Well it is nearly a fortnight into June and I must say that I am finding the weather most strange. One minute it is showering, the next minute flowering! Today I set out in the rain with flowery raincoat and polka dot umbrella...yet on the way home, not eight hours later, I was nearly overcome with heat from wearing my raincoat to walk home! I had to take it off and carry it in the end, and as I type this I have the windows all open and the sunshine streaming in!
Yesterday was a relentlessly rainy day which was such a shame, as I was went to a baby shower at a little cottage in the prettiest little village. If you close your eyes and imagine the quintessential English village with thatched cottages and roses around the door, you could almost step into that thought and be where I was yesterday! The garden was filled with the most glorious flowers, lots of bunting, and tea things in a gazebo. Alas the rain was so heavy and it was so windy, we had to abandon the garden to sit inside. I didn't mind too much though, becuase it was such a lovely cottage, the kind with lots of exposed beams inside, a piano, and a fireplace! After the gifts were opened, we had the most scrumptious buffet lunch, and then played a few party games. One where there was a lot of margin for trouble was where you had to cut a piece of string, the length of which you thought would fit around the baby bump exactly, and the nearest one! We were all sent home with pieces of fruit cake wrapped up in flowery napkins, and those who won the games took home minature potted roses too. What a delightful day, and only a shame that the weather echoed the theme of the day and showered!
To be honest, the weather is echoing my moods a bit at the moment. I still can't quite reconcile myself to the idea, or understand really, that at some as-of-yet-undefined point in the not-too-distant future, I will be leaving my lovely library where I have worked for 11 years, and all my friends there too. I don't know where or what I am leaving to go to, and it is so hard to think about it. When I am there, I feel so sad, looking at all the things and people I am going to miss. Silly things like the smell of the periodicals stack, or knowing it won't be me decorating the Christmas tree this year. Someone else will be sitting at my desk. I will be some unknown place other, but everyone else will be walking through the same doors as they always have, taking off their coats and starting the day. All those little insignificant but gem-like chats you have with someone while the kettle boils...all gone. I know I am lucky to have had so much for so long, but I still can't quite believe in it. It would help if I definitley knew when I was going, and where too. I have applied for another post within libraries at another library, but it may mean giving up my little library on top of the hill to do it.
Do I sound spoilt? I know that in this climate any job is a job worth having, but the thought of losing my big library, and then my little library for a new unknown library, and one that in all honesty I would only be going to for the sake of having a job, although I hope very much if I do go to I would come to love.....well, it is a hard thought. When I first heard I was being made redundant, apart from the horror and sadness of losing my job, I felt real terror about not having any job, and the financial aspects of it are a worry I must admit. On one hand I know I must have a job and as a wise friend said today, the worst that can happen if I am offered this job is that I hate it...but it would still be a job. But I can't help but wonder, is that enough? I don't expect to be handed a plum job on a plate, but is doing something you love somewhere you love too much to ask? Perhaps it sounds as if I have rose tinted spectacles on. I know a lot of people have to take a job they don't like to keep a wage coming in. I know many jobs are done out of necessity rather than love. But...I want more.
I have a friend who was forcibly moved library in a previous restructure, and whilst she was devestated at the time, has come to love her new life in her new library. Perhaps that will happen to me....I have a favourite quote, which I have mentioned before and goes something like this '..there have been many times when I have shed bitter tears, when if I had understood the situation better, I would have celebrated my good luck instead'. Another way of saying that everything happens for a reason, I suppose. What I really need to know is what my reason is, right now. That would help.
I feel so uncertain about everything. There is a big part of me that thinks maybe it is time to look outside of libraries, and although I would be so sad to leave, I feel like I have left in a way already. The problem is, I have no idea what to look for. I am not a big believer in stars and horoscopes, but I do think of them like a personal weather forecast. All of mine said that there would be many big changes for me this year, and recently the theme of changes in career and jobs and perhaps money and travel come up. I wonder how it happens? And yet I know I have to make it happen for myself. A dear friend this morning lent me a beautiful quote in a wooden frame which says 'the best way to your future is to create it'. Inspirational, but a little daunting at the same time.
The good news is that I am writing and crafting a lot at the moment. I hope I am not using it as a distraction from what I should be doing eg finding my way into a new future. I don't think so though, I think the crafting is soothing to me, and the writing is about me creating something. Who knows, maybe even a future? Ages ago, years ago actually, I had an idea for a series of children's books about two little girls. The stories would be gentle and simple, and within the story there would be lots of projects, crafts and recipes to make, so they would be both story books and project books all at the same time. I have finished a first draft of the first story, so at lest that is a step in the right direction.
Thinking showery, slightly gloomy thoughts, but also with little flashes of silver and happiness, I am reminded of that song from Les Miserables....Don't you fret, monsieur Marius, it's just a little fall of rain. A little fall of rain can hardly hurt me now, and rain will make the flowers grow...
Wherever you are, I hope there are flowers blooming in your garden, just enough rain to make them grow, and plenty of sun to shine upon them.
Love
Mimi
xxx
Monday, 13 June 2011
Mimi's Jingle Belles
Good evening!
The wonderfully long sunny days we are enjoying mean it is no surprise to realise that midsummer is just around the corner...and all at once, Christmas seems both very far away, but also much sooner than you think!
This is of course the May edition of Mimi's Jingle Belles, but in a few short weeks it will be the June edition, and only 6 months to go!
But back to May, and first things first, it is time to add to your little nest egg of Christmas money. Isn't it lovely to feel it growing? Even if you are managing only a few pounds per month, think how welcome they will be in December!
Next, it is time to sit with a cup of tea and look at your mood board and notes you have been making on ideas for themes and so on. Choose just one thing to focus on. Perhaps an idea for gift tags, such as the beautiful holly-leaf-with-red-bead-berry tags my sister made one year, or to write all your cards with a fountain pen and ink, or to have the rat pack singing you Christmas songs every evening in December whilst you cook the dinner. Whatever that one thing is going to be, give it a bit of focus, and think about what you can do to make it a reality. Do you need to create a playlist on your computer? Do it now, so it is all ready for you to enjoy in December! Make those gift tags, buy the green ink cartridges for your fountain pen, or the gold sealing wax and twine for doing up your gifts....but spend some time bringing one of your ideas to life, and getting it all ready for December.
Next, it is time for a treat...you deserve it with all the work you have been doing! You can tailor this treat to suit your purse, and either shop on amazon or the shelves of your local library...but wherever you choose to look and whether you are happy to spend pounds or pennies or just time, hunt out a new Christmas book to inspire you. Yes, I know it is May! But a new book savoured now and giving you lots of inspiration whilst there is still time to act on that inspiration is of far more worth and use than the same book obtained at a more seasonal time of year when there is not enough time to act on it! I like to look out for a new Christmas book every year. Favourites include books by Martha Stewart, or Country Living. I also have a Gooseberry Patch book, and love Rose Hammick's Christmas Inspirations. Nigella Christmas is a modern classic, or there is Susan Branch to investigate too. Your theme and mood board might lead you in a particular direction...perhaps you would like a general Christmas book, or just cards, or just food....whatever it is, seek it out now, and start to savour it.
This month is a good month to tackle some of the 'batch' gifts on your list. I like to try and find one or two groups of friends on my gift list to whom I can give 'batch' gifts. For example, my book group all always get the same gift, and so do my work friends, although I might customise these. One year I planted hyacinth bulbs in vintage cups and saucers for my book group, and another year for work friends I made boxes of home made sweets. I have given candles, tree decorations, knitted slippers, cds of christmas music... You don't have to finish these gifts this month, but do try to settle on at least one batch gift, get the ingredients you need, and make a start. You will be so glad you did later in the year! I am crocheting snowflakes to be hung as decorations for some friends this year, so in the evening I sit and create a snow drift with my crochet hook. All that will be left to do later in the year is to package them up prettily with a little label and love from me to them.
So to sum it up, this month is about focusing on your theme, finding a bit more inspiration, and starting to work on gifts. After all that, you really do deserve another cup of tea, and also a slice of cake!
Love
Mimi
xxx
The wonderfully long sunny days we are enjoying mean it is no surprise to realise that midsummer is just around the corner...and all at once, Christmas seems both very far away, but also much sooner than you think!
This is of course the May edition of Mimi's Jingle Belles, but in a few short weeks it will be the June edition, and only 6 months to go!
But back to May, and first things first, it is time to add to your little nest egg of Christmas money. Isn't it lovely to feel it growing? Even if you are managing only a few pounds per month, think how welcome they will be in December!
Next, it is time to sit with a cup of tea and look at your mood board and notes you have been making on ideas for themes and so on. Choose just one thing to focus on. Perhaps an idea for gift tags, such as the beautiful holly-leaf-with-red-bead-berry tags my sister made one year, or to write all your cards with a fountain pen and ink, or to have the rat pack singing you Christmas songs every evening in December whilst you cook the dinner. Whatever that one thing is going to be, give it a bit of focus, and think about what you can do to make it a reality. Do you need to create a playlist on your computer? Do it now, so it is all ready for you to enjoy in December! Make those gift tags, buy the green ink cartridges for your fountain pen, or the gold sealing wax and twine for doing up your gifts....but spend some time bringing one of your ideas to life, and getting it all ready for December.
Next, it is time for a treat...you deserve it with all the work you have been doing! You can tailor this treat to suit your purse, and either shop on amazon or the shelves of your local library...but wherever you choose to look and whether you are happy to spend pounds or pennies or just time, hunt out a new Christmas book to inspire you. Yes, I know it is May! But a new book savoured now and giving you lots of inspiration whilst there is still time to act on that inspiration is of far more worth and use than the same book obtained at a more seasonal time of year when there is not enough time to act on it! I like to look out for a new Christmas book every year. Favourites include books by Martha Stewart, or Country Living. I also have a Gooseberry Patch book, and love Rose Hammick's Christmas Inspirations. Nigella Christmas is a modern classic, or there is Susan Branch to investigate too. Your theme and mood board might lead you in a particular direction...perhaps you would like a general Christmas book, or just cards, or just food....whatever it is, seek it out now, and start to savour it.
This month is a good month to tackle some of the 'batch' gifts on your list. I like to try and find one or two groups of friends on my gift list to whom I can give 'batch' gifts. For example, my book group all always get the same gift, and so do my work friends, although I might customise these. One year I planted hyacinth bulbs in vintage cups and saucers for my book group, and another year for work friends I made boxes of home made sweets. I have given candles, tree decorations, knitted slippers, cds of christmas music... You don't have to finish these gifts this month, but do try to settle on at least one batch gift, get the ingredients you need, and make a start. You will be so glad you did later in the year! I am crocheting snowflakes to be hung as decorations for some friends this year, so in the evening I sit and create a snow drift with my crochet hook. All that will be left to do later in the year is to package them up prettily with a little label and love from me to them.
So to sum it up, this month is about focusing on your theme, finding a bit more inspiration, and starting to work on gifts. After all that, you really do deserve another cup of tea, and also a slice of cake!
Love
Mimi
xxx
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
The Jane Austen Prescription
I mentioned in my previous post that I intend to read the works of Jane Austen in the order which they were written, and I must say that although I have made the smallest of beginnings, it really is a prescription to soothe the soul.
I was disappointed that Sense and Sensibility was on loan from the library, so I have it on order, but was pleased to find the BBC adaptation from 1981 on the shelf, so I took that home with me for the long weekend.
On Monday morning, we walked down to the park and took a turn about the pond, which has pretentions of being a lake, but does not have the size to match its attitude! On returning, I sat down with a pot of tea and the first of three and half hours of Sense and Sensibility, and my knitting, to practise a new pattern I am thinking of making a cushion in (Jane Brocket's String Of Pearls, from her new book The Gentle Art of Knitting. I have not yet got the book from the library, but the pattern was featured in a magazine).
Following the trials and tribulations of the Dashwood sisters, and knitting and sipping was soothing indeed. I know that my soon-to-be-reduced circumstances are not as terrible as those faced by the Dashwoods, or even by Jane herself, but it does feel odd to be suddenly faced with the reality of lots of little economies to make. I am trying to make it a good thing rather than a sad thing, by thinking of what Jane would have done and seeing myself as in the same boat as her.
I have always read books from the library, but I would have bought Jane Brocket's newest book right away, although from amazon. I am now waiting to read it from the library before I decide if I would like it, and will save up the pennies for it if I do want to buy it. Today I went to the market and rather than buy DMC thread for my cross stitch, I bought the cheaper 'venus' brand, in the nearest shade. I also bought another ball of wool for my crochet blanket, and felt happy that when I started it I decided to use an economy range rather than a premium range! I have packed my own lunch from home....all little things that are so easy to get out of the habit of doing when you earn a regular wage!
The next part of my Jane Austen cure will be to read Sense and Sensibility, when it arrives at the library, and perhaps watch another adaptation before moving on. I also have a lovely book at home that I bought in a charity shop years ago, which is all about the life and times of Jane Austen, so I may try a little craft project based on Sense and Sensibility, using the crafts that Jane would have done herself.
It's a funny thing, but when I have been reading or watching Austen, I find my thoughts forming in the kind of language she used!
Oh, and I have just read a delightful little novel, A Weekend With Mr Darcy, which has made me long to go back to Bath again. Perhaps that can be something else for me to save up for!
What lovely things are you saving up for at the moment?
Love,
Mimi
xxx
ps Dinah, what a lovely post you suggested, I really enjoyed it. Little pleasures and little miracles really make the world a brighter place, even on the darkest of days!
I was disappointed that Sense and Sensibility was on loan from the library, so I have it on order, but was pleased to find the BBC adaptation from 1981 on the shelf, so I took that home with me for the long weekend.
On Monday morning, we walked down to the park and took a turn about the pond, which has pretentions of being a lake, but does not have the size to match its attitude! On returning, I sat down with a pot of tea and the first of three and half hours of Sense and Sensibility, and my knitting, to practise a new pattern I am thinking of making a cushion in (Jane Brocket's String Of Pearls, from her new book The Gentle Art of Knitting. I have not yet got the book from the library, but the pattern was featured in a magazine).
Following the trials and tribulations of the Dashwood sisters, and knitting and sipping was soothing indeed. I know that my soon-to-be-reduced circumstances are not as terrible as those faced by the Dashwoods, or even by Jane herself, but it does feel odd to be suddenly faced with the reality of lots of little economies to make. I am trying to make it a good thing rather than a sad thing, by thinking of what Jane would have done and seeing myself as in the same boat as her.
I have always read books from the library, but I would have bought Jane Brocket's newest book right away, although from amazon. I am now waiting to read it from the library before I decide if I would like it, and will save up the pennies for it if I do want to buy it. Today I went to the market and rather than buy DMC thread for my cross stitch, I bought the cheaper 'venus' brand, in the nearest shade. I also bought another ball of wool for my crochet blanket, and felt happy that when I started it I decided to use an economy range rather than a premium range! I have packed my own lunch from home....all little things that are so easy to get out of the habit of doing when you earn a regular wage!
The next part of my Jane Austen cure will be to read Sense and Sensibility, when it arrives at the library, and perhaps watch another adaptation before moving on. I also have a lovely book at home that I bought in a charity shop years ago, which is all about the life and times of Jane Austen, so I may try a little craft project based on Sense and Sensibility, using the crafts that Jane would have done herself.
It's a funny thing, but when I have been reading or watching Austen, I find my thoughts forming in the kind of language she used!
Oh, and I have just read a delightful little novel, A Weekend With Mr Darcy, which has made me long to go back to Bath again. Perhaps that can be something else for me to save up for!
What lovely things are you saving up for at the moment?
Love,
Mimi
xxx
ps Dinah, what a lovely post you suggested, I really enjoyed it. Little pleasures and little miracles really make the world a brighter place, even on the darkest of days!
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Dark Clouds and Silver Linings
I feel like I am sleepwalking through a very dark cloud at the moment. But, as a dear friend pointed out, the darkest clouds have a silver lining. It has been raining or threatening to rain much of the past few days. The sky has looked dark and bruised, and it has been just the thing to sip tea and curl up on the sofa with my crocheted throw on my knee, watching Pride and Prejudice.
I think I need more time to find the silver linings properly, I am still very bruised at the moment. My job share partner did not get a job either, and while she is very angry I am just overwhelmingly sad. I have been here for 11 years, and have so many friends, I can't believe that in ten weeks I will be leaving them....and have no idea where I will be leaving to go...
But there are small glimmers. I have really found out how lovely my friends and family and blog friends are! I have plans for a novel to scribble in my spare time, and I have decided that I want to read the works of Jane Austen in the order they were published, and of course watch a few adaptations along the way!
Oh, and I am thinking of knitting a cushion as well.....keeping busy is the thing, I think!
More tea, anyone?
Love
Mimi
xxx
I think I need more time to find the silver linings properly, I am still very bruised at the moment. My job share partner did not get a job either, and while she is very angry I am just overwhelmingly sad. I have been here for 11 years, and have so many friends, I can't believe that in ten weeks I will be leaving them....and have no idea where I will be leaving to go...
But there are small glimmers. I have really found out how lovely my friends and family and blog friends are! I have plans for a novel to scribble in my spare time, and I have decided that I want to read the works of Jane Austen in the order they were published, and of course watch a few adaptations along the way!
Oh, and I am thinking of knitting a cushion as well.....keeping busy is the thing, I think!
More tea, anyone?
Love
Mimi
xxx
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Tea and Sympathy...
...well its another post from our old flat, as we have not yet got our internet service up and running at our new place. I am missing posting regularly, I have so much to share with you! Pictures of our new home, and from my new walk to work (I have found a delightful path that takes you between some back gardens from Victorian terraced houses, all poppies and everlasting sweetpeas, so beautiful!). I have adventures to tell you about, new crafting to show you, some book reviews and recipes too. As soon as our internet is up and running, I will be here to share it all!
There is something else I want to share though, before then. I found out on Thursday evening that I have been made redundant from my job at the big library. I still have my little library which is a small comfort in terms of security both emotionally and financially (although it pays half of what I get for the big library) but in some ways it is no comfort at all. I feel shell shocked and almost like I am grieving. I wasn't alone so there are others suffering too but I am finding it hard not to be selfish and just concentrate on my own feelings right now.
I know in time I will look back at this and see it is a wonderful opportunity, but I have worked there since I was 18 (I will be 30 next year!) and count many of my colleagues as dear friends. I am having a few days off to acclimatise to the news before I go back in, on a notice period of not quite three months.
I am more or less past the crying stage, but I do feel horribly sad and numb, and really worthless. I feel like I have been judged and was not good enough. I have no confidence in my own judgement any more, and although there have been moments of smiles at silly little things and lovely messages from family and friends, I just feel...so, so bad.
I don't like this to be a sad place, but I do want it to be a proper reflection of my life, not just edited to show the good bits. So, will you take out your favourite tea cup with me, and share a cup of tea while I try to heal from this and plan the next steps forward? If you listen carefully, you can hear the clicking of my needles as I try and knit my way into a soothing rhythm and regain a bit of equilibrium in my life.
With love to you all,
Mimi
xxx
There is something else I want to share though, before then. I found out on Thursday evening that I have been made redundant from my job at the big library. I still have my little library which is a small comfort in terms of security both emotionally and financially (although it pays half of what I get for the big library) but in some ways it is no comfort at all. I feel shell shocked and almost like I am grieving. I wasn't alone so there are others suffering too but I am finding it hard not to be selfish and just concentrate on my own feelings right now.
I know in time I will look back at this and see it is a wonderful opportunity, but I have worked there since I was 18 (I will be 30 next year!) and count many of my colleagues as dear friends. I am having a few days off to acclimatise to the news before I go back in, on a notice period of not quite three months.
I am more or less past the crying stage, but I do feel horribly sad and numb, and really worthless. I feel like I have been judged and was not good enough. I have no confidence in my own judgement any more, and although there have been moments of smiles at silly little things and lovely messages from family and friends, I just feel...so, so bad.
I don't like this to be a sad place, but I do want it to be a proper reflection of my life, not just edited to show the good bits. So, will you take out your favourite tea cup with me, and share a cup of tea while I try to heal from this and plan the next steps forward? If you listen carefully, you can hear the clicking of my needles as I try and knit my way into a soothing rhythm and regain a bit of equilibrium in my life.
With love to you all,
Mimi
xxx
Saturday, 14 May 2011
First, Unpack Your Kettle
Hello!
Happy Saturday! This is a quick dispatch in my lunch break from my little library on top of the hill, which looks like it is about to get a sprinkling of rain!
We are, I am pleased to say, moved! At last! Everything is in, and we are just waiting for our old wardrobe to be collected by a local charity, and we are done. Most things are unpacked (although the very first thing was, of course, the kettle!) and order is beginning to win over chaos.
I am exhausted but happy, I love our new home. I have a whole cupboard shelf devoted to the necessary items for afternoon tea...pretty cups and saucers, cake stands, milk jugs. Oh, and another shelf just for tea and coffee!
Lots more to tell and photos to follow, but for now, just a quick hello.
I do hope you are all well....
Love
Mimi
xxx
Happy Saturday! This is a quick dispatch in my lunch break from my little library on top of the hill, which looks like it is about to get a sprinkling of rain!
We are, I am pleased to say, moved! At last! Everything is in, and we are just waiting for our old wardrobe to be collected by a local charity, and we are done. Most things are unpacked (although the very first thing was, of course, the kettle!) and order is beginning to win over chaos.
I am exhausted but happy, I love our new home. I have a whole cupboard shelf devoted to the necessary items for afternoon tea...pretty cups and saucers, cake stands, milk jugs. Oh, and another shelf just for tea and coffee!
Lots more to tell and photos to follow, but for now, just a quick hello.
I do hope you are all well....
Love
Mimi
xxx
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Peeking Up From Amongst The Packing Boxes!
Good morning!
I hope that you had a lovely weekend and are enjoying this rather breezy start to the beautiful month of May! I am writing from the bedroom this morning, as there is not a scrap of space left in the living room, despite the fact that we moved all three book cases and the books into our new home yesterday.
This morning I have to finish off my application form for the restructure at work, and then it is back on with packing and moving this afternoon! I can't decide where to start next though....we have storage space under our bed, so I could do that, or there is the wardrobe, airing cupboard, writing desk...my oh my!
We have done such a lot but there seems such a lot more to do. My comfort at the moment is the thought that by the time we have our next bank holiday, on May 30th, all this will be done and we will be living in our new home!
I have much to tell you about my Royal Wedding Tea Party (beautiful service, loved Kate's dress, did not like Pippa's dress!) and a recipe or two to share too...
But alas that must wait! I just wanted to drop in here to say hello, and then I can have writing a proper post as a treat for later on, after I have done my work!
I hope that you had a lovely weekend and are enjoying this rather breezy start to the beautiful month of May! I am writing from the bedroom this morning, as there is not a scrap of space left in the living room, despite the fact that we moved all three book cases and the books into our new home yesterday.
This morning I have to finish off my application form for the restructure at work, and then it is back on with packing and moving this afternoon! I can't decide where to start next though....we have storage space under our bed, so I could do that, or there is the wardrobe, airing cupboard, writing desk...my oh my!
We have done such a lot but there seems such a lot more to do. My comfort at the moment is the thought that by the time we have our next bank holiday, on May 30th, all this will be done and we will be living in our new home!
I have much to tell you about my Royal Wedding Tea Party (beautiful service, loved Kate's dress, did not like Pippa's dress!) and a recipe or two to share too...
But alas that must wait! I just wanted to drop in here to say hello, and then I can have writing a proper post as a treat for later on, after I have done my work!
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