Working….

School holidays are still powering on but I did manage to get a little bit of work done on the Stanley book when the boys went camping overnight with Jonno. I only had two photos to take and now feel as though the finishing line isn't too far away. It's almost as though I am hanging out with friends whenever I have a scene with Stanley and his mother. They never interrupt me.

I finished reading Wally Lamb's 'We are Water' a couple of days ago. I loved it sooo much that I have to admit the house has fallen onto hard times. And now I have begun Amy Tan's 'The Valley of Amazement' it's looking as though the domestic neglect may become a more permanent situation.

Better go.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Books and Crazy New Hair.

 So this is what happens when you get cooped up with unwell children over summer. You start to feel a little drab and then the next think you know, you ask your neighbour to dye your hair… which she very obligingly does. I really like it but it did take me a couple of days to get used to it. My head piece was bought yesterday on sale as I thought it would come in handy for our mid year school ball (which is dress up). I will try to wear it only when I am tidying up the house - it will make cleaning more enjoyable.

 I also went to the library yesterday and borrowed a few more books. 'The Goldfinch' was such a stand alone read that it was quite hard to settle into a new one for a couple days. I actually ended up culling a couple of less than wonderful books as they couldn't measure up and life is too short for Not Very Good Reads…. sadly this for me included Adriana Trigiani's new book which I will try another day when I am not feeling so fussy (I usually really love her). I then read 'Dreamquake' the sequel to 'Dreamhunter' by Elizabeth Knox which I adored (I think I mentioned that in the last post) and am  now reading 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman which is pretty good. I'm thinking Amy Tan next. I am so spoilt for books right now.

 Another head shot. Just hanging out with the kids…

And little cool cat Hugo with his new $6 sun glasses. Apparently they are very hard to wear inside as everything becomes dark.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

p.s. Lesley, it was lovely to meet you in the library the other day and such a thrill to see your reading list!

Crochet Bears and Things

 Hugo has now finally had about 4 days of being temperature free. He was a sick little lad for 10 days and it feels as though we are only just starting to breathe again. So as I am sure you can imagine, Christmas and New Year's were very quiet. I am finding it heavenly to be on the other side of it all. Anyhoo, I saw that they have released the new cover of Simply Crochet uk, issue 14 and as I hinted a few times, I have a project in it. So here is a sneaky little peak. The brief was to design a vintage teddy bear. I thought I would go a little circusy with it. So here he is above (in a different wool) and below… 

I had such a lot of fun with it and the boys were very pleased as they both ended up with a new toy.

I've just finished reading 'Dreamquake' by Elizabeth Knox, the sequel to 'Dreamhunter' and am feeling glossily satisfied from having had such a great read. I love when an intricate plot is set up and then  manages to answer everything at the end. It is for teenagers (which never puts me off) but I have come away with so many thoughts to chew over which is always a wonderful result.

Now to choose the next one. Fortunately I have a pretty great pile at the moment. What are you reading at the moment for your summer/winter.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.