Things I love

Rules:
1) State who gave you this award in your post
2) State 10 things that you love
3) Tag 10 other bloggers, listing them at the end of the post, and notify them

Thanks to Country-girl does Norfolk who tagged me to do this. I like the idea of doing it, but I wasn't sure if anyone I'd tag would actually do this as I have a small readership of people with profiles, and I'm not sure if those people whose blogs I follow read mine (not including you my anonymous readers who I know are very loyal and read me still! Hello by the way!- you know who you are!!!) but I'll give it a go!

1. I LOVE making cards: When it gets to the holiday, I catch up and make a big batch! I have made 8 so far this holiday. If I ever get my silly dongle to work, I'll post some pictures! I have made over 200 cards in the past and I probably have about 30 in my box at the moment. I like using inspiration from other people and magazines but I like to do my own versions of things. Particular themes include: flowers in various shapes and forms, symmetry, music, re-used elements, e.g. corrugated cardboard from Costa coffee cups, free CDroms, used violin strings, ribbon from clothing tags etc. I also have a massive hoard of craft-materials invading my house! I love drawing as well on these cards

2. I love olives. I really disliked them as a child, but over the past 3 years or so, I think they are amazing. I embrace my Greek heritage. My Dad now has to compete with me for the olives. In the past it was just him who liked them.

3. I love my boyfriend! I always get embarassed saying things like this. He will also feel very embarassed and want to hide in a duvet, but I think he's fab, even though he doesn't believe it himself sometimes. He's talented, imaginative, fun, and incredibly cute and puts up with my perpetual Peter-Pan-style,-I-am-a -12-year-old still sense of being.

4. I love dresses: particularly Empire-line dresses. Flounces, florals, pretty details I have FAR too many as CBC will attest to ("You don't need another dress Kezzie! You've got hundreds!") we are talking more than 30 I am sure, if not 40! I love clothes in general, and shopping , as my mum will attest with a big sigh, but especially dresses.

5. My family. I don't see them nearly enough. We are very different, all of us, but that kind of works. I love my Dad for his amazing wealth of knowledge, the fact that he is quiet but wise, the fact that he is proud of me and tells me so, the fact he is very similar to me, that he has taught me to be sensible with money (I don't always adhere to this!). My mum for the amazing sacrifices she has made for me through life, for her generosity and for her sense of fun and for instilling and encouraging my love of music, art and theatre (and embracing my inner hippy!). My sister for her wisdom and sense, My grandad for his care and compassion for nature- for STILL being active in his community, helping out at a local school bee-keeping, for helping people in his community, for never moaning about his pains and for always supporting me in my music- despite being 89-90 years old! My little sister for her great sense of fun, being sweet and refreshingly sensible for a 20year old and for being my shopping partner in crime at time, and for indulging my 'let's sing an entire musical in the swimming pool' moments). My stepmum for amazing inspiration in terms of crafts, cookery, looking amazing, loving lots of the same clothes as me, for being always lovely and supportive of me and much more. I'll be here forever if I say everything but you get the idea.

6. Music: It is my life and always has been. I love singing- it got me through loneliness and blues living abroad, my flute- it's like part of me and for the amazing opportunities it has afforded me through life: I have done so many amazing things because of music.

7. Bread: I love fresh bread- how I managed to survive for a year without it, I don't know!

8. The countryside: the overwhelming sense of breathing in what is true, beautiful and natural when I am surrounded my nature. The vibrant hues, the movement, the stillness, the variation, the joy and oneness with my creator. I am so thankful for how much I am surprised by the joyful feeling I gain when I get away from surburbia.

9. Walking and swimming: I love being active and taking part in the 2 activities, especially when somewhere beautiful.

10. How can I post this without mentioning God. I have been given soooo many precious gifts and opportunities which I do not deserve and I am thankful for each and every day of my life. For holding me even when I don't realise it. For never giving up on me even though I was away from him for many years. For every blessing I receive. For all the above that I love. For the hope that he offers me in the most difficult times of my life. For the fact that I know him and believe in him. I would hate to go through life without knowing him.

Ok, I will tag the following lovely people to complete 'Things I love'. I understand if you don't want to do it, but give it a go! It's quite fun!

A daisychain dream
Rachwarwick
Gemma-pink-haired princess
Missy Miller
Stephen, where are the frogs
Le Welsh- please blog, I miss you!
Who knows where the Tim goes
Dial V for vintage
Cloud-born Christopher
Adventuring Jen - I miss your blog as well!!