Fun In All Weathers

 What a mixed bag we have had with the weather, storms one day bright sunshine the next a typical day in the Outer Hebrides.  A start has been made in the garden, a few moments at a time the bright sun lulls you into a false sense of security it is still quite cold.  The tyres have been cleared and are ready for future growth.  The rhubarb is already starting to unfurl its rich red stalks and pale green leaves, a lovely welcome to a sign of Spring a change of season and a shift in the weather cycle.  The mint is starting to poke through the soil, along with some of the other herbs.  We are making plans for the garden, always an exciting time of year.

Saturday saw me in the kitchen doing a mammoth bake for the freezer, a quiche, sausage rolls, egg custards to use up an abundance of eggs.  I also prepared a bolognaise sauce and a curry ready for the days we have hospital appointments.

I spent a few hours immersed in a project of dying some wool, what fun I have had.  I intend to crochet some flowers to make wreaths and a twig arrangement and needed some extra colours.  I want to use all Hebridean wool so dying some wool made this possible.

It was soaked in cold water along with vinegar for 20 minutes prior to adding the dye.  This was then heated until just before boiling and left to cool to room temperature.

A good rinse before it was hung up to dry.  I am looking forward to seeing the end result once it is crocheted up.  The colours are good with an even spread so I am quite pleased with it.  The bonus I had so much fun with and enjoyed the process.

I have once again pursued the experimenting with water colour paint.  This time a mixed media approach of painting, decoupage and sewing.  I had so much fun with it and will certainly be doing this style of art work again.

This is the back of one of them to highlight where I have used the sewing machine to stitch an outline.  I have been looking at other forms of mixed media and will let you know how I get on.  As always I thank you for your visit, support and comments.

See you soon.

Bible Journaling

 Once again storms have hit the Outer Hebrides meaning more rain and wind not conducive for the great outdoors.  I can easily entertain myself indoors so I set up a little studio in the corner of the lounge.  This means that I didn't have to heat another room and that the stove was the main source of heat.  We have just had our oil tank filled and the bill was eye watering.  We are so thankful for the stove and as it is multi fuel it does make it easy but it only keeps one room warm.  I am trying to keep hopeful that the hike in oil won't last forever...

Anyway back to my cosy corner to share with you what has kept me busy.  This is Psalm 117 the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.  I did prepare the page using clear Gesso and I was pleased that the paint didn't leak through.  I am not sure if I painted it on a little too thick as the page wrinkled a little.  A round brush and watercolour was used.

Next up was  Numbers 6:25 May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.  I tried watercolour pencils for this which I quite enjoyed.  They did take a little getting used to it was hard to not using them as colouring pencils and just colour in the the lines but after a few attempts it got easier.

Romans 8:28 A simple crayon drawing.  I intend to go over the lettering as it is not standing out as much as I had hoped.

The next example is Romans 12:9-10 and was done using acrylic paint and a baby bud/Q tip it was fun experimenting with colour and how much pressure was needed.

This was a mixed media example Luke 18:14 Those who humble themselves will be exalted.  Both water colour paints and pencils.  I am never going to to be a great artist but I do like the process of Bible journaling and indeed studying the word.  It has been fun experimenting with different process's without having to spend a fortune on supplies.

Finally another watercolour paint with once again a layer of clear Gesso used to prepare the page prior to adhering the paint.  I really added lots of water so that I could paint without erasing the words.  Once again the page has creased a little so I do need to do some research to see why this is happening.  

I really have enjoyed the process and will certainly be eager to have another go.  The art element kept me focused on the study so was certainly worthwhile.  I intend to have a go with other mediums to see what else I can enjoy.  Thankfully the weather forecast is looking better for the weekend.  The numbers of Covid on the Island are increasing rapidly which is a little disconcerting.  We were so lucky throughout the pandemic that there were so few cases but it is certainly making up for it now.  Whilst we are not staying indoors we are still trying to stay as safe as possible and staying away from large groups once again.

See you soon.

A Break In The Weather Means A Mini Tour

 The majority of the time I have been back on the Island we have been blasted with wind and rain, making the most of the stove and getting the cottage into shape.  Finally we have had a reprieve and the weather, dare I say it, has improved.  The sun has been shining, the wind has slowed down and not a sight of a rain cloud to be seen.  Long may this last...but just in case it didn't we made the most of it and had a drive into Stornoway for a walk around the harbour and town.   It is still a little chilly, you will need your coat but make yourself comfortable and come along for a stroll.

The name on this vessel certainly made me smile, Gratitude and prompted a conversation of how much we had to be grateful for in the grand scheme of things.

The reflections in the water were a delight to see and had me thinking of some of the amazing artists that we have locally.  We decided once we had worked up an appetite we would go to An Lanntair for lunch and to see if there was an exhibition.

The naked trees gave us the opportunity to see the castle through the branches, a glimpse here and there teasing us with a promise of things to come.  

By the time we had walked around the harbour, we had certainly worked up an appetite and inspired by the beauty wanted to check out Ann Lanntair.  We were not disappointed.

A interesting exhibition thought provoking but well worth the visit.  We did of course enjoy lunch in the restaurant, it was so nice to be out and about again.  Back to the car and then a whistle stop drive to the sea at Baile an Truiseil.  It was a joy to have a few moments looking at the beautiful walls and thinking about the generations before us that have spent the time collecting the stones and making them. We are surrounded by so much history, tradition and beauty and don't always see it.

I hope you have enjoyed this mini tour whilst we had a break in the weather.  I was hopeful that this was a sign of things to come but the wind has picked up and it is a dreary overcast day today.  Hopefully this will blow over very quickly and we will get out for another tour soon.   Hope all is well with you, I am visiting but not commenting on your blogs for the time been until I get back into a routine.

Take care.

See you soon.

Filling My Days

 In the past week we have endured 3 named storms that pale into significance now that Russia has invaded Ukraine.  My heart goes out to all those affected by this senseless invasion, of course it is dominating the news and I am glued to the TV.  This simple act of awaiting news has taken me back so many times to when my hubby served in the Army and I was constantly sat waiting for news.  It is heart rendering and will only get worse as more and more people will become displaced and the senseless bloodshed and loss of life goes on.  All I can do is pray, not only for the people but for the leaders around the World to make some sense of this horrendous situation.

At the other end of the scale I have some amazing neighbours and friends who have visited since my return to the Island with gifts.  Each visitor wanting me to know that we were in their thoughts, it was a great comfort.  Soup and scones was one of the first offerings, closely followed by several variations of delicious cake, yummy!  Hand knitted wash/dish cloths were a delight, along with a beautiful card which really lifted my spirits.

On Monday I followed my usual routine and went along to my aerobics class where this vintage box holding this amazing silk was awaiting me.  What a wonderful surprise, my heart skipped a beat as I was opening it.  I have so many ideas but time will tell what it will be used for.

I am filling my days easily and whilst I appreciate I am not a great artist I do enjoy the process of painting.  I am still using watercolours but intend to have a go with acrylic and oil paints as time goes on.   I am still writing a poem here and there and adding them to my journal, the most recent ones about the weather.

The ferry remains an issue with so many cancellations and delays due to the weather and repairs.  Thankfully we have a good store cupboard and have the sense to check that the ferry was running before venturing into town.  We made that simple mistake a week or so ago...

As always I thank you for your visit and your comments.  Hope all is well with you.

See you soon.

This And That

 Although I have been away for several weeks I am told despite  the Winter having been mild there has been several damaging storms.  The winds have been extreme which does affect the running of the ferry...lots of delays and cancellations.  We did go to town last Thursday for a very disappointing shopping experience.  The fresh food aisles were empty both in Tesco and the Co-op, I hadn't checked that the freight ferry was running.  Big mistake to make.  Thankfully we had enough to make do.  I went into town once again yesterday and this time we had plenty of choice and I was able to stock up once more, prior to the arrival of storm Dudley which should hit later today early tomorrow.  There was a little storm damage from a previous storm whilst we were away to the outbuilding which as yet to be repaired properly.  Here's hoping it won't be as bad as predicted.  We are as ready as we can be with torches/blankets/fuel to hand along with batteries/radio and snacks. 

At the moment I am working on a crochet throw, which I want to drape over the pew.  This has been a project on my list to do for sometime so as soon as the storm passes a start will be made on the pew.

I have been using Aran wool in the main with pockets of oddments used for the stripes to add texture.  I am enjoying the process.

I am also working on a few small projects that I can carry with me and always have a project ready for on the go.  A dear blogging friend sent me this stunning project bag a couple of years ago and it has become a constant companion.

I am working on a few gifts for my gift drawer and found this adorable pattern for a brooch which uses oddments of yarn.

I was gifted this amazing crochet wreath book for Christmas and have had so much fun with it already browsing the pages.  The one on the front cover is succulents in a wonderful array of colour.  

My intention is to sort out all of my yarn stash and see what I have without having to buy too much.  Another job to add to the never ending list.

I am also working and experimenting with the joy of watercolours.  I am not a great artist but I am enjoying the process.

I must admit to been overwhelmed by all your comments, your love and support means so much.  I have made a start on visiting your blogs and will continue to try and catch up.  The household tasks have now all been caught up with, although realistically it is a constant cycle.

See you soon.

 

Return To Blogging

I am back here in the fold of such amazing blogging friends.  Your messages in the comments, emails cards and gifts have been wonderful to read as I return from my travels.  My sincere apologies for not keeping you in the picture but I have been down in England helping to take care of my dear Dad.  As you all know he has been ill for some time but his wish was to die at home.  The family made that possible...he died on 12th January at home where he wanted to be.  It was quite the wait for the funeral but I am now back on my beloved Island, taking life slowly and trying to return to some normality.

It was with great sadness that we also lost our dear friend and companion Mickey our dog just before Christmas.  He went to bed/sleep as normal and never woke up.  He had a good life and I am so glad that he didn't suffer in any way.  It is very strange in the cottage without him, he has left a big hole. 

It is my intention to return to blogging as soon as I have caught up with household tasks, mainly washing and ironing.  There is quite the list of tasks actually but I am avoiding the dreaded list...

Hope all is well with you.  Belated New Year wishes to you all!

See you soon.