done. It meant I was able to chase certain children personally for replies.
2. I am also grateful that our Deputy Head rearranged things so that my concert rehearsal on Tuesday would not be compromised by something that had been put into the diary over my rehearsal which was going to render the whole concert rehearsal and setting up a complete nightmare. Children need rehearsal time or they get anxious. It meant she will probably face a lot of stick now for it and I am grateful for her sticking her neck out.
3.  Oh my swim!  I am so happy that we have this great local swimming pool just by the station. It fills my heart with joy to be swimming. I swam once a week for the last few weeks and the sense of excitement I had to be able to go home and go straight to the pool was wonderful.
4. I am grateful that I had sweet potatoes, jersey potatoes, courgettes and fish cakes to cook for dinner tonight.
5.  Two mint plants that are growing abundantly so I can drink fresh mint tea every night.
6.  My two readers who I read with this afternoon. I have been taking 4 children for a reading session each week (though I haven't done it for quite a few weeks now) and their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the sessions makes me happy especially the boy who loves to then explain what new vocabulary in his own words with actions. Chasm? "That's basically like a bottomless pit!".  Condescending?  "Oh yes, SMUG basically!".  Sheer?  "Just like that brick wall- smooth and impossible to climb!"
7.  My flute.  It is really nice to have a motivation to practice. I have been asked to perform a Flute Concertino by our friend from Tunbridge Wells so I am practising for this as I really would like to play it from memory and do the best job I can. Consequently- practice is happening!
8.   I am grateful for Sandra's article in reminding me why I need to be praying. I just don't work properly. I am horrid, grumpy, mean and every other type of horrid when I don't pray and there is a reason I have been feeling so out of sorts for such a long time.
9. I am grateful for holidays. Especially the 6 week one. A chance to regenerate!
10. I am glad that YOU came to visit- thank you!

What are you grateful for this week?
xx

10 things to be thankful for.

I am not going to lie. I am feeling pretty gloomy about the whole result of the Brexit but I've seen many positive messages on Instagram around saying how we need to stay positive and continue to try and be good, be kind, be positive, be welcoming despite the feelings that may be pervading right now.

To that end, I am sharing 10 things I am thankful for on this day.

1. I am thankful that I have a job that enables me to make a difference to someone's life. Admittedly their musical life but as Dumbledore said, "Ah Music..a magic beyond all we do here," (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone).  I teach magic- I like that thought.

2.  30 days wild and even if I only manage 23 days wild- has enabled me to look at things more closely- appreciate the small things. For if we appreciate the small things, then we are all rich in joy, experience and when big things are appreciated, it is like we have won the lottery.


3.  My garden. I say it again and again- but having such a wonderful outside space to just sit and stare at, to dream about, to wander in as joyful as a cloud (sorry Wordsworth!), to see everything that appears, well that is wonderful. Even if it does give me backache mowing, weeding and there's a WHOLE lot to catch up on at the moment!

4.  My husband. I moan about him, to him an awful lot but we have each other and I am glad that we can console and share difficult moments, to know that he is intelligent, sensitive and kind most of the time, to know he is there and he cares. That counts for a lot.

5.  To have had a chance to have my vote. Even if it didn't go the way I wanted to, I have the vote, as a woman, as a person. And I have the chance to do that.

6.  CBC and I went to dinner at our favourite Thai restaurant last night and I was so grateful for that, for being able to sit and enjoy a meal out from a different culture, so well cooked, so reasonable and to be able to have that opportunity.

7.  This time this morning. Time to be still, to reflect, to just be alone and not rush around.

8.  For family and friends.  That includes you!

9.  For endless cups of tea.  My sustenance in life. Who needs alcohol when the brown (or green) stuff does just as well!

10.  For the company and companionship of my fellow church band last night. We practice, we come together. People of different ages, experiences, backgrounds. We are united in that aim to lead the worship at church and share our skills.  Playing those songs last night, in that quiet, serene, darkened church with sunset streaming through some blue frosted windows, in a way I've never noticed before,  the crossness and worry I was feeling all day was somehow diminished.
And when we played this song finally, I couldn't help but think how appropriate it was. It was chosen 3 weeks ago, but the timing was so apt.

What are you thankful for?

10 things to be grateful for

Many, many good things in my life which I cannot take for granted!!! I don't do these often enough but I should do!

 1. Lovely to see most of my family today at my niece's 6th birthday party- so nice to see them and to enjoy family time together!

 2. Carol services: We had 2 practices this week for the advent carol service next Sunday at church and it was so lovely getting together and doing that. I just adore Advent and the carols and the sense of community and fun we had practising. I even enjoyed playing my viola for See amid the winter snow with cello and violin, plus singing O holy night which is my favourite, and playing flute for many others! I am so grateful to have the opportunity to experience such joy

3.  The fact I DID NOT muck up playing the piano for the service this morning- I get nervous playing the piano for a service or any situation with a large number of people so I am grateful that I managed to get through the songs calmly and not make too much of a hash of them, even 'What can it be?' with an organish part!

4. A warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves- makes SUCH a difference!

5.  Time to have a rest when I had a horrid headache yesterday!

6.  The fact that things are coming together in terms of Christmas music at school. KS1 did their first full practice of their nativity. Despite the fact I only started teaching them the songs 3 weeks ago, they know all 11 or 12 songs from memory with actions and did it well! Glad we got organised with it so well this year! My little choir is also adorably great! So proud of them! In KS2, we're getting through the songs and hopefully on track! I've also organised a 'Come and sing' for parents and their kids from all year groups on the last Tuesday to sing songs together like 'The twelve days of Christmas' or 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas'- I really hope it goes well- really glad to have the opportunity to do it!

7.  Of course, not wanting to sound TOO saccharine, CBC annoys me like anyone does whom you live with 365 but having been able to spend time with and have fun with him in the evenings this weekend (he's been DoE leader training all weekend) is lovely.  We sat and watched Strictly come dancing together (he likes it now, he likes it!) on Catch-Up and have a giggle or things is lovely.  Even a five minute hug is lovely!

8.  Speaking of which- lovely to be cooked for last night!!! CBC makes things taste amazing- who'd have thought Cavalo Nero with mustard would be so tasty!

9.  Having space. I lived in a tiny house for so many years of my life. I do appreciate the space we have in our little house, even if CBC gets cross with me for filling every available space with something or other!

10. YOU, lovely, lovely people who have all voted for me in the Lady V contest, I am overwhelmed by how kind you have been. I'm currently in 3rd place with votes. I kind of doubt I can catch up with the front two ladies as they are at least 30 votes ahead of me and I expect they will get more (and there's someone just behind me) but it's so nice to feel supported! THANK YOU!

In case, you missed it, I have entered Lady Vintage's Hall of Fame photo competition with my outfit and I would be SO grateful if you liked my outfit out of those who have entered enough to give it a like on Facebook.   If your husband, boyfriend, cat, dog or significant other felt so inclined to take a look too, (like a few have!), I would be very grateful!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.864013323713000.1073741877.144939495620390&type=1&l=8c4891a181


xxx

What are YOU grateful for this week!?!?

10 things to be thankful for

1.  The weekend. When I read books about Victorian times and there were no ends to working hours or a Saturday, I am so grateful I have both. Even if I am a teacher and it doesn't end at 3.30 when the kids leave school, or 4.30 when my clubs finish or 4.50 when the irritating late parent turns up or 6.30pm when you're chucked out the building. The point is, life is much better than it was for people in the past.
2.  Having a course on Monday- it was so refreshing to get out the classroom, see other music teachers, learn some skills and ideas from the LSO and be in the sun for an hour at lunchtime instead of stuck in the hall, transporting instruments, photocopying lost music and showing the second violins where first finger is on the D string for the zillionth time!
3.  Having a concert today to play in. Right now, I don't feel in the mood for it, but what a privilege to be able to play in such a high standard amateur orchestra and get to play all those gorgeous 1st flute parts- during my teenage years, I longed to play flute in an orchestra but thanks to my viola skills, I never got to play my true love in the orchestra.
4.  Grateful for friends and people who think of you. This week, I had a lovely package from my blog friend Lisa which included some lovely crafty bits as well as a beautiful scarf (I can't upload photos now as my camera is AWOL) which saved me from freezing during the 80 minute train wait, so thoughtful; a lovely letter from Sophie; a thoughtful email from Melanie with something she thought of; an email from a lovely lady I met and really clicked with at the party last Saturday; and my Mum who gave me a wonderful Pattypan squash when I went round and some organic magazines- poor thing, she has broken her tibia in her ankle.
5.  For hearty meals- I made some delicious 'use-em-ups' vegetable stew on Wednesday which kept us full for two nights.
6.  My vegetables are still growing in the garden- bit glut of tomatoes still to come.
7. A lie in. I slept till 9.55 today- reaaaally needed it. Poor CBC who had to go off to school for 1st Aid training.
8. Decaffinated earl grey- I am on some medication for my acid reflux which means I need to avoid caffeine so I am glad such an invention was made!
9.  A university reunion to look forward to next week- it's 40 years since my Uni set up a Music department- it was formerly a non-arty Uni and Music is the only arty subject it does. I am SO grateful for my time at that place- I treasure those years.
10.  A smile every time I see a lovely comment that someone has left me. Thank you, you really brighten my day. I do try to comment back as much as I can (unless you have weird comment settings) and I'm sorry if I get busy and miss one.

What are you grateful for?

xxx

10 things to be thankful for: End of January thoughts

These photos were taken on Sunday as we set off to town after church to meet our friends in Waitrose for tea! We decided to have a nice Sunday wander before heading off to our friend's house for Sunday Lunch Club.
CBC's reaction when he looked me up and down in this attire was, "What on earth are you wearing? A random assortment of garments?" Yes, it does look like that but in my mind, they all kind of matched etc.  Just the facts ma'am:
Hat: had it AGES/YEARS intended as a gift for someone but I forgot who, so it lay dormant until I decided I needed to wear a navy beret that day.
Dress and Belt: Primark sale with Flapperdoodle collarclips
knitted waistcoat: Peacocks
Shoes: Deichmann
Socks: Jack Wills via Sophie
Handbag: Bailey and Quinn via Debenhams 70% off sale!
Black tights: Kezzie's anonymous black tights collection
Oh and several tops on underneath!



I've alluded to the January blues a few times. I and others have felt them, but I am thankful for several and indeed many things which I like to list.

1.  The fact that it hasn't snowed and I haven't slipped or hurt myself (once you've done this and broken something, you tend to be more nervy. Much as I'd like a snowday, I don't like the dangerous Aftermath)

2.  The events and occasions with friends: Sunday lunch club, lunch in London, Indian cooking course and others.  Having things to look forward to makes life seem better.

3.  I'm incredibly grateful for uplifting sermons at church that encourage and inspire me. I don't think my prayer-life has been at all diligent when I most need it and I am grateful that God has 'got to me' in other ways when I am so rubbish.




4.  A series of really, really enjoyable and enthralling books has given me that gleeful excitement that comes to me when I know that in x number of minutes, I can return to my fictional friends and immerse myself in their world.  Exceedingly grateful for the 6 Georgette Heyer books purchased for 50p in the charity shop!

5.  For my school children being relatively productive, enthusiastic and well-behaved, particularly when I am not feeling 100% smiley!  Some really nice musical outcomes and responses. The kids that sat through the entire ballet of Petruska on DVD on Monday and enthusing about it!

6.  For today: I went on a course about Artsmark, which ended up being a bit pointless, but I went with my colleague who I haven't chatted to much before and it was lovely getting to know her. She's only a year older than me, so this was great!

7.  You lovely, lovely, supportive, sweet, kind and thoughtful people who brighten my day every day with your wise words, encouraging words, complimentary words or empathetic words. You know you are great!

8.  A forgiving husband when I am a mardy cow!

9.  A wonderful return to swing dance classes last night- a great teacher, fun times, and getting to finally dance with the COOL teacher who we met 1.5 years ago. He's a dude!

10.  The fact that there are only 2 weeks until half term

10 reasons to be thankful: May 14th

I haven't done one of these posts for a while but they are an extension of my daily gratefulness!

1.  Oh, for the sunshine! It was so nice to come to school in sunshine, stay in sunshine and go home in sunshine.

2. Lovely well behaved classes who listen.  There's a year 4 class who always listen, work hard and well are a pleasure to teach! I have an annoying year 3 class on Wednesday morning who are very tiresome in their listening skills and it's always nice to have the 'anti-class' of that one, if you know what I mean, to balance them out in the afternoon.  The reception class are also lovely and the other year 3's aren't so bad, so I am pretty lucky really.

3.  Mmm, having the foresight to buy Covent Garden soups on Special offer before half term and shove them in the school freezer so I have lunch for about 8 days! Just got to remember to defrost the day before.

4.  There is now chocolate back in the snack-box (er, 4 100g gram bars to be precise. And marshmallows and prawn crackers).  Thank you Lidl for your cheap confectionery!

5.  Having provided myself with fruity breakfasts for the last couple of days to eat on the train.  Makes a difference! Strawberries make me feel so fresh in the mornings (fresh as in bright and breezy, not the American film definition!)

6. My Venus-sleep trap husband.  I was really really cross with him when I got home from school and we sulked for a while but then he was lying on the sofa and I went to hug him and then somehow fell asleep!

7.  The fact he is actually a little weird and eccentric like me! He might deny it but he also is mad as a swing bin!

8.  A clean home, good health, space for everything I need, a healthy distance to work so I get to walk 3 miles each day (I'm saying this positively in the summer. Penpals know the winter story!) AND I get to walk past a lake full of ducks, geese and moorhens! .

9.  Always something to look forward to: this year it includes weddings, music camp, a canal-boat trip and then the lovely daily things like letters from penpals.

10. Being able to help my little sister this week- she has a PGCE interview next week and has to give a presentation so I talked at her for an hour and a half last night!

10. This little space where I may waffle to my heart's content and you lot actually read it and say nice things to me! Thank you!


What are you thankful for today, this week, this month?

xx

10,000 reasons to be thankful...

"...when I'm feeling bad: I simply remember my favourite things and then I don't feel so bad." Maria in the Sound of Music

"When you look for the bad in mankind expecting to find it, you surely will." Pollyanna's locket in Pollyanna- quoting Lincoln?

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I really find January a hard time as I think 95% of all the population do- I always catch something and it's cold.  So, I want to think about and be thankful for all the things that ARE good about this January. I haven't done one of my '10 things to be thankful for' for a while so here it is:

1. For my husband- we drive each other mad at times- he gets annoyed at my mess/clutter/inability to chuck things out- I get annoyed at his constantly falling asleep but he's always so forgiving and good-natured (bar the mess) and he always wants to cheer me and be kind.


2.  For the relatively plan-free weekends we have had in January so we can have some rest, go and explore Essex - see new places and friends and for recovery time- it's horrid having a lingering cold over 2 weeks- I'm thankful for the rest AND I am thankful for the gentle walks we have had- getting fresh air and potentially a bit of vitamin D is also vital medicine: so far we have explored: Hadleigh country park, Maldon and this week, a little stroll to PaperMill Lock by the Chelmer.




3. Central heating: If you've read my blog for a while, you'll know I didn't have central heating in my old house and I spent a lot of time feeling cold!  Having it this year is wonderful!

4.  For the temporary music room I have at school- my ears have actually not had too much of a bashing so far this term- having space to hear and space to send children out in groups has made a HUGE difference to all of us!

5.  For the lovely time we had seeing my friend (who played flute at my wedding) yesterday.  We dropped in to her after a lovely lunch at Papermill Lock (where we saw other friends serendipitously!) and stayed for a couple of hours and had 2 soft house bunnies on our lap all afternoon!  Bunny-stroking therapy comes highly recommended!

6.  For all the lovely new people I have met at Christ Church, the church I have been attending.  I have been met with kindness, consideration and friendliness.  It is a warm and loving environment and I am grateful to God for this community. I am so grateful for the church communities I have encountered- true, loving people who love God- not the stereotypical Christians one sees in dramas on TV- but true, honest, simple people.

7.  For sermons that have captivated me and made me think- simple steps to initiate which are and will be a blessing.

8.  For my Mum. With the house selling, she's had to do a lot of moving.  I feel so bad that, not having a car, and being so busy with school and exhausted, that she's had to do a lot by herself. She's always been such a hard worker and I am grateful to have her as a model for how I want to be.

9.  For the lessons I've had that have been really successful this week- kids enjoyed, I enjoyed! On Thursday, I got the year 5's to write their own sea shanties after having taught them What shall we do with the drunken sailor? and Way haul away.  Song writing is an incredibly hard thing to teach, especially at Primary level and I really enjoyed their outcomes- I love seeing how those kids have developed.  I've taught them since they were in reception (4-5 years old) and now they are 9-10.  It's my privilege to see them grow!

10.  For the warm fuzzy feeling of checking my e-mail and blog and finding such kind, sympathetic comments, empathy, delight, childlike enthusiasm, fun and friendship.  For each and every one of you, your experience and your care and time, I thank you.

What are you thankful for?

Love this song! We sang it at church last Sunday and this Sunday.  We heard Matt Redmond sing this at the Big Church Day Out last year.

Style imitating art: Untitled by Larry Poons

I have been taking part in Style imitating art recently but forgotten to actually post here! I really do enjoy this challenge since it's very educational!

Up this week is "Untitled" by Larry Poons, chosen by Jess of Animated Cardigan, one of the trio of super hosts.  If you stare at it for some time, the shapes seem to dance.(and you notice more of them!)

Here's my take on it.


The light in my house is absolutely dreadful for taking any outfit photos since it just renders any bright colour drab and so you can't really see that the colours of the hat, skirt and pashmina are the shade of the painting!

I have had this Monsoon skirt a while but I did think it was serendipitous (possibly my most overused word on this blog since I got bored with ubiquitous!) that I received a hat (from Mother in law), scarf (work colleague) AND earrings (boy in year 6) this Christmas which were all this colour!    The cardigan was a nod to the spots and I'd never have chosen to wear this cardie with this skirt but I quite like the result!  I am always delighted to share any hat on here, since I love them (and hats was what made me start sharing outfit shots in the first place on this blog!). It comes from this awesome hippy shop in Hexham called Gaia which I love going into and I was actually admiring these hats 2 days before Christmas so was really pleased to receive one!!!  They also have these AMAZING large felted hats in there that were 70's style big floppy hats with flowers on them and I'd LOVE one of those too!! There was a great black one with red flowers on (very Eliza Doolittle) and a fab green big one too!


Yep, I have recently started to not like closeup selfies, so I am now choosing to accentuate the wrinkles flaws!!! Never mind, God loves me anyway!

Head over to SIA for more Poons-action!


Oh and I forgot to share the previous SIA:





Jen chose the cover and illustrations from a children's book entitled  Snowy Day for her stimulus, which I thought was a really fun, creative stimulus!  I actually saw a Liz Clairbourne t-shirt in a Hexham charity-shop over Christmas which was ALL these shades (stripes) which I contemplated buying BUT I knew I had this cool Jane Norman dress coming in the post which I have to thank the lovely Claire Justine for finding for me on Ebay after I asked about her one!!!







































I was so happy to win it as I have liked hers for ages and it reminds me of the one that Clara Oswin wears in Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS! (and she was my wedding hair inspiration here!)

I chose it for this Inspiration because of its bright orange colour, mimicking the character's coat and chose the blue tights and blue cardigan to colour-block like the sky and chose the boots (my only sale purchase- from Next) to mimic the fence.  The necklace, headband and earrings were a nod to the snow!

Sharing with Claire's Creative Mondays . Thank you Claire for finding me the dress!!! (Check out her blog header where she is wearing the same dress!)

Pas des bride and groom!

Hello there! I do hope you are well! This is just a quick post to say thank you for all your well wishes for our wedding. It was a lovely day and we had a great time! I thought I'd leave you for a couple of days, with our first dance! You can finally laugh at me doing Lindy-hop! (I had a stonking headache during this so it's a miracle I didn't fall over dizzily! And, no, I didn't drink!!! ;-) ) See you soon! With much love, Kezzie and CBC xxx

10 things to be thankful for: 25/7/2013

1.  Oh joy of joys!  The end of term today!!!!!
2.  The comaradery and friendship at my school.  We shared a picnic together after fire training which was a lovely opportunity to chill and eat nice food together
3.  The skills and the kindness of friends and colleagues:  I wasn't totally happy with the trial I had with the hairdresser and one of the TAs who is training in beauty saw the picture I was hoping for and said she'd have a go at doing it and today she tried it out during breaktime.  I was really pleased with what she did with it- she's so clever!
4.  The anticipation of a lie in!
5.  The opportunity to see my lovely little sister tomorrow! (Who incidentally, is making my name cards for my wedding!! She's coming to try out her adjusted bridesmaid dress.)
6.  The opportunity to share with others. I have currently got 5 bunches of flowers in my house which were given to me as gifts.  I only have 2 vases.  I took a bunch to a friend tonight (stating the situation) and she was really pleased with them!  Hurrah!
7.  My homegroup from church.  There were only 4 of us tonight, but I do love them. I really felt we learnt something tonight which I don't want to lose but to carry through.
8.  Cold showers:  yep, my boiler is still broken (only because I haven't called the plumber back after his first attempt) but the cold showers have been just the ticket!
9. Appreciation from children.  Reeally does make a difference!
10.  The joy and blessings of a colleague's daughter being engaged and having achieved a wonderful, perfect new job at the same time.  She also won a designer wedding dress in a competition.  God has blessed her for her patience and honouring him!

What are you thankful for?

10 things to be thankful for

So many things that could be taken for granted!  But I thank God for each and every one of them!  Never fails to bring contentment to me!

1.  For the gorgeous, gorgeous sun- oh how it seems a rosy glow onto everything.
2.  For my wonderful orchestra friend who it was wonderful to see on Sunday afternoon for great music-making.
3. For understanding friends.  One of the other girls in orchestra got married last month and we had a lovely chat about weddings and stresses and she really understands/understood.  She really got it and was able to understand and tell me about her experiences.  Empathy and experience- very important attributes!
4.  For good food!  Nothing makes a lovely day better than a tummy full of delicious food! 
5.  The knowledge that I am getting married in a month.
6. An understanding CBC.  Despite me being the biggest grump in the universesometimes lately , he still is sweet to me!
7.   For the joy of writing - letters, prayer-journal, poems, cards, whatever- it is something that grounds me!
8.  For ice-lollies- Mmmmmm, cool, delicious!!!
9.  Only 2 weeks and 4 days left at school (I say only. It's been a loooooong half term! However, the end is in sight!)
10. For family and friends and all they do for me!  Mummy, I love you!x

WHat are you thankful for?xx

52 weeks of happy (1 of 52)/10 things to be thankful for

The lovely Louise at Ramblings of a roachling has joined in a lovely challenge where you list 4 things a week that make you happy. I think this is lovely and links directly to my 10 things to be thankful for.
Now, it is obligatory for me to do this when I am feeling miserable about the return to school!
I love the Pollyanna quote: ""When you look for the bad in mankind expecting to find it, you surely will."

Yes, thus, if you look for the good, you will always find it!

So here are my first of my 52:
1.  CBC:  I still struggle to believe that I found someone who wants to marry me who is so imaginative, fun, loving and unique!

2.  Walks: I cherish the ability to walk upon my own two feet and see the beauty of my surroundings- I am glad of the two lovely walks we had in Northumberland.

3.  The appreciation and joy of friends:  I was speaking to my dear friends C and J who live in the North Yorkshire moors and telling them that I was engaged - their whole-hearted sincere joy at my announcement fill my heart with joy!

4.  Holidays:  I count myself lucky, that despite the trials of teaching, that I do have these holidays to look forward to!


And to continue onto 10 for my things to be thankful for:

5. For the amazing brand-new drum I found in a charity-shop today- it was only £12 brand-new and will be brilliant for school! (Not to mention the soft furry black scarf which is currently nestled round my neck!)
6.  I am thankful for my family Doctor who I saw today- he has been my doctor for 31 years and I am going to really miss him when I have to move- he knows me well, he's kind, he's thoughtful, he's interested in me as a person and I appreciate the consistency of him being there in an age where so many things become impersonal.

7.  The fruits of my garden:  I just enjoyed a wonderful bowl of stewed apple that has been in my freezer for two years- I picked, cooked and prepared it- and it's so nice to enjoy it so far on!
8.  Vegetables:  I just cooked my first proper meal for over 2 weeks and I had the most wonderful tofu and vegetable stir-fry: I do crave vegetables! Also thankful that the veg in my fridge did not go off after 2 weeks so I could cook it!
9.  For my sister: despite the fact she is a total bossy-boots know-it-all (I hope you are reading this!;-)  ), she knows me better than anyone else and understands me!
10.  For the joy of the unknown- who knows what excitements and opportunities will meet me this term!!!!

What are you thankful for?

Live life to the full! (and 10 thanks)



Sunset in Florence.  I didn't manage to complete the Scavenger hunt in time for Sophie's Scavenger hunt, but thought I'd share this one.

 Did you read the Metro today.  Apparently there was an article about children who live in a remote area who, in order to get to school, have to climb a tight-rope walk style rope bridge in order to reach their school.  One false move and they will fall to their peril.  Yet they face the challenge daily, not even batting an eyelid, with alacrity even. It is their life and they accept the challenge and continue to strive to get where they need to.  They want to live their life to the full.

How can I live my life to the full?  This doesn't mean busying myself with all sorts of busyness and activities, but looking for what is the right way to live my life.  For me, it is important, that as a Christian, I try to live life, accepting that it IS hard, and it IS tiring and difficult and messy, and yet facing it, trying to be loving, trying to show the love that my Lord has for me and living the way he wants me to live my life.  I am not doing a very good job of that.  Yet, I will not give up, I know that what it is that God wants and I know that if I did things his way, I'd probably be living it life to the full and I want some of that action!  For when I put my mind looking at it in God's way, I should read his word and see it really is living life to the full- I attain a mere 10th of what I could be and what I do live is   Now that, if you are not a Christian, you may think big-deal.  That's fine.  But when I actually look at how God wants me to live my life in the Bible, when I read it, think on the words within, it really is simple.  It is different from the way the world looks at how to live our life and what it tells us should be the way to live our life.  I just wanted to put my stream of consciousness here- I felt because I've said it here, I think about it- it's weird, sharing it with other people makes me think about it more!  I just wanted to put this out there, I felt compelled to write it, does it make any sense or am I waffling?

This leads nicely onto one of my favourite things, finding things I am thankful for:

1.  My CBC- I am smiling and remembering Florence! (Not the Canadian version of the BBC Emily ;-)  )
2.  The joy of knowing that though you made have done something 6 times before, and felt it was hard work, you wondered why you were doing it- the 7th and 8th times can be brilliant!  Case in point- teaching recorder to year 3 for a year:  This is the 4th time I've done it and it's fab this year- it really is.  Same with orchestra- sooo much better!
3.  The beauty of messages- a few words from someone who knows you, in a text, can make your heart soar and be so thankful! 
4.  I am thankful for last night's hot water bottle.  Not only did it keep my feet warm, bbut byy leaking and leaving me with a damp puddle under my feet, it also woke me up when my alarm clock failed!
5. For my little sister managing to get a Christmas job- she's very happy!
6. For the beauty of enthusiasm!  You'd think teaching 9 year olds about Medieval plainchant in Latin, it might turn them off a bit- not a bit of it- I distinctly heard "Yesssssssssss!" from some of the boys in choir when they heard we were singing a song in Latin (Gaudete FYI) after we'd listened to some in our prior music lesson!
7. For the joy that your own joy can bring to other people when you share it!
8. For my church friends- I cannot say how much I love them dearly! All ages, it matters not!
9.  For YOU- it's like coming home to an unexpected parcel finding your kind comments!
10.  For the inventor of the Duvet. Mr Duvet, whereever you are, thank you!

What are you thankful for?

10 things to be thankful for

Frinton-on-Sea, Saturday.

So many things to be thankful for.  Many of them just little moments of grace, little occurences, small things, but big in the pursuit of contentment!
1. Year 5 being really good on the whole this afternoon.  I lost my voice on Monday afternoon with year 6 (grrr), and it's got steadily worse since then.  This afternoon, I was at total zero voice and they managed to behave, work well, etc for most of the lesson.
2.  Amusements.  I asked Choir to turn their benches round to 'face the audience' for our harvest assembly tomorrow.  They had NO idea, no insights about how that would work- they ended up moving every single bench then totally sitting on the wrong benches, could not work out for the life of them how they should be sitting facing another direction.  I and my lovely TA assistant were in hysterics, sniggering at them!  Sounds mean, but I gave clear directions and you know, they need to think for themselves some times. 
3.  Helpful children:  there are so many children that just want to help and be useful and it is refreshing to be assisted by such polite, considerate individuals!
4.  As we prepare for harvest assembly tomorrow, thinking of the farmers and those who provide my food and put it together- working so hard- it's something I couldn't do!
5.  Serendipitous lesson plans:  (unlike yesterday's lesson plans which finished me off) Luckily, my year 3 lesson plan that I had prepared for today involved them doing writing, playing their recorders and me not having to do so much talking (except for having to hiss, "LEFT HAND AT THE TOP OF THE RECORDER PLEASE.  LEFT HAND.  LEFT HAND. NO, SWAP HANDS.  PUT THAT ONE AT THE TOP.  YES, THAT ONE.  (5 minutes later) YOU'VE SWAPPED HANDS. THE ONE YOU DON'T WRITE WITH GOES AT THE TOP.  YES!!!! THAT'S IT! NOW STAY THERE.  DON'T MOVE IT.  (5minutes later) WHY IS YOUR OTHER HAND IN YOUR POCKET?" about a zillion times)
6.  PPA tomorrow morning!  Hallelujah!!!! (talkless time.  Except for the harvest assemblies x 2)
7.  The lovely walk along the sea I had on Saturday.  It really is a wonderful thing to do- so replenishing!
8.  My study group from church- they are very dear to me.
9.  My sister having returned safely from holiday (according to my mum anyway!)
10.  My new washingmachine!  Yep, mine broke at the start of August! (terrible I know! It says a lot about how many clothes I have.) and I finally had my new one fitted.  I bought it from a friend from church - she bought it for her Dad eight months ago and her Dad, who sadly has Alzheimers, has gone into a carehome. I was grateful for getting a nice washing machine and moreso it being one that was second hand (albeit newish!), and not to have to arrange for delivery etc as she arranged all that. The engineer was very kind and helpful too.  It was also nice to help her too, as she is in need of the money I think for his care.

10 reasons to be thankful

So many moments pass me by in which I am grateful, I think of blessings, things that make me realise how lucky I am.  This weekend has been one of those full of such moments,  a weekend with no fixed plans, with time to wander.  I'd love to know what you are feeling thankful for!

1.  For a warm home.  As it grows cold, I think of how awful it must feel to not have this.  I am so lucky being able to rent my Mum's house.
2.  For CBC- I love him dearly and really enjoy his company.  I love his spontaneity, his imagination, his care and well- HIM!  I count myself lucky to be able to spend time with someone I love!
3.  I never ceased to be amazed and grateful for the power of Music! It says so much, expresses so much.  I love how it speaks where words end or fail.
4.  For the church community- I love my church family dearly- they are such an important part of my life.  I love the fact that we of all ages, can love, share and listen to each other, united in our love of God!
5.  I am grateful that there are things in my life that I don't do or need- I don't need alcohol, cigarettes, or to drive, or need to eat certain things- it is hard to express what I mean here. There are things I do and don't need and I need to work on these aspects (more anon) but I am grateful for those things I can do.
6. I am so grateful that work is enjoyable, I am enjoying school so far- my new timetable is good so far. The demands on a regular teacher are so much, the government has no idea, and I am grateful that music means I need not undertake several of the horrendously arduous endeavours that are heaped upon teachers anew each year - APP in Maths, English and Science for example. I am glad that the take-up for extra-curricular activities is great so far from both boys and girls- I am glad that I have these things to offer and I love doing these things!
7.  For common-loves and interests with my lovely family!  Being able to phone my Mum up and wax lyrical about the cacti like they are small children of whom we are very proud of their growth!
8.  For the beauty of nature- the garden, by the work of my mother's hands is beautiful. The plums are still growing, juicy, delicious, runner beans still coming through.  The beauty of a walk in Hadleigh yesterday.
9.  For the ability to notice things.  Take the sky above.  It was a sight of delight throughout the journey home.
10. For time, for being able to take time to talk, for being able to take time to think, to listen, to care and to just be

What are you grateful for?

10 things to be thankful for...

I am very, very depressed at the thought of school tomorrow but I had a gorgeous cycle ride today (only 24 miles) with an average speed of 16.8 mph! This is progress for me as Im sure my average was about 10-12mph before!  It was the most beautiful day and I really felt restored and like the cobwebs had been blown away in transit!   I also felt like I had made other progress.  I didn't put the brakes on so much as I went down hills, I managed to set the pace for a long stretch of the journey out in front and I was comparably fast up the hills.  It was independent of CBC who went out on the official Orchid 100mile charity ride which was sad and I wish he'd been with us, but it was also good for me to know that I can cycle with other people.  The pressure of cycling with others was good for me!

So in tribute to this and in a mid to fetch me out of the doldrums, I shall don the mantle of positivity, the hat of happiness and the shoes of happy memories.  Yes, it's 10 to be thankful for!  I encourage you to join me in thinking of things you are grateful for.

1.  I am thankful for my lovely CBC.  For always being good humoured when I am grumpy, for not holding it against me that I was so horrid and moody and crazy yesterday to him and to some strangers.  He's very forgiving and he always encourages me about my cycling.  I love him dearly.

2.  For my lovely sister.  I had a wonderful time with her on Friday and Saturday- she has always been someone I look up to.  She is always honest with me and she is generous and kind-hearted.  I wish I saw her more.

3.  For the ability to be able to cycle- I am so lucky that I have this now as I could not cycle 2 years ago.  It fills me with sheer delight and rapture when I am out there on the country lanes with the breeze blowing through my hair.

4.  For the holiday.  It is lovely to have escaped from normal life.

5.  For my good friends who are honest, true and loyal- especially M who will ALWAYS tell me what she thinks, honestly and constructively.  It is lovely to have a friend so close.  We've only known each other around 3 years but she has proved a fabulous friend.

6. For my Mum who imparts her creativity, inspiration and environmental conscience to me.

7.  For my home- I never cease to think about how fortunate I am to live here.

8.  For having a  job to go to.  I know many people who are worried about the employment prospects- my school is a good place to be- my Head is inspiring and caring, she wants the best for the children, the children are relatively good kids and the Staff are the best. 

9.  For joys on the horizon.  I am off to the Black mountains near Hay on Wye in a short length of time to play a concert in an amazing ruined abbey- one of my favourite places in the world.  My younger sister's special birthday celebrations next week, for the Chap Olympiad in July.  I have so many things to look forward to.

10.  For a friendship pool on a daily basis that I never thought I'd have- who'd have thought I'd have so many friends on the internet- you bloggers who make me smile, delight, and blush at your kindness. Thank you for continuing to read my ramblings, silly comments, random photos and admire the silly things I do and say here- it means more than I can say.

What are you thankful for?

10 things to be thankful for!

 Hello!  I haven't posted one of these online for a while, but since it's sunny, I encourage you to put your floral bonnets on and think about all the things you are thankful, content or happy about!  Be it small moments, amusements, continual blessings, overwhelming miraculous events or something that I cannot categorise!

Here are some of mine:
I am thankful for:
1.  The joy of unexpectedness!  When things exceed your expectations and it delights you. My first year 4 class this morning have generally been really good in their music lessons.  But today, they totally exceeded that. We listened to their recordings and I offered advice of how to improve their music.  They not only fulfilled all of those, but exceeded and impressed me beyond anything I expected.  It was a joy, pure joy to be in that part.  It also restored my faith in children after a horrid last lesson yesterday with Year 5 who didn't seem to care.

2.  The SUN!  Oh the glorious, warm, bright, beautiful sun that made everyone smile and made a walk home so wonderous!

3.  For my lovely CBC.  He sent me the sweetest card in the post today which greeted me when I got home. It was unexpected.  I love sending him things through the post and it is always really exciting when he sends me something back!

4.  For the joy of singing.  It really uplifts the soul!  All of us in my singing lessons today were happy and positive.  Singing assembly was delightful learning a new Jubilee song and the children did that thing they do when I know they are enjoying it: they burst into spontaneous applause at the end.  My Year 2 choir was also delightful.  Their voices are so pure and true.

5.  For empathy and symathy.  I read somewhere today that someone dislikes sympathy and I totally think this is contrary to me.  Sympathy is what makes someone understand you, it's what makes someone help you and make you feel better, it's part of love, caring about someone, it's about knowing someone cares. I am thankful for the sympathy that fellow colleagues, friends, relatives and acquaintances can give and accept.  Like CBC and I understanding and sympathising over the difficulties of teaching music!

6.  For the beauty of nature.  The afterglow of all the rains is still evident.  Everything is green and beautiful.  I love breathing in when I am standing amidst it and sensing the joy and tranquillity of nature.

7.  For a good cup of tea!  So comforting!

8.  For the hope and joy of half-term being on the horizon.  Despite maths assessments and reports (it's THAT half-term that you spend doing these things)

9.  For the creativity and inspiration that other people have!  I never cease to be amazed!  I work with some amazing people and see some amazing people in my life.  Why stick on your own when you can share the beauty and creativity of others.?
10.  For the relative ease of my life compared to others.  I am so fortunate, I am so fortunate.

What are you thankful for?

 The beauty of anything if you look hard enough I found another oil-slick and had a camera in my bag.

The beauty of my garden!  Even though this looks like an orchid (and we know that they are aliens in disguise!)