A friend recently told me she was intentionally looking out for gifts in life. I liked that idea. I've been trying to do the same. Today was significant. I didn't look for a gift one landed on my doorstep from a friend. Such a surprise. I was asked to sign for this brown box.. thinking i can't remember ordering anything.
I tugged at the tape and impatiently tugged at the cardboard flaps to open it and inside was an amazingly life-like ginger cat. My friend called him Bob. I love it end of.
Monday, 24 April 2017
Looking for gifts
Sunday, 23 April 2017
Happy Pic!
Whilst on holiday my iPad got stolen. Not nice. I did get some money back from my travel insurance. I chose to widen my experience and try Android. I enjoy learned new things.
We went on the dodgems last Friday as part of my Dad's birthday celebrations. It was fun. My youngest nephew wanted to come with me (and drive!) He was very excited about. We were all in cars so an infocus photo was near impossible but my sister did a great job and I've been playing around with the effects on my tablet.
Sunday, 22 March 2015
Comparison and Criticism
I watched an episode of "the Big Painting challenge" this evening on BBC2. A quest to find Britain's best amater artist. This week it was set in Liverpool with various scenes to paint using different mediums.
I got quite distressed though as the one of the judged didn't seem to have anything,encouraging to say about anything. It made me sad that she didn't see any of the beauty, which in my untrained eyes was clearly evident in most of the paintings.
It then got me thinking about many of the reality competition programmes on TV, The Great British Bake off, the Voice, Xfactor, Strictly- we cannot watch them without hearing the harsh and very public criticisms of the judges,
Do I/we take these judging voices into our minds when we create something just for our own pleasure or for friends and family?
I believe we were all born to enjoy creating something as we are made in the image of a God who creates. Whether we enjoy baking, painting, writing, speaking, there is something beautiful and unique in all our efforts and maybe if we ignore these made up critical voices our pens, paintbrushes, hands, voices or feet will begin to dance.
Saturday, 1 March 2014
Friday, 14 February 2014
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Saturday, 21 December 2013
Friday, 20 December 2013
Christmas presents
I've nearly finished my Christmas shopping - thanks Amazon.
But there are some gifts people need that don't cost money, but they still come at a price - oneself.
Things that come from the heart, a smile, a hug, forgiveness, saying sorry, hope love...
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
The Black Dog
Was it Churchill who called his depression the black dog so that it helped him feel it was not part of him? Anyway I saw this animation floating around Facebook and thought it was quite clever. Somethings are hard to put words to.
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Being intentional
Been thinking lots lately about friends - with Facebook there is opportunity to relate to so many people its crazy. Being a people person I could get caught up in happenings of so many events of people's lives I could spread.myself to thinly and not be a good friend to anyone. Scientist say we are only capable of taking an interest in 150 people ... Interesting.
I've been giving prayerful thought lately to who really matters in my life, who does God want me to love. I mean 'intentional' love.
My next thinking is, how can I make sure each one knows they are special to me.
Different friends respond to different gestures (have you ever read 'the five languages of love'?) it's a challenge but joyful one, not a chore.
Saturday, 16 November 2013
You didn't really want to work today did you?
Cookie, it's very cute that you've been following me around lately but also kinda annoying sometimes ... only sometimes though, please don't take offence!
Friday, 15 November 2013
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Neighbours, Connections, fireworks
It's funny how us Brits find it difficult to befriend our neighbours. Some of them are difficult as much as to say hello to. However one of mine has always been friendly, greeting me with a hello as we passed eachother.
My friend who works in the children's centre occassionally got to know her and a few week's ago we went to visit her in her new home as she moved a few months ago., Since she moved we became friends on Facebook and started to strike up a friendship. Whatever people say about Facebook it is a really powerful tool for connecting with people if used in the right way.
Anyway this morning she bought her one year old son up to see the cat and we had a really lovely time together. She has a cat too. It's funny how a cat can connect you with people too, get a conversation started.
Firework night tonight ... poor Cookie was so frightened. I found him under the bed!
My friend who works in the children's centre occassionally got to know her and a few week's ago we went to visit her in her new home as she moved a few months ago., Since she moved we became friends on Facebook and started to strike up a friendship. Whatever people say about Facebook it is a really powerful tool for connecting with people if used in the right way.
Anyway this morning she bought her one year old son up to see the cat and we had a really lovely time together. She has a cat too. It's funny how a cat can connect you with people too, get a conversation started.
Firework night tonight ... poor Cookie was so frightened. I found him under the bed!
Friday, 1 November 2013
Time to go home
All good things come to an end, children to go back to school, adults to work. But not before a couple of stops on the way home. First for a lovely brunch and second for a tour around a chocolate factory, where we were transformed into Umpa Lumpas!
Here's a crazy end to another lovely holiday! See you soon lovely boys!
Here's a crazy end to another lovely holiday! See you soon lovely boys!
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Stackpole walk, fish and chips and final board game!
We do this walk every year, we love it, it involves, woodlands, water and a lovely sandy beach at the end where we have our picnic. It's lovely to be near nature.
I had a very unsuccessful game of Pooh sticks with my little nephew though, I couldn't see any sticks so I suggested playing 'pooh leaves' instead. We both chose a leaf and after a the wind had died down and stopped blowing our leaves back up they floated down to the water, rushing to the other side we waited and waited for our leaves to appear, but the didn't. Then my mum who had walked on a bit said "Ceri, if you come down here, you'll see why your game isn't working". There were walls under the bridge stopping the water from going through.
I guess that's why when you feel stuck in life it's good to ask a friend how they see things from their perspective
We then went to a coffee shop for coffee and cake - the boys had spider cup cakes! Took a stroll outside. It was the only mild day so we made the most of it!
Then we had enough daylight left to go and see St. Govans chapel a very old church nestling in the cliffs on a rugged beach. Quite a few steps down, about 99! but such an aura when you arrive in the Chapel itself and the view from the little window is awesome.


Then it was back for fish and chip takeaway, a final game of Chinese Cludo with Mrs Wash Hee and Mr. Poo Ding!
Then time to make a start on packing. Already?!
I had a very unsuccessful game of Pooh sticks with my little nephew though, I couldn't see any sticks so I suggested playing 'pooh leaves' instead. We both chose a leaf and after a the wind had died down and stopped blowing our leaves back up they floated down to the water, rushing to the other side we waited and waited for our leaves to appear, but the didn't. Then my mum who had walked on a bit said "Ceri, if you come down here, you'll see why your game isn't working". There were walls under the bridge stopping the water from going through.
I guess that's why when you feel stuck in life it's good to ask a friend how they see things from their perspective
We then went to a coffee shop for coffee and cake - the boys had spider cup cakes! Took a stroll outside. It was the only mild day so we made the most of it!
Then we had enough daylight left to go and see St. Govans chapel a very old church nestling in the cliffs on a rugged beach. Quite a few steps down, about 99! but such an aura when you arrive in the Chapel itself and the view from the little window is awesome.
My littlest nephew and I lay down and found funny faces in the rocks, whilst the eldest braved it and walked right down to the sea which was crashing against the rocks with his dad keeping a close eye..
Then time to make a start on packing. Already?!
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
A Walk, a Scoot and a Rolling Stone!
My sister very kindly did some research on Google to find accessible walks. We found one we all fancied walking along the cliffs at St.Brides, some great views. The walk said 'for adventure scooters' - mine isn't an adventure scooter it's a didi little thing but we decided to go for it knowing I could walk any tricky bits and my scooter is light enough to be pulled. Oops .. but I hit a large stone on the floor!
Soft landing and gave my nephews much amusement so I didn't mind, if I can make someone laugh or smile, it's been a good day!
There was a bit of a beach at the end where the boys enjoyed playing in their wellies whilst us oldies drank hot chocolate and ate biscuits! I love watching the boys play on the beach, helps me take in and wonder
about the simplicity and yet the underlying awesomeness of God's creation.
We watched another film with the boys this evening, Spiderwick, lots of Ogres and the like, all good fun!
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Porridge, visitors, beaches and the cave!
Christmas music was playing whilst the porridge is being made, but that's my family hey! My brother-in-law makes the porridge every morning, what a star! Will include a photo later if I find one.
Meanwhile I'm still captured by a wooden sign on my bedroom wall.
I like it! Was great to have my brother-in-law's family with us today, Sian made an amazing corned beef pie for lunch then off we all went down to the beaches in the freezing cold again!
Meanwhile I'm still captured by a wooden sign on my bedroom wall.
I like it! Was great to have my brother-in-law's family with us today, Sian made an amazing corned beef pie for lunch then off we all went down to the beaches in the freezing cold again!
Then tonight ... we did it again, at the boys request! We went 'down the cave'!
Monday, 28 October 2013
Seal pup!
Today we ventured to go and see some seal pups. It was freezing cold but after a picnic in the car we braved the elements and ventured down to a cove by the sea. Brilliant photography Sian!
Had a great sighting of little fellas like these. Interesting how they look so free swimming on their backs yet when they are climbing over rocks it all looks quite a struggle for them. Life's a bit like that,m sometimes we need to struggle feeling very undignified and at other times we swim happily and gracefully.
Then we returned to the lovely warm holiday home and went 'Down the cave' as we all affectionately call the game! Good job we have a good living area!
Sunday, 27 October 2013
GeoCaching, Roast dinner and greek mythology!
Today we took a wander down to the various beaches nearby, we went to Little Haven and went Geocaching. It was a tricky one this one!
Then we went on to Broad Haven and warmed up in a cafe drinking coffee and hot chocolate. Then we tried the next beach along but the winds were so strong, sand was blowing into our faces before we even reached the beach, at one point I had to close my eyes. There are severe weather warnings in the media about a severe storm coming... maybe it's hitting us first.
Was lovely to come home to a home cooked roast, well done mum and Sian! .... (Aunty Ceri tries to stay on children watch when this is all going on!)
This evening I was introduced to the Percy Jackson - my eldest nephew loves the books, all to do with this kid who's half god and half boy - we watched a film based on a book. Good to be introduced to stuff I wouldn't choose myself. I can understand the attraction of greek mythology fantasy ... pretty harmless, enjoyed all the monsters and seeing the boys enjoying being a bit scared, half hiding behind a pillow!
Then we went on to Broad Haven and warmed up in a cafe drinking coffee and hot chocolate. Then we tried the next beach along but the winds were so strong, sand was blowing into our faces before we even reached the beach, at one point I had to close my eyes. There are severe weather warnings in the media about a severe storm coming... maybe it's hitting us first.
Was lovely to come home to a home cooked roast, well done mum and Sian! .... (Aunty Ceri tries to stay on children watch when this is all going on!)
This evening I was introduced to the Percy Jackson - my eldest nephew loves the books, all to do with this kid who's half god and half boy - we watched a film based on a book. Good to be introduced to stuff I wouldn't choose myself. I can understand the attraction of greek mythology fantasy ... pretty harmless, enjoyed all the monsters and seeing the boys enjoying being a bit scared, half hiding behind a pillow!
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