Excitement - Memories of Home

Well, it is the first day of the year and I wish you a very Happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed your celebrations seeing the new year in and where ever you are. 

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Excitement

Mixed Media House

Growing up there was always excitement  that came over you when the New Year celebrations had passed and everything had settled down.  You were back at school, it seemed like everything was made new and you had a fresh slate to try and experience new things.As kids we were always excited about the year to come, you had different celebrations coming up, birthdays to celebrate and you hoped that this year you got at least one thing on your wish list.

Being older the New Year and the first few weeks is of the year still fill me with excitement and it is all about that feeling of newness.  I have got the spring and summer months to come and look forward to making plans.  I plan the things I want to achieve for the year and armed with my diary look at lists and balance schedules.  Another thing I feel compelled to do at the start of the year is a spring clean.  This is currently at the top of our list and we are planning to get rid of a lot of things that are just cluttering up the home and not being used, trying to find a good home for them. We also see courses starting and it is an opportunity to learn new things and get those brain cells moving.

What fills you with excitement about the coming year, have you got something specific planned, ideas that you are working on or are just a thought without a form at the moment?  Speak life into these ideas and give them legs this year, and remember to share how you got on!

I would love to hear what big and little things you have planned I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

Garden - Memories of Home

Well, it is the first day of the year and I wish you a very Happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed your celebrations seeing the new year in and where ever you are.

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Garden

With the new year brings exciting changes for all. I took time yesterday morning to spend it in the garden seeing what needed to be cut back in preparation for the spring, what needed to be cleared. I really enjoy this time as what you do now can impact the development of the plant and prepares it for the next stage of development.

When we were smaller we lived in a flat (apartment). We had a balcony which was small, but no garden space. My mother loved plants and had a wide array of houseplants dotted around the home. She would take her time walking round to each tending to them applying water and removing the dead leaves. She seemed in her own world and would often be humming or singing a song. Watching her and spending time in my own garden I realise the therapeutic benefits that she enjoyed as she spent time with the plants. 

I too find it relaxing, regardless of what I am doing even if it is getting rid of fallen branches. It is a lovely feeling to know what will be coming and how the plants will take shape as the weather gets milder. I have a plant that produced bright yellow flowers in the spring and yesterday noticed that one of them had decided to come out early and give me a visual taster.

This is the plant in its full glory and the flowers will last until the summer.  It truly is lovely to feast your eyes on it. Whether big or small do you have a space to grow plants, what is your favorite plant you have grown?

I would love to hear what type of plants you have in your own home environment that allows you to be comfortable. I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

Children - Memories of Home

Happy Christmas. I hope that your day is filled with warmth as the family and friend get together. If you know that someone is going to be on their own, invite them round, visit and spread joy peace and happiness!.

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

As children we used to get really excited at Christmas time. We helped decorate the tree and underneath the presents circled. We tried to get a peek feeling the size and whether anything shook beneath the wrapping. We had to wait though for our dad to get up and have his breakfast before we were able to open any presents and we felt as if we were going to burst because we knew that while we might not get all the items on our list we might at at least one thing. As we got older on some years our presents would be something more practical and a I remember how I felt when I unwrapped the nightey rather than the cassette player that i had my eyes on.

As we have all grown up and have children of our own we tried to hold on to some of the traditions and Christmas would be be spent in each others houses, seeing the children now filled with the excitement that we had at their age.

Our day though is singed with the loss of our brother who was an uncle, father, son, husband and friend. We take time to lift up his memory and think of the laughter, his humour, grace, understanding and love.

I hope you are having a blessed day as you remember those near and far and those who have also lost loved ones this year, do leave a comment and share what makes today special for you

Sanctuary - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Growing up being the middle child in a 3 bedroom apartment meant that you had to share with the youngest.  Up to the age of around 11 years old I had to share with my little brother.  With only a 4 year age difference between me and Robert it seemed much bigger than that of the 6 years that stood between me and my sister, and I thought that I was much more mature than I really was.  When my sister left for university it coincided with me turning 11 and going into secondary school and I finally got my own room.  I was so excited, finally in a space that was all mine and I could lay my things out just so and not have anyone trouble it, or so I thought. 

For a long while after I got my room for some reason, Robert wanted to have his own room and come into my room as well.  What I didn’t know back then that I know now, is that he just wanted to spend time with his bigger sister, and with all the little trinkets and things I collected it must have seemed like a treasure trove. But, like many young girls going though the transition into pre-teens I looked at his desire to hang out in my room with annoyance and everyone knew that little brothers were pests.

As we both grew older we began to really appreciate our space and they became our go-to places to cool off, understand, and finally be the space where you were not going to be judged or criticized.  My room was where I hung out, played music, swooned over the poster of the latest pop star and did my homework, and on special occasions would allow my brother to come in and hangout.

In my own home bringing up a family I began to understand the responsibility of trying to create the environment throughout the house that would bring a sense of peace and calm as you set your foot through the door.  Two of the elements that I carried on from childhood was from the kitchen space and making it a place to gather and unwind.  At mums when we came home and even as adults visiting we would all gather in the kitchen to catch up with each other, over a cup of tea and mums latest fruit cake or the aromas of the dinner cooking and the ginger and garlic spices being tossed around the pot that would lay way to caress the taste buds with delicious flavours.

The other thing that is important for me to have around is books. My dad always had books and super hero comics dotted around over the house on shelves and we were all encouraged to read and I often escaped to far off lands and had hair raising adventures as I read through the books on the shelf. My sanctuary and home is a combination between my own style and fond memories that I carry from childhood, and I guess my son will also carry elements of our home into his own when he has a home of his own.

What elements have you put in your space to make your home your sanctuary?  Do share and leave your comments.  Blessings!

Perfume - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Memories of Home - Perfume

Perfume

When we were younger mums favourite perfume was one by Yardley called ‘Lilly of the Valley’.  It seemed timeless, and was a lovely perfume.  It became one that mum became known for and she always had a good supply requesting it for birthdays and Christmas presents.  It was what we called a ‘mum’ scent and you would be able to smell it as she walked past or in one of those much needed TLC moments where she would give you a hug and tell you not to worry that everything would be fine and you were comforted and it all seemed alright.  Yardley back then was seen as quality, with their products being packaged and only available in certain places, it is now thought of as a perfume for the 'older lady' according to the news papers, but if your not one for fitting in with social pressure you’ll buy it if you like it!  

I grew to love perfume and the sweeter scents from a young age, when I can afford it I like to treat myself with floral tones and favour geranium, ylang ylang and jasmine.  I also find that a few of the selected men’s eau de colognes have some gorgeous scents and from time to time I have brought myself one that takes my attention, there is one that I have been eyeing up for a while called Hermes that I really like – but that will have to go on my wish list. 

A couple of years ago I found some Lilly of the Valley bulbs, and brought them not having much expectation with their growth and put them in on one side of the path as you come to my front door.  Well they grew, and what was amazing was how delicate they smelt, their scent got stronger in the evening and so you would come home and be greeted by a subtle blend of jasmine and Lilly of the valley along with the rosemary and the lemon verbena plants.  What is also lovely about these plants is that they are perennials so every year they not only grow back they spread as well.

Perfume and aromas have a way of transporting you back to a memory and Lilly of the Valley is like for me, it takes me back to my childhood and a time where you didn’t have a care in the world, and the adventure of life lay ahead and whether in a bottle or in the garden will always bring on a warm feeling of comfort and safety.

What part of your home or your childhood holds those special memories, please leave a comment and I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. 

Blessings and peace to you!

Kitchen - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Kitchen

The kitchen in our home growing up was always the center of all activity. It always had wonderful aromas coming from it and was the warmest room as mum would create her delicious recipes. Mum was a great cook, and could turn her hand to anything. Her baking was divine and we would all get our own individual cake that she made on our birthdays, there was always something going on and we had to celebrate with a cake. When we were little we would help her mix and when she was finished she would give us the bowl and in those days tasting the mixture never posed any problems and tasted good, but times change.

Growing up and having homes of our own we all found we did exactly the same, the kitchen became the heart and usually when we go to each others homes we all gravitate at some point in the kitchen as we relax and reflect. My thoughts recently have been dwelling on the loss of my brother, it has now been just 6 months and new routines are being faced, with the Christmas season quickly approaching we hold his memory dear to our hearts and we gather and reminisce on how things used to be.

What part of your home holds those special memories, please leave a comment and I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

Ice Cream - Memories of Home

Ice Cream - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here 

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Ice Cream

When we were younger, about once a month my dad would take me and my brother and sister to an ice cream parlour - the old fashion kind.  It was called Marine Ices.  It was run by an Italian family with its recipes developed by Gaetano Mansi and they had a wonderful selection of ice creams and sorbets.

Our dad would allow us to have the pick of the selection available.  One of my favorite was knickerbocker glory with lashings of ice cream and their milkshakes were delicious along with their ice cream sundaes with a cherry on top.  I remember the chrome furnishings and the excitement of it all. 

Our trip to Marine Ices became a family tradition which would be followed by a stroll around Camden Lock which has become a very trendy place to be for millions of tourists each year.  When dad passed as kids we kept it up for a while fondly looking back at our memories and each building new ones with our own children.

Do you remember somewhere you used to visit as a child, please leave a comment and I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

Space - Memories of Home



Space - Memories of Home



Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Space

Growing up we were never limited with the amount of space we were able to have access to. While we lived in a 3 bedroom apartment with a small balcony, we had access to a very local park with lots of greenery, and an even bigger space in Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill fields. Our parents encouraged us to ride our bikes, scooters and even on foot to explore, engage and have fun in our environment.

As I have grown older, I have relished having space around me. My garden that I tend provides another living space that we can all enjoy whatever the weather. As my son has grown and his sister now with a home and family of her own, I was able to claim my own creative space, which I feel has enabled me to grow as an artist.

 

Space - Mixed media house

 

I would love to hear what creative ways you have made your space yours and I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

 

Space to Dream....

Home - Memories of Home

Home - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Home

Where do you feel at home?  For me it is not in the objects that we surround ourselves with, the ornaments, that rug or the china.  But it is an atmosphere, those familiar aromas, and scents that fill the air.  I remember my mothers perfume, or the bread that she baked, the ginger beer she had forming on the kitchen window ledge.  The feeling of home were all underpinned by a memory of something that we had been doing, sitting around the kitchen table comforted in the warm that our parents unknowingly created in the space that served as our home.

Memories of Home

In my own home I try and pull many things together, finding that balance that allows us all to flourish in the right conditions, giving us all a voice and a place to feel nurtured. 

In that place called home we can reconnect with who we truly are, explore and face new adventures.  Our prayers and thoughts go out to all those in the Philippines who have been affected by the The Typhoon.  If you want to give a donation click on the link here that will take you to the Oxfam site.

I would love to hear what creative ways you have made the space you call home, and I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

Relaxation - Memories of Home

Relaxation - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here 

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Relaxation

Being able to feel relaxed at home is important.  It is the place where you can come back and not only unwind, but be yourself.  You step out of a world where you are judged by the way you look, car you drive, clothes you wear or whatever and into a world of total acceptance.  You can be yourself and let the cares of the world stay outside the door for another day. 

When I was younger the thought of having a candle lit bath was the thing that we saw in films and was reserved for grown-ups to enjoy, or something they did in the blackouts when all the power went out!  As I got older I understood that it was something that I could do for myself – run a hot bath, put on some soothing music and light a few candles as it promoted relaxation and a sense of well-being and peace. 

Luxury locations - Barbados

There are many other ways in which you can promote relaxation – going out for a stroll and taking a look at your environment, spending time in the garden, putting on your favorite piece of music can be relaxing or you could decide to read a book taking that 5 minutes of alone time to gather your thoughts before you launch yourself into the evenings activities.  

Frangipani Flower - Barbados

And where would we be without a deck of cards?  When all the homework is done, the food cooked and eaten, spending time playing a card or board game has always been something to create great memories and encourage the whole family to relax.

I would love to hear what creative ways you have come up with to help you relax I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

Clean - Memories of Home

Memories of Home - Clean

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

As children we were given chores to do, and each weekend we had to do our bit. Out would come all the cleaning materials and we would have to get on with the hoovering, dusting and carrying out the rubbish. It wasn't something we looked forward to, but led by my big sister, me and my little brother were kept in check. My sister even drew up a rota for us all to follow and tried to rope my dad into it, but as far as he was concerned the cleaning was our job cause he went out to work every day!

Mothers helping hand

By the time my sister left home to go to university I was able to have a room all to myself and I think I rebelled within the confines of my room and on more than one occasion the messiness became overwhelming and my mother would save the day. I would come back from school and my room would be all tidy and clean. She would say "a place for everything and everything in its place", and I would be more than grateful that I had a my tidy room back.

Organising my space in my bedroom

And right she was! In my studio space that measures approx 6ft by 7ft, I have tried to cram as many things as I can whilst trying to create a sense of space, it can be difficult and making use of wall space and storage ideas is necessary.

Studio space, compact but everything has it's place!

I have had to be really strict with myself about clearing up at the end of the day and enabling me to allow the creativity to flow. Whilst I am not a minimalist, mums example set all those years ago provided the example that in my life now and at home with my family we have systems in place that enables us to appreciate the space that we do have.

I would love to hear what you have put in place in your own home environment that allows you to be organised. I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

In the news - Change, Coming Soon Club and Competition winner

Welcome to another special day, for us to be able to share our gifts, connect and make a difference in whatever way possible. Even the smallest effort can make a difference.  

Change

Flowers still in bloom - in October!

Yesterday I spent time in a park close to where I grew up as a child.  It brought back memories of my adventures with my brother Robert who passed away in June.  In thinking of our loss I still have a hard time believing he is gone, I said to my son Sekani that this time last year I was sitting in my brother's kitchen over a cup of tea talking about our creative paths, without a clue of what was to come.  As children we sometimes use to go to the park after school and play because it was close to our home.  The area has changed a lot over the years.  

Outdoor Gym open to all!

The park is now also home to an outside gym to encourage the locals to get fit, and a skateboard park and basket ball pitch for the younger crowd.  The apartments that you can see in the picture above used to be a school.  As you look around the park you can see that they have really taken time to consider what facilities they provide which has made it more accessible for community that live there. 

Creativity and organisation

Over the past couple of weeks I made a conscious decision that I wanted to make several changes to my processes, organisation, output etc.  I was feeling as if the things that I really wanted to do and see come to pass were so far out of my reach.  I prayed that the changes in my life I had been working on to manifest, would start to be evident.  This is really where patience comes in, any change that will be lasting takes effort and time.  You can decide to do nothing and change will still take place, whether it will bring the results you seek is another matter.  I guess in some cases my impatient side was looking for the immediate, but also know that unless you plan and make adjustments then you won't get the results you require.  

I looked at my output in my writing and art and wanted to become more focused, sharing and interacting more.  This is one of the changes that I have made on my blog, by having specific areas that I will share each day.  The frequency of my posting has increased and I have attempted to be more consistent in sharing part of my world with those that visit and also to stretch myself. For those who haven't yet noticed I have a new blog schedule:

Mondays - Material Mondays

Fabric and Crochet

Tuesdays - Tuesday Tutorials

How to....

Wednesdays - Memories of Home

Mixed Media houses

Thursdays - In the news

What's on?

Fridays - Gratitude's and Celebrations

What are you grateful for?

Saturday - Recycled Projects

Reuse, Recycle & Up-cycle

Sunday - Creating in Faith

Creating in Faith - Discussions and more

I am trying to work across the board with all of my social media, but as you probably understand - there is only so much time in a day, but with perseverance and passion a way will be made, and I hope you continue to join me as my work and practices evolve.

Competition!

I ran a competition last week on my Capturing Moments tutorial post, the prize is the mini journal below. 

The winner is Bloomers, and I am also giving a runners up prize of a mini journal and this will go to Ann K from Cairn Cottage.  Well done to both of you, hope you enjoy your mini journals!

Hot desk at the Coming Soon Club...

An organisation called  The Coming Soon Club has set up enterprise initiatives for local people who want to test out a business idea or arts or community project in a temporary space.  They not only provide the space but mentoring advice as well.  They also provide facilities hot desk and internet connection for those who normally work from home which is great if you want to dip your feet in every now and again into the office environment without the office politics.  I used them recently when my internet connection went down, it was great to be able to get on with some focused work without the distractions of home.  It is very relaxed space, they have some exhibitions on the way and they have a small cafe serving refreshments.

Creativity and Social Work

Tomorrow I am giving a talk to a group of social workers training for their AMPH qualification.  My talk focuses on being a carer and the impact of the role on my life, I will also be able to share some creative tools and reflections that I have used.  It is my third year of presenting this talk and it is great to be able to interact with the students and see how they begin to reflect on their own roles and the impact it may have on carers.


And finally...

Katherines Corner
Today is also Thursdays Favorite Things on Katherines Corner Take a stroll over there and visit some of the inspiring blogs listed in the links, you can leave a link to your post and show some support by visiting others who have listed theirs.  

Blessings to you and yours!

Nurturing - Memories of Home

Memories of Home

Welcome to the first day of the Memories of Home Series.  

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.  

I will be sharing a selection of mixed media houses that I created alongside words that I want to foster in my environment or that bring back memories of home life.  Along the way creativity will be at the heart of it.

Nurturing

Looking back our early days were spent being nurtured, by our parents (in their own way) making the mistakes, picking yourself up and dusting yourself off.  Knowing that while you were at home you would feel secure as you take the time to spread your wings.

I tell my son that our home is his training ground.  I want him to feel free enough to make his mistakes - we all make them, but to also feel that he won’t be judged by his mistakes, he will have his foundation and have the space to learn and grow and be himself.  Being in a nurturing environment is key for the growth to happen and I want him to be able to look back on his childhood and teenage years seeing with fondness knowing that he was in a supportive environment that inspired, guided, and gave him the necessary tools to become the man he will no doubt be one day.  When you have had a challenging day it is important to feel the love and nurture within your home and that everyone understands the part they play in keeping it so.

I would love to hear what you have put in place in your own home environment that allows nurturing to take place, please share in the comments below.

I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and some art journaling and look back to the memories of home.  I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories.