I'd just like to say Thank You to you all for the wonderful comments, you left on my last post. Your response has been overwhelming, I will respond to each of your comments soon. It seems there are many of us on a similar path. Thank you for your kindness and understanding.
The reason that the benefit system here in the UK is so complex and unfair, is because there is a minority who abuse the system. These I hasten to add, are not as many as the bankers, and politicians who have been ripping off the state for years. Or those multi billion corporations who avoid paying tax. They are the true fraudsters, but sadly it's the vulnerable in society who suffer.
I am one of the lucky ones, after years of fighting, additional stress I really didn't need, I have been awarded a benefit. It was a difficult time, and one I will have to go through again next year, because it's not a even guaranteed, secure income, even though my condition is classed as a progressive, incurable one. Anyway, I shan't go on about it, but it has helped having a rant, so thank you for listening!
So on to lovely things at the start of March...I've been looking for a long, long time for a portrait of a woman. I've looked everywhere, antique shops, flea markets, eBay, Etsy, you name it, I've searched it. I couldn't have described who I was looking for, but always knew I'd know her when I saw her. So when this lovely lady popped up, I just knew she was the one. She looks very similar to my Mum when she was younger, she even has the same hairstyle. I'm very happy with her, and she looks fab on my mantel. The girls are a little freaked out by her, but that's just an added bonus ;)
Likewise the Sanderson fabric, exactly what I was after...some new cushions I think. I love hunting out 'stuff'. I have in my head a small list of things I'm after, and when that special something happens across my path, well I'm one very happy woman! And talking of paths...here's another picture of my steps and path, I've walked up and down them quite a bit today, just because they are there and I can!
Well, bye bye, you very lovely lot...hope you all have a great weekend. I'm hoping it will be dry enough to get in the garden, there's a couple of raised beds that need filling, but ssh, don't tell my husband, he really won't be happy as he's got all the heavy work to do whilst I supervise! He hates gardening ;)
Amanda :) xxx
One of Otto this time.
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The picture is so lovely and has a wonderful new home! Your steps look wonderful, hope Otto doesn't provide to much help in the garden! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteOtto is extremely helpful, prides himself on it! ;) xxx
DeleteWhat great finds. And the garden is coming along beautifully. Glad you felt better for having a rant, it was very well justified, and so many people are struggling so much with the system. Wishing you a good weekend. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteThanks CJ, still a way to go...can't wait to start the planting :) xxx
DeleteAmanda dear I am so pleased that you told us of your situation, I think it must be a weight lifted that you don't have to carry around...we love you no matter what. :)Best of luck with your next battle, I don't know why the benefit isn't ongoing as this condition has no cure. Too much red tape and you don't need the added stress.
ReplyDeleteI love looking in discount and antique shops, I have found many lovely 'treasures', though I keep adding to my list. ;)
The portrait is lovely and so nice that it resembles your Mum, she must have been a very beautiful woman.
Your steps look good and I'm sure it will make it easier for you to get to the different levels of your garden. The fabric is lovely and a beautiful photo of Otto.
Love and hugs, Dianne
xoxoxo ♡
Thank you Dianne, your works of kindness mean a lot to me :) xxx
Deletegood to see ypu found the portrait and how good that she reminds you of Mum.Garden steps look so good and will make life so much easier for you, take care Amanda I keep you in my prayers
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, I often think of you too and your challenges :) xxx
DeleteAmanda - did you hear me - dancing round the breakfast table just now, cheering you on! We are singing from the same hymn-book re benefits. bankers and politicians, for sure!!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you purchased your 'vintage lady' she certainly depicts a particular time and class, doesn't she. (And I also kinda understand why your girls are a bit freaked out!!)
Steps are good - and why shouldn't you have a little 'go'on them whenever you feel like - I am currently stroking my herb and spice jars on their new shelving, when no-one is looking!
Good luck with the rest of the garden - looking good! Lxxx
Ha Ha! Might just work myself a little 'routine' out on them...that would get the curtains twitching!!! ;) xxx
DeleteEnjoy your gardening, not sure what your weather will be like, looks pretty grim in some places. My Otto no longer looks like a puppy.
ReplyDeleteWell a little garden has been done, not quite as much as I hoped but every little helps! ;) xxx
DeleteI love your picture, she looks ready to keep the household in order! I hope the weather is good for the gardening :-) Take care and have a great weekend. x
ReplyDeleteShe looks like you wouldn't want to mess with her but she does have kind eyes! ;) xxx
Deletehi i have come across your blog and love the mix of craft, garden and general living. Can I ask what is your studio? jacqui
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqui, thanks for letting me know you've popped by. We had our studio built last summer, it's a wooden one, made our of cedar wood, there's plenty of posts about its structure in June/ July of last year...hope that answers your questions! :) xxx
DeleteI am happy for you about the painting, a little cuddle for yourself!
ReplyDeleteMiriam
Thank you Miriam :) xxx
Deleteshe's rather lovely x
ReplyDeleteThank you :) xxx
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