Even Grumpyboots get presents....

It is cold, because we don't have any heating at all now. The boiler was apparently on it's last legs. So, now we have to have a new one - and it can't be put in until Wednesday! That's no heat, no hot water, no sofa, the new kitchen in total disarray, and even more expense! But, are we downhearted? - well, a bit, 'cos it's really cold, but actually not too much. Just enough to have a few grumps.

You have two choices, don't you, and in the scheme of things these are just temporary inconveniences. It's easy to forget how lucky I am compared to so many people, I have a home, a job, a wonderful partner, fantastic family and friends, oh, and having an electric shower and a dishwasher helps at times like these! Seriously, today in the office I was talking to a someone who is doing some work for me and the poor guy had just lost his father in law, had a sick baby and a seriously ill friend staying at the weekend - it really puts everything into perspective.

Even in my grumpiness I've been keeping busy and have actually been quite productive.
I have started 2 new dolls at long last. One is cloth, and the other is my first attempt at working on a wire armature. I'm not quite sure who they are going to be yet, it's one of the problems I have, I just make up the pattern as I go along and they just seem to evolve - I can't ever tell who they are until they have a face! So I can never plan what I will use for costuming in advance.

I'm actually quite excited about it and am already planning the next one which will be cloth and clay - as soon as I can find a supplier for paper clay. I asked at our craft shop and explained what it was for, sadly they'd never heard of it! I've been too cold to sit and stitch, so I haven't managed to complete any embroidery or drawing, I'm constantly up and down when I make dolls, so I can keep warmer!

Now for the nice bit:
I had a lovely surprise as my Sacred Word Keeper from Cheryl at Healing Woman arrived earlier than expected! Apologies for gushing, but she is wonderful, I love her! This picture does not do her justice at all.


Please take time out to have a look at Cheryl's amazing art work, and her wonderful blog (take a look at her incredible car!). I am so thrilled to have been the lucky recipient of this gift, it really is beautiful. In addition, Cheryl sent me a copy of her book "Woman within the Web", which I sat and read immediately in one go. What a talented lady- an artist and a writer.

And the crocuses are out! Hooray, spring is sprung (we hope).

Grumpy x