Another blog

'Well yes I do have another blog called 'Writer's Blog', I am a writer as well, that is what I do.  I am currently analysing 'Basil' by Wilkie Collins with a view to submitting a work to be published (hopefully) on the Wilkie Collins website run by Andrew Mangham at Reading University.

I am a huuge Wilkie Collins fan and studied 'Basil' for my Master's Dissertation at Reading back in 2005.  'Basil' is a fascinating story of a young man who proposes marriage to  a young lady, but ends up being usurped  by her tutor. It is a story of madness and monomania, made worse by paranoia.  I will post a section of my submission here, in order that you may read it and make comment to your heart's content.

I wish you goodnight for now... off to read more 'Basil'.

where does the time go?

Well my lovely blogging followers and friends.  Just where does the time go?  I can't believe it's a month since I last blogged.  Not good!  What has happened in that month? I hear you ask, well I've started the wedding fairs again, the first of which was in a barn.  It was a 500 year old barn on the outskirts of Basingstoke.  Fabulous! I hear you cry, and it was all Tudor brickwork and high oak beams.  The only problem was that it was freezing inside and lovely and sunny outside.  No, that wasn't the only problem actually.  The floor was pure concrete; all dust and feathers from the birds nesting in the roof and the arrow-slit windows.  On arrival most of the exhibitors hearts sank as, although the barn was beautiful, a wedding venue it was not!   

however, we all laid out our wares, and once all the tables were covered and balloons were placed, the barn looked beautiful once more.  One exhibit which really caught my eye was the fruit and vegetable carving.  Yes indeed, these lovely people had carved flowers and leaves out of fruit and vegetables to make the most exotic display I think I've ever encountered.  it was gorgeous!  if you want to see some gallery pics have a look at www.carvedmagic.co.uk.

here's to the next blog, and I promise it won't be as long as last time.

Pauline

Boutonierre

Just attempting to make some buttonholes, or boutonierre as they are otherwise known.  Crumbs they're not as simple as they look.  I think crocheting 9ct gold was slightly easier :?

still I'll soldier on and I will solve the issue, I'll post some pics as and when I think they're good enough.

Wow! A big welcome to all my new followers

Thank you to all of you who have decided to follow Purple Princess Designs, aka Purplepolly on Etsy.com.

Here I will post news of new items, articles of interest and new design innovations, where possible, from stages such as London and Paris Fashion weeks.  If anyone has an idea for a blog, or would like to guest blog, please do feel free to contact me, I'm more than happy to accept suggestions and ideas.

Recently I have started a bead club in our local area, we are small, yet perfectly formed so far.  Our last session saw us beading in the most wonderful wooden structure in the garden with sunshine flooding through the 'windows'.  Some call it a gazebo, or a small summerhouse.  it's circular with built in bench seats and a huge round table in the middle, perfectly set for beading.  The windows are canvas and plastic 'roll uppable' shutters allowing for light to flood in, and yet keeping the rain well and truly out.  what a wonderful session, and some beautiful, yet simple articles made by the lovely beady ladies present.

who thought you could crochet with wire?

Yes it's true, a couple of years ago, even a year ago I would not have thought it possible to be able to crochet with wire, and yet voila!  here I am crocheting, not only with wire, but also with 9ct gold wire! 

I attach a photo for your perusal.  As you can see the bracelet consists of Swarovski pearls and crystals, and diamante 'disco balls' for extra sparkle.  My bride was extremely happy with the result, as the powder almond and light creamrose pearls fitted perfectly with her theme, dress and tiara.  Personally I don't think this photo does it any where near the justice it deserves.  Let me know what you think.

Another shop closes in the High Street

Sadly, I have to report that the Bead Box in Knaphill has had to close it's doors for the last time today.  I knew they were working on a two day week, and thought I would just mosey over there to have a mooch.  In my pocket I had a very small budget of £20 for some goodies, but as it happened they had a 50% off sale on... and a lot of sad people talking to Blair, the owner.  He was telling me that there just is not the footfall nowadays  to warrant keeping the shop open.   He partly blamed the internet, but also, should we not consider our own behaviour when it comes to shopping?

More and more shops are closing on our high streets, and frankly I'm with Mary Portas here, I don't want to see ghost towns with myriad empty shops.  I want to be able to see and feel the quality of what I'm being offered.  Sadly it seems that we are so lazy that we'd rather risk purchasing items from the internet than make the effort to mosey into town and support local businesses.  I think, as Portas says, we will regret this, maybe not now, but in the future we will certainly miss them.

Please whatever you do, make the effort to support local business, it's really important that we don't lose the identity of our towns, and also that we support each other in business.  Do we really want to deal with faceless individuals who trade with us on the internet, people we can't talk to, and much less complain when things are not right?

I don't think we do, not really. 

Happy Shopping

a dalliance with fascinators

Hallo All

it's been a while since I was on here, this is largely due to working at a local mental health hospital.  Ha! no not what you think, I am doing them a favour and training the staff on a new computerised patient notes system.  Odd? well no not really, this is the kind of thing I have done for many many years, in my previous life.  I have been a lecturer at a local college, and also ran an IT HelpDesk for Going Places for about 11 years.

I tested new systems and logged all the problems then when the time came, I contributed to all the documentation, and where necessary trained it on to the staff.  So actually it makes a lot of sense.   It's been interesting these last few weeks, well since May really.  Organised is not a word I would put to this lot, but they seem to be getting to grips with it all now.

what has amazed me is just how many people have no idea how to use a computer.  No idea at all, incredible that in this day and age, there are still people who just don't own a pc, or a laptop.  They can't type, and have no idea how to navigate around a computer screen.  Funny how we imagine that everybody will have these facilities and skills, why should they really?  it's their choice not to.  The only problem is, of course, that they will find they'll now have to find those skills from somewhere.  Trouble is that the hospital won't train them.  hey ho, fun days.

Hope everyone is well.