Today is the first day of the rest of my life...

For the last 20 years I have collected childrens illustrators (well books illustrated by certain artists). This is only through the books themselves usually picked up at car boots etc and sometimes managing to find a first edition. One illustrator that I love from the 60s and 70s is Brian Wildsmith...



His books were always educational but have lovely illustrations. The Fishes includes all the collective nouns for different groups of fish...



I was going through this one and found this one (un)imaginatively titled "Squirrels"



but I hadn't realised they could swim! I digress...



The other day I flicked through "The Circus" enjoying the old images.



Some of you may recall the trauma I went through on appyling for my job at the grade below that which I have been doing for the last two years. Although I was successful I have found it difficult to come to terms with working at the lower level and know that things won't improve.(Government cutbacks - don't ask!)



The illustrations put me in mind of my office. I've felt like the men in the human pyramid - constantly holding up/supporting others, (I'm the bewildered looking one in red trousers below the one in yellow trousers)


being creative and innovative...



constantly jumping through hoops...



and juggling and spinning plates.



But today IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE as I have GONE PART TIME after 32 YEARS! Today was my first non paid Friday. I've been mulling this over for three months but finally took the plunge deciding that I needed to regain some control.
Today I spent some time in the sunshine taking time to "smell the roses". Now I can metaphorically ride bareback for 3 days a week - its only a small reduction but I'm hoping it will help me regain some sanity and balance in my life!

Hope you're feeling balanced and grounded ready for the weekend!

Love Wend

Sunday treasure hunt

Today started bright and breezy and I had high hopes for a good car boot. I wasn't disappointed! The small hamper was part of the haul and the round plate is a tin cocktail platter (obviously I'm always having cocktail parties so this will be incredibly useful and I don't know how I've managed without it previously!) The gravy boat is another piece of Beryl "Utility ware" which I keep picking up.



The fabric at the front of the basket is actually a Tootal scarf from 50/60s. Although these were made for men I have lots of them and often wear them as I love all the colours and patterns. At the back of the picture you can see some old baking tins - these have a scalloped pattern at the base of the tin to create a pattern on your pastry presumably. If anyone knows of a good way to clean these up so that I dare use them please let me know! In front of those are some terracotta plant pots which I pick up when I see them as I manage to lose some every winter.



Two unpleasant looking plastic bags yielded lots of sewing items and I was thrilled to pick up this Lexicon which I have plans for...



I loved this pretty biscuit barrel - unfortunately cracked but still displaying nicely...



I looked at the thimbles and was intrigued to see lettering around the edge - one saying "Use Hudsons Soap" and another "Lyons Green Label Tea" - has anyone seen these before? Were they earlier years freebies do you think?



These next two items I picked up at a charity shop yesterday - the decoration inside and outside this tea cup is delightful and I couldn't leave it on the shelf.



But look at this coffee cup stand! Have you ever seen anything like it? Where on earth do you display something like this? Perhaps now I need to find an old fashioned china cabinet! (Although Niobe has threatened to leave home if I bring home another piece of furniture) - Now there's an idea...She's currently in the middle of her Duke of Edinburgh practice camping somewhere in Derbyshire - one more day to go...It might be sunny in the daytime but it still seems a bit chilly for camping to me!



Almost forgot - I've been meaning to post about the colour swap I did run by "Dolly Dollop". I was partnered with "Lissy Lou and the two little boys" who sent me green items some jams, a lovely handmade heart, cup and saucer, some coloured papers, Cath Kidston tissues, some buttons and a candle. These gits were all wrapped beautifully in green tissue and floral wrapping paper. Thank you Lissy Lou! This was my first swap and was good fun.







I sent Lissy Lou pink items - we were asked to stipulate our colour choice. I think she liked them!



Hope you have had a successful weekend!

Love Wend