eva birdthistle

re:view, re: focus, re:vision

2010-11-10T08:26:00.002Z

Wow, how long has it been? 7 months? And here I am again putting something up about a photo exhibit in Kerry... the one in March had to be cancelled due to the passing of my Dad, and just recently i felt it was time to do it again. With the help of my beloved Simon this is going to be bigger and better!!!! So if you are in Kerry between 18th to 21st of November pop in to say hello into Chapel On The Hill, Killorglin to see images from all over that area. Ciao xxx

Its finally happened!

2010-03-04T15:37:00.005Z

My first solo photography exhibition!

Based on the beauty within areas of Kerry such as Rossbeigh, Cromane, Glencar and Douglas, beauty that is sometimes fleeting, look beyond the structures and layers and you will see the beauty that lies beneath.

So if you happen to be in the area of Kerry between 27th March to the 3rd April then pop in to An Gallery Beag in Killorglin to have a peep.

Eva x

Budapest

2010-02-16T00:16:00.004Z

How long eh? It doesn't bear thinking about, seriously! Loads has been happening over the last few months, some good, some bad but hey, thats life :)

Just recently back from a wonderful weekend in Budapest! Talk about amazing, I think the only word I kept saying was "Wow!", there is nothing better than discovering a new place, finding somewhere that you will never forget and certainly a place you want to return to. Of course I took a few photos while I was there, not too much as I wanted to really see and experience the place and only snapped when i trully wanted to capture a moment or a detail.

Some of the memories I will take away is the champagne and foie gras in the Black Raven, omg! I have never tasted anyting so delicious! The wonderful Jazz Gardens, the long walk up Andrassy past the House of Terror, the Hungarian Jew we met in the metro, the tingling feeling in my legs as they thawed out, the Sunday Market, the architecture, the heights, the views, the company :)

If you've never been, then its a must on your list, and if you have then you know what I'm talking about :)

Lush 4 Limerick

2009-11-03T22:35:00.003Z

Oh-kay, I know its been aaaaaaaaaaaaaaages but I have been busy you know, hahahaha! I've been creatvice, travelling and loving Lush loads :D

On facebook I've created a group called Lush 4 Limerick with over 100 members, we've sent emails, postcards and now we have the billboard campaign and all this done for free!!! We won this through Wispa Gold, with 2 locations in Belfast & Derry. Thanks to Caroline from school (*waves at Caroline) i got these photos :D how cool is that :D

Dormans Wharf, Derry

Ooooo, what do i spy...

Its Lush 4 Limerick... in Derry, hahahaha

Ciao for now, will load up photos and crafty stuff soon, i promise - hee hee xxx

***Ooooops, incase you're wondering what Lush is, check out www.lush.co.uk there are shops in Cork, Dublin and Belfast :D

09.09.09

2009-09-09T22:35:00.004Z

Whats in a date? Whatever you want really! I remember when my 12th birthday landed on the 12th of July my Dad said this was a special occassion and one we would have to mark, so he and Mum brought me to a restaurant in Killarney where I ate Lobster for the first time!

So to mark this date, and for my poor old Dad who has been in hospital for a number of weeks (in Mater Dublin) I have marked this day my naming a star after him. Enjoy Dad :-)

Kerry Rocks!

2009-08-23T13:17:00.010Z

Ok back from a great week away but certainly need another few days off just to recover, hee hee! We didn't stop for the week, walking, shopping, geo-caches, swiming, more walking. And having the cousins around to share it with was even better!! Poor old Papa Bud ended up in hospital with an infection by his pace maker. They are going in on Monday to make sure it hasn't spread to his heart. Keep fingers crossed! On the way home yesterday I asked Shona what was her favourite things about the week, so here follows her list:

My favourite things about our holiday in Kerry by Shona

#1 Skelligs Chocolate Factory - a bit of a drive outside Cahersiveen but worth it!!! Its a popular place and open 7 days a week.

We were not allowed to take photos inside the factory and the choccies didn't last long to snap up a few shots but if you are in the area check it out! http://www.skelligschocolate.com/ . Not just delis choccies but great views too, even if the weather was crap!

#2 Aqua Dome - I think the kids agree that the best part of this was the rapid river, hee hee! Everyone in the dome joined in, being carried away along the river at speed was soooooo funny! Another must if you are in the area. We must spent about 3 hours here

#3 Tralee Park - and its free :-) what a great way to spend an hour or two. I love the fact that there are some really good parks around Ireland now. The kids deserve it as do the parents, you can sit and be entertained by the swinging monkeys:

#4 Bowling - we headed to Bowling Buddies in Tralee, this was brilliant fun and a treat for the kids who had been brill all day, sitting around waiting in shops/hospital/cars etc. and not one complaint!!! Louise and I enjoyed this as much as the kiddies :-) there was a strike or two and plenty of spares (hahahaha) but not much consistency.

#5 Mama Mia's Kittens - Mama Mia is a wild cat that my Mum feeds (along with Socks and Snowy), anyways Mama Mia had 4 kittens about 6 weeks ago, she brought them to the cottage about 2 weeks ago but then there was only one kitten with her during her visits and my poor Mum thought the others were gone :-( then last week Mama Mia came by herself, so we thought maybe they were all gone... but then come saturday she arrived with 3 of her babies, awwwww. Mum was so excited, as were we!

#6 Geocaching - We managed to find one cache in Tralee, actually Cian found this one and he got to choose what treasure to take and what to replace it with. Shona is not that fond of the Geocaching hence why it is near the end of the list.... but its not last....

# last on the list - walking, walking and more walking. I think I walked the legs off her. The first few mornings we headed to Rossbeigh but you should of seen her face the morning I told her I was heading off by myslef :-D

Even the local walks were refreshing, what i noticed the most was the smell, you know that wet wood, natural smell.... devine! That and the colours of course!

I managed to take a few shots for myself which I am hoping to exhibit in Kerry sometime in the Autumn.... a few macro shots and a few local landscapes :-)

Right, off to recoup, and get ready for back to work tomorrow, :-( sniff sniff!

Bank Holidays are the biz!

2009-08-03T20:10:00.007Z

What a great weekend and it seemed to go on forever :-) After 6 years of having 1.5 channels the Sky man visited us on friday, waved his magic wand and bestowed tonnes of channels on us. After channel hopping for a few hours there was still nothing on, hee hee.

All i can say about Saturday is girlie shopping & lunch with my best gal, then drinkies (pub crawl style) that night with another best gal ;-) with plans for more looney juice drinking. Sunday was a bit of a blur until Louise rang for coffee, I ended up (with her help) getting the cutest dress... YES, Dress! for a wee shindig on friday, I'll take a photo of that one to preserve for prosperity!

After all that rest... Monday was set aside for Shona and her best buds. We headed on a road trip, firstly doing 2 geocahes in Ennis. This was the girls first Geocache anfd they loved it. Not only was it their first/second but they were both Nano Caches... look at the size of the cache and we still found them ;-) they've asked can they go with us again. Hooked!

After lunch it was then off to Turoe Pet Farm outside Loughrea in Galway. Just as we landed it started to pour but we donned our raincoats and headed for the nearest pen. This is a great set up, not only are there loads of (farm) animals to meet there is also an inflatable city, indoor wall to wall bouncy castle. At the entrance each kid gets a bag of food to feed the goats, sheep, horses, donkeys. The girls loved that!

In spite of the crap weather the girls had such fun, even in the play ground and there was plenty of trees for me to shelter under :-) There is even a coffee shop to warm yourself up before the drive home.

Not far from Gort we stopped off at Thoor Ballylee, the home (for a period of time) of William Butler Yeats. I was trying to remember what we learned in school and all I could think of was Maud Gonne and that and the poem No Second Troy, I had to google it:

Why should I blame her that she filled my days

With misery, or that she would of late

Have taught to ignorant men most violent ways,

Or hurled the little streets upon the great.

Had they but courage equal to desire?

What could have made her peaceful with a mind

That nobleness made simple as a fire,

With beauty like a tightened bow, a kind

That is not natural in an age like this,

Being high and solitary and most stern?

Why, what could she have done, being what she is?

Was there another Troy for her to burn?

Right, need to chill before heading to UK again tomorrow, but at least its a really short week with a wee do on friday, woohoo.

Night all!

Ellie Maguires

2009-07-26T18:56:00.002Z

Just back from visiting my brother and sister-in-law (Billy & Tina) in Mayo. I love meeting up with them, Tina and I always have the most amazing, life changing, world altering conversations. We fix the world and everything thats going on in our lives with hours of chat and a glass or two of vino! Don't you just love it :-)

Anyways, a few weeks ago I asked Tina could I put up some photos in her restaurant "Ellie Maguires". So today in between customers (boy this is one busy place) I got 9 photos up. It really feels great seeing your work up on the walls. Its quiet addictive actually, I might just have to take over the world, mwhahahahaha.

So if you are in Ballindine (between Tuam and Claremorris) pop in for a coffee, some delish food and tell them I sent you.

Ciao x

Sunbeam

2009-07-22T21:41:00.003Z

There is something magical about the sea and even more so is Rosbeigh beach just outside Glenbeigh. If you take a walk along the shore you will come across the remains of a shipwreck. The boat Sunbeam went ashore here in 1903 with no loss of life! What remains looks quiet skeletal. I love the barnical covered wood, so textural. If you are in the neighbouthood, stop by and check out the wonderful scenery!

Cache #8

2009-06-14T20:31:00.005Z

Its been slow getting around to doing another Cache so today Ber and I headed out with our cameras in search of Cache #8. The weather was very odd, raining one minute and then sunny the next, but this is also a great day to take photos of clouds, one of my favourite subjects!

Ber and I saw parts of Limerick that we've never seen before, thats one of the best things about Geocaching!!! It brings you to places you've probably never seen before. The views today were amazing, we took the long way around to find the cache and with a little detour but we eventually found it, woohoo. The e-trek was spot on too, love that!

This is the view from near the cache, thats the river Shannon on the horizon, cool!

For anyone intertested check out www.geocachingireland.com, its a great way to spend the day and seeing parts of Ireland that you may never would of seen otherwise.

Scrappy Day

2009-06-14T11:15:00.004Z

What a great day we had yesterday. Crafty Kate, Fiona and Viv came to mine for a day/night of scrapping. We laughed more than we scrapped but I think Fi and Viv might be seriously addicted, mwhahahaha! Below is the class I thought the girls, just to give them an idea of what you could do.

Viv

Fiona

Myself

Thanks girls for the great company, looking forward to doing it again soon xxx

The first of many!

2009-06-03T21:11:00.002Z

This evening I hung 9 of my photos in a cafe called Delish in Raheen, Woohoo!!! I am hoping this is the first of many places you can see my photos, with (keeping fingers crossed) an exhibition before the end of the year... well thats the goal anyway :-)

Here are my little babies gone out into the big bad world, hopefully to find good homes!

Thank you Ber for giving me a hand to hang them ;-) I couldn't have done it without you!

All framed prints are for sale and can be found at www.evabirdthistle.com

Just what your head needs...

2009-05-17T22:40:00.003Z

Everyone needs their thing for clearing the stuff that clouds our minds, you know the stuff that gets in the way of being happy, the stuff that goes around and around and builds into some huge obstacle. For me its something as simple as a long walk, fresh air, stunning scenery and good company. There are days you just have to dedicate to soothing yourself, don't feel guilty because you come out the other side a happier more content person.

So promise yourself, do something, just one thing that soothes you! And as the ad says "you're worth it"!

Surreal or what?

2009-05-15T19:39:00.004Z

Do you ever have a surreal moments in your life? Its been aaaaages since I've had one, but I had to stop and take it all in! I wish I had my camera to help describe this moment becuase i have a feeling my words won't be enough. So here it goes....

Last Wednesday I was in Shannon airport heading for the UK, while still airside I saw a man who looked very familiar talking with a young Irish woman. As i got closer i could hear what he was saying in his american accent "sorry mam, but I don't know you", she said "but you look so familiar". Just what i was thinking. And then I realised I knew who he was. It was Martin Sheen. And the funny thing is (my) Martin and I were talking about him the night before. He was quoted on the Irish news as saying "Acting is what I do for a living, activism is what I do to stay alive." Cool or what!

Did you know while he was in Ireland studying in NUI he signed a petition in support of the Shell to Sea campaign? He was also quoted discussing the action group against the war in Iraq who damaged a US military plane that had stopped over at Shannon in 2003.... uncanny!?

So there was me all chuffed, after seeing him here in Shannon. I went through security to airside, walked through the small duty free section and as I rounded the corner what i saw next was the most surreal moment of my life that I had to stop and take all in.... every where i looked were american military in uniform, and i mean every where i looked. I've often seen them here as they pass through but not this many. There must have been a couple of hundred of these figures... in every corner, on every seat, at every table (except mine)... EVERYWHERE! It was like a scene from a surreal David Lynch movie. I still can't believe it and so wished I had a camera to capture this moment.

It wasn't until I came home, relaxed and removed all thoughts of work that I connected the whole scene. How uncanny, how surreal, one moment there was Martin Sheen the activist and then there was a couple hundred military... I'm glad they didn't meet!

Photography website

2009-04-23T23:44:00.003Z

At last I have a home for my photography. I've had the site for awhile but I had been concentrating on taking the images rather than loading them up... so a little thought and a lot of time later and the site is up to date.

Check out www.evabirdthistle.com where you can see a number of galleries on music, abstract, landscape, portraits etc.

Thanks for looking :-)

Happy 50th Birthday Billy

2009-04-18T15:41:00.004Z

OMG! I can't believe it! My big brother is 50!!! As my Mum says, he's getting closer to her now, hahahaha! We headed to Tuam for a surprise party for him and he hadn't got a clue. Well done to Tina for keeping it quiet and organising it all :-)

Billy & Tina as they arrived... SURPRISE!

Here is Mum with her eldest and youngest boys

Zach with a poem for his Dad (You're the Man)

The look on his face is priceless, he loved his gifts

The Cullen Boys, more like the mafia, hahaha

Phil, Billy and I (well on the sauce)

As a little token, I created a book for everyone to sign during the night. I love this idea as its lovely to look back and read the comments long after the dust has settled, hee hee.

Happy Birthday bro, Lurves you! Here is to another 50 years! Mwhahahahaha!

Mini Book & People's Park

2009-03-15T23:43:00.007Z

Woohoo I found my mojo, you'll never guess where it was hiding... right under a pile of work, hahaha! After the wonderful night away last weekend i really felt relaxed and rejuvinated! So much so I got working on a Mini book about the time away for my Mum's birthday gift :-) So there are loads of pages ahead, some simple, some a little bit more elaborate!

Close up detail of the front cover. I used text from the Children of Lir - a favourite of my Mum's, and the then stamped over it. The base is layers of cream paint and chipboard shapes.

I really like this page, especially the shape and the way the ribbon is seen from the other side - The teacup is part of the spa experience, when you are finished your treatment you can chill in the relaxation suit with a bowl of fruit, water or green tea. Ah, blisssss!

Ah look at this gorgeous space, this is where you chill afterwards looking out at a japanese garden or the hot tub :-)

Louise, Phil and I after our treatments... We had the 20/20/20... 20 mins each of a body scrub, massage and a facial, mmmmmmmm. There is also the use of the steam room, sauna and pool! How blomming relaxed we look :-)

My Mum also looking completely chilled... its was shortly after this photo when she told me to put the camera away, hahahaha!

I completley recommend this place, (Rain Spa at the Raddison in Limerick). They constantly have specials on, even an over night package which we did... how much do we love ourselves... oh we are so worth it, hee hee!

Today in Limerick there was a band competition. Martin, Shona and I headed in, me with my camera (of course). There was some powerful tunes being banged out on the drums, you could feel the music reverberate through us as they passed.

We took a quick trip into the people's park and I have to say the dafs were amazing and they're not all up yet!

There were plently of photo opportunities, especially this tree, or what is left of it. It looks so strong but also very odd. Its more like a piece of sculpture than a tree really......

unless it is....

Crafteire, Scrapbooking, Photos and more...

2009-02-25T20:30:00.009Z

Another Crafteire has come and gone :-( This year Ber and I decided to stay in the hotel and we weren't disspaointed! I got to start each of the mornings with a swim (not laps, hahaha). It was down for a lovely breakfast and then the scrapbooking began :-)

I was lucky that my classes were the first 2 in the morning, so by 11 I was Freeeeeeeeee! Everyone who got up out of their leaba's for the first class got a heart cog badge as a thank you! I think the class went down well, and it certainly was fun!

My 2nd Class was all about using multi photos and newspaper print, to cover embellishments, not just the print but titles, dates, headlines. Cover in Utee or dimaond glaze to give a great shiney surface :-)

Some portrait shots at Crafteire. I love this casual shot of Annamaire, plenty of space for journaling or a title to the left.

Love the tones of this photo of Kate... kinda Pre-Raphaelite. It was taken beside a natural light source (a glass door, hahahaha)

As ever Kate and Mireille organised a great event! It was brilliant to catch up with so many carfty women and get to know and make new friends! Roll on Crafteire 2010!

"heart cog"

2009-02-10T14:09:00.004Z

Oh I love felt, especially this gorgeous 100% wool "green" felt, dyed using eco-friendly processes. I've been busy lately making a collection of badges to sell online. The first collection is called "heart cog", they represent how the heart works physically and emotionally, Awwwwww!

If you like the "heart cog" collection then keep your eyes peeled as they will be going on sale in 2 weeks time along with other collections. In the meantime everyone who is in my 9am class Bouquet of Love at Crafteire will be the first to get their own little badge :-)

Crafteire 2009

2009-01-21T18:48:00.004Z

Can you believe it, the time has come around again, Yipee!!!! This year's line up includes Jane Dean, Elisa Nishimura, The Scrapbook Store and myself. To book your classes check out the Crafteire website.

Class 1 -Bouquet of Love (a little sneak peek below) a mini layout in a bouquet of K&Co flowers in a bubble glass vase. Not just for girls, as there are Blue Flowers too! Pick a 3"x2" black and white image of a loved one for your bouquet of love.

Class 2 - Family: Family can be a large network of relatives or just a few close friends, no matter the size or type of family you belong to its good to celebrate them and what they mean to you. Below are the sizes and orientation of the balck and white images required :-)

Really can't wait to see all the usual suspects as well as some new faces too.

What a mad few months...

2009-01-11T23:31:00.007Z

... so much has happened since my last post, where do I start?

Ok lets start with December: my little woman was in hospital for a few days at the begining of the month, she was so poorly, the doctors said it was some form of tonsillitis but I'm a little dubious, as they also said it might be her appendix.... all that matters is that she is ok now! And has since gone through a growth spurt (must be the drugs they gave her!)

A few days after she got out my Dad ended up in the same hospital, this time it was his pacemaker. His heart rate went down to 29 at one stage... which menas the pacemaker wasn't doing its job... he only has it 4 years!!! So after days and days in the CCU (Corinary Care Unit) they replaced it, he was out the week before Christmas but then ended back in the A&E withnblood posioning from his Catheter (you know the needle/tube for your medicine). So how did he get blood posioning??? Dirty needle??? Hardly! Dirty hands??? Possible??? It doesn't bear thinking about. Anyways, he got out 2 days before Christmas! His health is ok, but he has certainly aged!

We had a great Christmas (even with all the flu). A gang of us went to Lou's house for her first Christmas and my brother Billy cooked all the food.... *slurp* wow! Of course we did the usual over eating/over drinking but sure thats what we do best at Christmas!!!

I have been scrapbooking in the meantime. Last saturday Ber and I did a little (well we drank loads od beer and talked about Crafteire, hee hee). I did manage to make this mini book for poetry. The cover is made with Felt and has loads of pages to fill with (hopefully) creative works.

Tigger, Ber and I had a day called "Unfinshed Symphonies" and I got all my mini books completed, most of them just needed photos. I promised myself I wouldn't start anything new until they were done! So I can now start the new year afresh...I recommend it to everyone, its like a little Feng Shui-ing!

The last LO of 2008 was a photo of my best friend when I was a kid, Patricia, and I and a photo again in 2008 of the two of us the night we met up after about 24 years (there is 26 years between photos). I made an identical one for her too so we both have a version each!

So all in all 2008 was an amazing year, full of growth and change! I am so grateful for the year we had and I'm looking forward to the furture! I hope its full of health and happiness for all!

What a great party!!!

2008-11-30T22:33:00.004Z

Thank you Tigger for organising, your party's are always the best :-) Ok I didn't get all the classes and challenges done, and Bingo on saturday was interupted by a surprise :-) but Sunday afternoon in the company of Crafty Kate was very productive!!!

First up is Elisa's great decoration class, loved this idea soi much I'm going to do a series of them for the tree :-) Thank you Elisa!

Next up is the talented Amberjanes class, gorgeous as ever and lovely titles to print out and use. Ok nowhere near as beautiful but a great start to the christmas 8x8 album i have planned, hee hee!

Then a card from our Card Queen Jackie, this is such a great idea, which can be made into a card or a mini book.

Inside to be finished with greeting:

Ok, time to tidy up, there is paper, ribbon and glue everywhere! Thanks Tigger again for organising a great party :-)

Its Party Time....

2008-11-29T19:23:00.004Z

...over on Craftsupplies. Tigger decided to host a Christmas Party just to get us in the festive spirit! Mind you a few glasses of mulled wine would do the same but not as much fun, mwhahahaha! There are loads of wonderful classes, ranging from decorations to cards to LO's. Check out the full list here

Shona and I have a tradition of decorating the Christmas tree the weekend of the Toy show (is it early this year???), so this LO is dedicated to this tradition. Instructions on how to do the LO can be found here. Right off to party, mulled wine recipe at hand, hee hee! Enjoy!

She's well again

2008-11-23T12:34:00.002Z

The poor babes has had it tough the last few days, starting with her being ill last tuesday, she was still sick on thursday when the doc said she needed to go to hospital, he suspected it was her appendics.... both John and myself felt different as she never complained about sore tummy until doc started poking.

After hours of tests, they eventually admited her and said it was her tonsils, she spent a few days there but is home and in great form. Shona wants to say to everyone, "thank you very much for your messages, they made me so much better"

Can you tell that we had a few scoops???

2008-11-09T18:18:00.007Z

Oh yeah you can, PMSL!!! Another month another Soiree, gosh we have it tough! The food and the company were as ever brilliant! I had tears rolling down my face, all night! John and Ber are so bold, you two are really kindred spirits (perverts more like, hahahahaha!).

Viv treated us to the most delis food, starting with home made roasted tomatoe soup, slurp!!! For mains it was Lasagne, salad and focaccia... oh drool! And the desert...... chocolate and fudge cake straight from the oven..... hot melted fudge with cool vanilla icecream..... Gosh i'm hungry just thinking about it! Thank you babes for treating us like royalty :-)

Oh god i hate this pic... i look so "take the picture already"

I think Fi was thinking the same thing, hahahaha! All you need is a pearl earing Fi :-)

And no photo of Ray.... I know there is one in here somewhere, will update later :-) Ahhhh here he is (*hi Ray), I swear Ray isn't a little fuzzy, thats my photographoc skills after a few scoops, hee hee!
After a few scoops, Ber and I decided to drunkingly try one of Anita's style images that she showed us at Mega Scrap last week in an Irish way..... ok, we need to practice, mwhahaha!

Ciao for now :-)

MEGA- mega scrap!

2008-11-04T09:37:00.002Z

Well now Donna Downey, you have a lot to answer for girl!!! There was me happy to go on in life without my scrappy mojo (photography mojo only)... and you go and introduce us to watercolour crayons on chipboard... well talk about being side swiped! When the class was over I couldn't buy enough chipboard in the shops... AND I've even been doing some homework! Seriously though, what a great class, really loosened up the creative juices! I've been working on the album since at it is just sooooo colourful! Thanks you so much! I also have to mention that Donna is an entertaining teacher, its not just about the class, its about the whole experience!

The class Kits were amazing as ever and we learned sooooo many new techniques. But as usual hte best part is seeing all the creative women again! I forgot how long it was (probably Crafteire) but its like picking up where we left off! I only took a few photos as I was far too busy crafting (hahaha). Jackie C and Tigger were sitting up beside Ber and I, up at the front where the teachers could keep an eye out for us!

Lainey and Annamarie did such a wonderful job looking after each and everyone of us! Its such a mamoth task but everything was thought of! The location was perfect but next time nearer to home would be better, hahaha! I'd say the girls are happy its over with... I'm sure they nearly pulled their hair out on more than one accasion.......

But they stilled looked calm, if a little nutty, hahaha!

All the classes were really good, I did prefer Donna's classes, only becasue its more my thang! Anita's photography slide show was inspirational, with great advice on taking portraits, alot of which I'm going to try out with my own photographs! The other class.....

.... well I learned that crochet just isn't my bag baby!

Thanks to everyone who made this a great day! Roll on the next mega scrap event!!!

If you go down to the woods today....

2008-10-26T21:42:00.003Z

...you're sure of a big surprise... the sun might even come out even for a moment!

I was wide awake very early this morning, even after a hectic night before ;-) and while lying there contemplating life (as you do) I had ths feeling, well actually I think it was the silence, ya know the not hearing rain pelt down on my window type silence! I jumped out of bed pulled back the curtains and the view caught my breath!!! There it was in all it blue-y beauty, the sky! So looking at the time... about 9.30 (8.30) I decided today was no day for staying in doors, had to make the most of this. I packed my camara bag and headed for somewhere I hadn't been since I was a kid... Cratloe Woods! And boy it didn't dissapoint!

The idea was to try and capture the warm, rich colours of autumn but alot of the trees in Cratloe are Ever Green, hahaha! I did manage to get one or two Autumnal images but the hi-light fo me was just the silence, blue clear skies and the woodland smell. Delis!

Republic of Loose

2008-10-11T14:56:00.008Z

OMG!!! I'm still buzzing from last night. Republic of Loose were playing at the Trinity Rooms in Limerick! I went to see them in Dolans last year but this gig was so much better. They are just fantastic live, they played tracks from the last 2 albums inlcuding the latest one The Ritual (listen above), one of the less explicit tracks :-) The front row was full of guys and I think Mick was geting a little worried, hahaha, but there were plenty of babes around too! Loved the James Brown number they did at the end, just brilliant! This band rock!

Republic of Loose website

This day 10 years ago...

2008-10-07T07:29:00.003Z

I remember lying in the hospital bed staring at this most beautiful baby and thinking "Oh my god, I made this perfect little person". I really believed that this was the reason why I was put on this earth. With tears in my eyes I promised I would do everything in my power to give her the life she deserved!

10 years on, and I can't believe my little baby has grown up so much! She is now my little girl, mind you Shona says I can still call her my baby.

Happy 10th Birthday my beautiful, wonderful little woman!

Love you, xxx

Gosh, I love this kid!

2008-09-29T22:00:00.003Z

My little girl is growing up so fast! Next week she'll be 10 (double digits) and above is her invite to her birthday, which she glued and cut and inked all by herself! (of course i did the doodles). She is so proud, hopefully this might the start of her crafting!!!???

While dossing laste week (I mean family day) I captured this photo of Shona, its is so typical of her, ususally its followed by a drawn out "Mammy". Why do we love to embarrass our kids so much? Or is that just me? I laugh when I see this face becuase I know I'm getting to her... how cruel, mwhahahaha!

The papers, chipboard letters and rub on are part of Meirille's Crafteire kit from Carolines Crop. Gorgeous Basic Grey Cool Euphoria collection! Yummy!

Shona & Eva's Day Off

2008-09-23T22:27:00.010Z

A lá Ferris Bueller, hee hee! Only difference is that my boss knew I was leaving for the day. Late monday I put in for today off, only beause the weather was fantastic! When i told the little woman she was soooo excited! She even went to bed early on Monday!!!

We had a little sleep in but I was eager to get on the road as early as possible, there was so much to do! We headed to Ennis and did a Geo cache called Cappucino, it was a nice find and is actually only our 4th... seems like we've done so much more!

On the way back to the car, Shona got to feed some hungry/friendly pigeons, thanks to a couple who were giving them at least a loaf of bread! Just before this Shona told me that pigeons are flying rats.... I wonder would she get this close to a rat, hahaha!

We decided (Shona, lol!) 1 geo cache was enough and headed off on the road again, this time in the direction of Lahinch. We were both so looking forward to going for a long walk soaking up the rays. We got parked right beside the Aqua Park (with pleas from her nibs) and off we toddled to the beach, only to find that the tide was in.... hahahaha! Murphy's Law!

So change of plan:

1. lunch in O'Looneys, with Shona checking the tide every few minutes, just in case!

2. Another geo cache, more sighs at first, but this one captured Shona's imagination. St Bridgets Well is such a magical place (in a religious way) with loads of prayers for sick or dying people. It was a little sad but there was such hope here too. Shona also found this cache, which made it that more special.
3. A visit to Evonne in Lisdoonvarna Library (hi Evonne). We had a lovely cuppa with her and she gave Shona the cutest little bag with a poster and book marks (lucky thing).

4. Then it was back to the beach to enjoy a couple of hours, walking, talking, splashing, messing and of course plenty of photographs. Even Shona got into taking a few shots :-)

This was the perfect opportunity to capture some beach shots, whether it was of Shona playing in the sand, or one of the many surfers, I could take my time and just snap away :)

As the sun was going down, I knew I was going to capture some nice shots, it was the first time I was on a beach, at sunset with a camera...

... a perfect end to such a perfect day!

Happy 1st Birthday

2008-09-21T19:24:00.004Z

To Carolines Cork Croppers and boy does that girl know how to celebrate, not just a crop but 3 classes too. It was brilliant to meet up with all the crafty girls, the usual suspects and one or two Newbies too.

One of the best things about this hobby are the friends you make, we've been friends from day one and still going strong!

I spent a great night before at Tiggers, even got to a Bar-b-que (lovely to meet you again Jan and Ken). Tigger's place is like a home away from home for me, I lurves staying with her, Eugene and the kids. As ever we laughed all night!

Happy 1st Birthday Cork Croppers

Classes:

Myself ;-) slightly bent and worn (the layout i mean not me, hahahaha)

Mireille's Class with yummy Euphoria Basic Grey papers, love the chipboard elements!!!

Caroline's Purple class :-) white acrylic, gorgeous green felt ribbon and a lot of hand cutting (just to keep us out of mischief)!

I had a fantastic time, not just being creative but catching up with the girls! Roll on the next one!

And another...

2008-09-17T21:21:00.002Z

great quote, "Happiness depends more on character than fate". There is something reassuring about this, that we can choose happiness rather than leaving it in the laps of the gods.

Chipboard, acrylic paint, Basic Grey letters, 7gypsies Outback, Heidi flowers, various chipbaord letters and shapes.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

2008-09-16T22:39:00.006Z

Mine is on the back of my toilet door! Hahahaha! I love little words of wisdom, especially if it helps you to think positvely. When i read the words "One's Life is framed by one's thoughts" recently I was inspired to make a little sign for the back of my toilet door, so when i have a moment to ponder ;-) i have my little bit of positive inspiration. Basic Grey, Eva range, 6x6 ;-)

Life Lessons

2008-09-15T20:45:00.004Z

...you can be taught them all you like.... you know those little words of wisdom you hear from your Mum/sister/friend, but until you actually go through something profound, they don't mean much. When the dust settles, and everything sorts itself out, thats when you say... "oh yeah, that really makes sense now".

I've learned loads over the last number of years, I suppose I was too busy to learn up until then. But one of the biggest lessons i've learned is that Friends are special, really special. Its great having them around to celebrate and party, but when the crap hits the fan and they are still standing beside you, holding your hand or drying your eyes.... thats true friendship!

I am one lucky girl! I've got a great bunch of friends, people I can have fun with but I also know if I need them they'll be there in a heart beat and I too for them, without hesitation. Lurves you guys :)

P.S. Forgot to mention the papers are new from Basic Grey and called... Eva, hee hee, just had to buy them. Looking forward to the Birds of a Feather stamps, pmsl!

Happy Birthday Fiona

2008-09-13T20:51:00.003Z

Fiona, Viv, Anne-Catherine, Laura and I went to Midnight Court in Leamy House last night for Fi's birthday and it was brilliant!!!!! Its one of this interactive plays where you follow the cast around the house! If you never had the chance to go to something like this, well you have to its amazing!

Hope you had a great time last night babes, I certainly did :) Baby says Happy Birthday too!

#1

2008-09-08T22:19:00.004Z

Wow, its been ages since Viv, Fiona and I sat and talked, it was like old times. The girls called this evening and we had such a laugh catching up on all the gossip. Both girls daughters started secondary school this year, i can't believe it! I still remember the time the 3 of us dossed from school and sunbathed out my back for the day.... While they were here I showed them some photos I had printed out of their first time Geo Caching. The plan was to do a DLO 8x8 with the series of images, typically i changed my mind after I cut up all the card, hee hee!

So with the 8x8 card already cut i had a choice... i could use 1 image, but I had a series of them that i loved and I wanted to add a good bit of journaling too... It took awhile but eventually i came up with a type of overlapping LO where i could all my photos :)

This is my favourite photo, it really sums up the laugh we had. Don't you just love it when your friends willingly pose for photographs and give you good material to scrap. Lurves you girls and thanks for permission to post these up, I hope you like them :)

Ciao Bambinos :)

Scrapping at last!

2008-09-07T21:05:00.007Z

Gosh, it's been soooooo long since I've done some scrapbooking, my mojo seemed to be on holiday. Its great when you're feeling a little creative and you can do something about it! I did a very simple LO, concentrating on the colour scheme, especially picking up on the orange in the seat.

These photos were taken on the August Bank Holiday in the Killarney National Park. They have the most fantastic kids playground there, the best in Ireland!!! I have to say there are playgrounds pooping up all over this country, ones with some imagination!
You got to check out this park next time you're in Killarney, it would make you wish you were a kid again! :-)
Imagine Caroline has been having crops for a year now!!! Where does the time go? To celebrate she is having a Birthday Crop on the 21st September. There is only 1 place left.... so check out her blog for more details.

The papers for the class are Basic Grey, as you can see above they are in green and blue. I've used a 6x4 (landscape format) to create a LO with some "white space".

Last but not least..... have you heard the news? As soon as I saw Donna Downey was coming back to Ireland I booked my place straight away! Lainey and Annamarie organised such a great event the last time I just know this will be fantastic! Not only is Donna teaching but so is Anita Mundt. My gosh we are soooo spolit! Check out The Scrapbookstore website for more details :-)

Right, off to get organised for school and work. Keeping fingers crossed this bloody flu is gone after a good nights sleep :-). Night all!

50 years and still going strong...

2008-08-31T22:10:00.003Z

Imagine, 50 years married.. whats their secret? What ever it is they both deserve medals, hee hee! We've just had a great weekend helping my parents celebrate. A weekend of champagne, shopping, pampering, utter indulgence! How tough is that? Well someone has to do it :)

Of course on our way down, i had to take a few photos, this obsession i have with clouds might get a little dangerous... I couldn't help it, the sky was amazing!

Right, night to all :)

Food for the Soul

2008-08-24T21:04:00.008Z

A week in Kerry just chilling is the best medicine in the world. Shona and I had the most relaxing week in the most beautiful surroundings!

Every morning I headed with my sis to Glenbeigh for a walk.... well she walked i strolled while taking photographs. The weather wasn't always the best but the cloud formations were amazing (i have a thing for clouds).

We spent most afternoons shopping or sight seeing and Shona was an absolute doll never complaining once! I even brought her to Caragh lake to show her the place she was named after (Shona Caragh), she says its a beautiful lake, just like her!

I think one of the hightlights of the trip for her was getting on Papa Buds boat, its a small deep sea fishing thingie and she was in her element. We didn't go out with the gang as they were going fishing and thats not our cup of tea!!!

Doesn't this photo sum up our Irish summer? Hahaha! I love it! Having ice cream on a misty day while looking for the Skelligs.
On thursday we had a yummy Bar-b-q at the cottage. Old friends of the family came along with their gangs, the kids (all 14) were utter stars, they had no problem posing for me here, hee hee!

The holiday was just what I needed, its a pity it ends all too soon but I'll feel the benefit of the break for a while to come.

Happy birthday to a great guy, I know Viv won't mind me saying... Der (you old man) thanks for a great night on friday, we'll all be there for the 50th.

Ok back to reality now, Ciao bambinos.

Eva - aka Cheshire Cat ;-)

The last few weeks..

2008-08-01T22:38:00.006Z

.. have been busy again, really looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend - phew :) So the photo club summer meet up is working out really well! Its the same crew every week, but sure we don't mind. So recently we've done outdoor portrait in St. Mary's Cathedral. Ber's son and his girlfriend kindly posed for the evening :) I really love the first image, its got a nice subtle gothic feel to it.

Then there was the night we started in town and ended up at the show in Castletroy Shopping Centre. The weather kept threatening to pour but we were lucky to get a few decent shots. George was great to let us all on the Big Wheel for free!

During the week we were in UL to do sports photography... with very little sports going on, hahaha. Mind you look what we did find... some peeps trying to do some paraglyding but the wind just wasn't strong enough, still it gave us great photo ops :) We finished the evening on the Living Bridge taking shots of the sunset, devine!

The geocaching has been going great! I brought Shona, Louise and the boys out and about near her neck of the woods. The boys were a little reserved at first but I really think they'll love it, Shona certainly does. We plan on doing loads over the holidays. A few days later, I introduced Viv, Fiona and Ber to geocaching out in Shannon, that was sooooooo funny with us trying to hide what we were doing from muggles...

The only creative thing I've done over the last few weeks was to make a bag. I found the most beautiful linen material in Hickeys. Its been years since I made something from fabric and I loved it... got a feeling I know what this years Christmas gifts are going to be :) As long as I can master the seaming...

Just want to leave you with this.... came across this fantastic video from Haagen Das for Help The Honey Bees, check out the site too. http://www.helpthehoneybees.com

Have a fabby weekend!

Summer Camp

2008-07-20T22:52:00.003Z

Well her summer camp is offically over... phew, what a blast! For the last 2 weeks Shona has been coming into work for about 45 mins every morning and then at about 9:45 we'd head to UL for her Centre Stage summer camp. I've seen her confidence grow over those 2 weeks, for a girl who would not sing in public to one who would practice her song for the company secretary.

So even though the camp ended on friday, there was rehersals on Saturday and Sunday along with two show at the University Concert Hall today. She has been excited and nervous all at the same time. The show they were doing was Alice in Wonderland, Shona played one of many rabbits and sang "he's late, he's late" (about the white rabbit)

This has been an amazing opportunity for her, one i reckon she'll remember for the rest of her life. Not just the 2 weeks but the whole experience of being back stage, seeing the concert hall from another angle!

Shona's Dad, Gran, 2 Aunites (Mary & Ber) all loved seeing my little angel up on stage, we even stayed on for the senior performance which was "Hairspray" which was brilliant! The singing was amazing with wonderful young talent!

After the show all the kids got a certificate of attendence, as you can see my babes was as proud of punch :) as were all her family.

Crafteire Crop

2008-07-13T22:22:00.004Z

OMG! I'm exhausted! What a fantastic weekend. The Crafteire Crop was nothing but laughing, drinking and crafting. Thank you Mireille for opening up your home to us and making us feel so welcome! Thank you girls for my pressies and gorgeous cards :) Lurves you! The champagne was flowing and I can tell you a girl could get used to this life style :)

Can you guess who this is? I think the stripes give it away. My driver to Tullamore forgot to get suitably orange before heading to Offaly so Mireille and I got working on her as soon as we landed!
We got so much done over the weekend, loads of LO's as you can see below mostly the gorgeous Fancy Pants papers but I also did my first Geo Cache which Mireille talked me through. I've wanted to do one for such a long time and now that I have I can see Shona and I doing loads over the summer!

Thanks again girls for a fabby weekend :)

Birthday celebrations

2008-07-10T20:31:00.005Z

Well the celebrations have started, and boy i'm paying for it already...... Plenty champers and vino in the boys apartment last night and then Ber and I hit the town. We both had plenty to drink and laughed so much, there was a little bold behaviour but sure it was my birthday celebration. I'm allowed to bold every now and then especially when its fun :)

I'm really looking forward to meeting the crafty girls at the weekend, plenty of scrapping, chatting and shopping!!! Bliss!

I just looked at my post from last year and its funny how I was feeling at the time and what i planned for the year ahead. Never did i think i would be off the smokes nearly 6 months. The weight gain has been a bit of a bummer but its a small price to pay. As part of my gift to myself for my birhtday I had to be off the smokes 6 months and without a tennant for that time. So last weekend I offically moved into the room i used to rent out. I spent from 8am to 9pm on staurday moving furniture and painting walls. Shona gets the room I used to sleep in and her dad is moving her bunk bed this saturday :)

Anyways... today I got the most beautiful card from Sabrina. Look at the little birdie, its embossed and has glossy accents or something similar. Thanks Sbarina :) you're a star!

Ok need to pack some bits for the weekend :) Ciao

Photoshop Elements & Photocourse

2008-06-29T21:41:00.002Z

I've finally invested in Photoshop Elements 6 and I'm a happy bunny! Not only did I invest I also did a photocourse on friday with Peter at Living Images. I totally recommend doing something similar if you want to move your photography skills on.

The following 3 photos are an example what can be done. The first image is under exposed especially considering it was taken on over cast day.

I'm bumped up the brightness to produce this high-key image and used dodge and burn for the eyes. Ialso used a clone stamp and healing stamp to remove the cold sore.

If you look at the black & white image close enough her eyes have a hint of blue.

OMG, 2 in one week!

2008-06-26T22:07:00.009Z

I'm on a roll! Wonder how long this will last? :) Anyways below are a few photos from my trip to Brussels last week for work. Training and team building we were told.......Hmmmm! The first photo is all my marketing peers, one from each country, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy etc etc. We had just arrived to Ardennes after a meeting in Brussells. Here we are chatting, catching up since our last get together. The sun was shinning, we were a little tired from our trips but once we were served our glasses of champagne we started to relax (this is work by the way).

Then came the news that we would be cooking our own food.....a 3 course meal... trout, lamb, veg, dessert... We were given an apron and hat, for health and safety reasons of course, not to make us look silly. I wore mine a la Beret, here I am with Ana (Spain) & Paula (Portugal). We were also supplied with a glass of wine just so we wouldn't feel so silly.

The the French speaking chef gave us directions (translated by Anne) on how to do julianne of vegetables (properly). We celebrated by drinking a glass of wine. Then we learned how to skin and debone a fish. Then another glass of wine. We were showed a few more really great cooking tips but I can't remember them.... Then we were told to start preparing the food...... 3 hours later (maybe it was only an hour or so) we sat down to eat. We were so hungry and tired (and some of us had alot of wine in us) that we didn't care what the food was like, considering the nearest take-away was over 200km away. The food was delicious!!!

The next day we had our training session (real work). Then at about 2pm we headed off for our team building exercises.....Hmmmmmm! Wild Trails it was called. We were split into 2 groups and off we went into the forest. our first task was to build a bridge over a stream with 4 long logs, 4 short logs and 8 ropes. When the bridge was finished we had to go to the other side pushing a jeep... Yes a JEEP! And all this had to be done in 45 minutes. And what a team we were, just under 42 minutes!!!!

Next we were blind folded and ahd to find and make a perfect square with a rope, while holding it :) And loads of other tasks like rock climbing, abseiling, yadda, yadda. After all ourt hard work we were treated to a Bar-b-que and wine. We chilled for a few hours and then it was off into the forest using a torch (flame kind) to light our way. We were led to a teepee made of logs where a woman surrounded by Jamba drums taught us how to play... this i loved and now I want a Jamba drum :) At 1am we headed back to our abode for the best nights sleep.

The scenery surrounding where we were staying was amazing. I got out with Micela (Italy) for about 30 mins walk and a few photos (nothing decent as I had my small digital with me).

Our last day was more meetings and then off to the airport to wait 6 hours for my flight. I got into Bewley's Airport hotel in Dublin at 12 midnight and completly shattered.

Before I could get home to my sweetie babes I had one more engagement... The Mid Summer Mega Crop. And boy was this Mega!!! Donna and her family are so sweet and she is one talented girl! She entertained us with really witty stories and her teaching was so professional. I loved her class (pictures to follow when its done). Lance from Rusty Pickle gave an intense 3.5 hours of paper engineering. A great Kit with brilliant techniques. Thanks to Annamarie and Lainey for getting these two talented people over from the States :)

My creative juices are flowing again.... Yipee! I had this photo of Shona that I wanted to scrap for so long and I got it done tonight!!! I used the Colour-Me range from Luxe to co-ordinate with her top and the rest just came together.

Right, off to the labba. I need my beauty sleep for my one to one photo course tomorrow. Sleep well x

Where does the time go?

2008-06-26T00:09:00.008Z

Back in September I did a LO about Shona's first day in 3rd class and now i'm preparing for her last day in 3rd class, namely preparing the teacher's gift, every crafters dream (pmsl). I've double checked my spellings but I'm sure there must be one wrong (LOL!). Anyways.... I've made a set of cards for various occasions, in a number of colours:

And also a mini book documenting each month of her school year, including her first day, christmas play and school tour. The kit is from Rusty Pickle's Lucky kit which I bought last weekend at the Mid Summer Mega Scrap. The papers are very Orish and I normally don't scrap in Green, so this was a challenge! I kept it simple with all the images the same size and used 1 paper on each page. I finished it off with the Bind It All (love this):

So glad I got this done, considering I was away all last week in Belgium with work.... Photos to follow soon... involves logs, ropes and a jeep :) Ciao!

Woohoo...

2008-06-13T20:38:00.006Z

...Its been less than a month since my last confession, ahem i mean post. So whats been happening?

June Bank Holiday weekend: Shona, 2 of her friends and I headed to the Burren Birds of Prey in the Ailwee Caves centre, it was fantastic! The girls and i loved the display, I highly recommend it. The birds are in fantastic enclousures, plenty of room and so clean! Afterwards we went to the farmhouse to buy some yummy cheese. Then we got on the road again and headed to Lahinch for tea and a dip (toes) in the water. Then it was off to Quinn to say hello to my sister, then back home for bed (10.30), phew! We kept going all day and had such fun!

The Sunday of the bank holiday it was off to Tralee with my cousin for our Aunts 60th birthday. Shona asked to come when she heard it was a party, i jokingly said I'd be the youngest one there.... how right I was. By 11am the party was finished so us two young (ish), free (ish) and single gals headed out on the town. The Brogue Inn was brilliant, great late bar with brilliant music. I even met Maura there (* waves at Maura*). B ack in the lobby of the hotel we met a gang of other residents, we kept inviting anyone coming in the door to join us. The drink and sandwiches kept on coming. At 5.30 i headed to my labba. Early the next day (no hang over without the ciggies) we went to Blennerville, all of 2km from the hotel and I got this gorgeous image of the windmill... Look at that stunning sky, and those fluffy clouds!

The camera club has finished up for the summer but a few of us have decided to meet up over the next 2 months every other wednesday. We have a time table of places and things we would like to photgraph, our first evening was Macro in the peoples park.... but the flowers weren't in bloom :~ so when we eventually got out of the park (we were locked in for awhile) we headed down to the river and stayed there all evening and into the night. Below is my fav, as the sun was setting over my left shoulder the glass of this building acted as a reflector, cool!

Our garden is becoming a little piece of heaven. Both Shona and I have been working on it to tidy it up and bring the plants on, the wether was so bad last year that they really didn't get a chance. Last weekend we bought one ofn those swing benches with the canopy and I have to say both Shona and I love to sit, swing and talk all evening on it. Its been the best investment (paid for by being off the smokes 4 months - in 7 days it will be 5 months). Our strawberrys have blossmed with the sun and rain. I picked a crop during the week and there is loads more to be picked, not bad for a city gal :)

Scrapping at last! Can you believe it... i think Crafteire in Feb was the last time I scrapped. While taking apart the box the swing bench came in i noticed the card board and deciede not to re-cycle it all. I've kept enough to make two books. The photos are of Shona and her friends on our Clare day out. I really enjoyed tearing and painting. I aslo used the bind-it-all. This format was inspired from a mini book I saw somewhere (can't remember...)

Finally, last tuesday while driving to Galway i rang Patricia, my best friend from the age of 4. When we moved we lost contact but did meet a few years ago briefly in a shop. Anyways, Patricia and her hubby were in Kilorglin recently and she found the cottage (we would have gone down nearly ever weekend as kids). She met my dad who knew her straight away even though its been 25 years.... gosh i feel old. So she gave them her mobile and I rang her last tuesday, we talked from Bunratty to Kilcolgan (thats about an hour). We're going to meet up as soon as possible. I can't wait. I told her all about scrapping and I think she'd love it. Anyways Patricia, here is the photo I was telling you about:

So, as you can see its been a very quiet few weeks. I'm ready to chill for the weekend, if you're looking for me I'll be in my garden on the swing bench drinking cider out a champagne glass :)

Is this becoming a habit?

2008-05-24T13:15:00.006Z

The monthly posts that is, lol! The last month has been a little slower than others but very eventfull!

There have been major changes in work with 3 jobs gone. i'm grateful for still having mine but it goes to show you there is nothing written in stone. With this in mind I'm looking at bringing in a little more cash for Shona and I by doing more photography. I'm building a website and will be pimping my services as much as possible :) I'll post up a link as soon as its finished!

Last weekend I brought my Mum and Sis to Menopause the Musical in Kerry and I have to say I was crying with laughter so much. Twink is a complete star, she is so funny and has a heart of gold, she also looks amazing (you go girl). The next day we gals went for a fantastic walk near glencar, i came home with some gorgeous images and a sprained ankle. My mum kept saying look down and look where you're going, we came to a clearing, i looked up to see the view and thats when i twisted my ankle in a great big whole... i found this quote for a siggie (not ciggie). “When I look down, I miss all the good stuff when I look up, I just trip over things” ~ Ani Difranco

Went to the docs on monday and he sent me to the hospital to get it x-rayed... 3 hours later they sent me out with a bandage and told me to go home and rest... not a bother. Its fine now really, just a little swollen but I'm so happy with the photographs, must send a few copies to the girls :)

Amy and Ali made their confirmation during the week, Shona and I headed out to Bunratty after work to spend some time with the girls (and take some photos). They all look so grown up and gorgeous. We had a laugh sneaking into where we shouldn't be......

(Hi Michael, sorry to have missed you and Helen, hope you are having a fabby holiday)

Right off to visit the boys and have the girls coming over for some vino and scrapping :) Have a loverly weekend... see ya next month :)

Rachel's Communion

2008-04-27T21:26:00.003Z

Rachel made her communion yesterday and today I went to Viv's to take photos of her photogenic daughter. She is such a great subject to photograph, eyes as big as saucers, gorgeous silky hair and bags of personality. My favourite photo was the 4th out of about 350 images, mind you I have loads to choose from :)

Hi grandad Michael (*waves), thanks for checking in every now and then, hopefully you enjoy the read! BTW (by the way) don't copy the image of Rachel, its too small for printing. I'll make sure you get a printed copy :)

The Party of All Parties!

2008-04-26T22:21:00.005Z

The party was a sea of Black and Orange... I wonder why?! We were all there to celebrate the "Orange One's" birthday. They came from far and near to eat, drink and be very merry. It really is a reflection on Tigger and what a friend she is! We loves her and thinks she is the business~!

Thank you Tiggs and Family for making us soooo welcome! Happy 40th!

Please forgive me Annamarie, Jan and Ber! I couldn't help it.

Happy Birthday Tigger

2008-04-23T15:44:00.002Z

Happy Birthday to the bounciest person I know! And from the phone call this morning she is still bouncing! Hope you have a great day babes, see you friday for your "surprise" birthday :)

Happy 69th Birthday Mum

2008-04-20T21:10:00.004Z

Did we not celebrate your 70th last year? Mind you, you still look amazing no matter what age you are! Eve wanted to celebrate her birthday by chilling at the Radisson. What is the draw to this hotel? The Rain Spa and Wellness Clinic! OMG!!!!! I lurve the Relaxtion Suite and the treatments are amazing. We chilled for hours, imagine i sat and did nothing for hours... gosh did i need that. We stayed the night and had dinner in the hotel, talk about luxury! So much so I've booked the girls for my birthday in July :)

Buddy being dramatic after he saw the bill - hee hee! Such a poser!

Me with my new hair cut and necklace, we made these later on at the table, each of the girls picked out the stone they liked, which i picked up in Galway on friday :)

Lousie looking photogenic as usual! Love this girl and hope she feels better soon (*cough cough)

Johnny and Phil (aka the love birds) on a well deserved break - you've been working too hard!

Friday we had our Soiree at Viv's and the food was amazing, as ever I was in great company but i certainly had way too much to drink. I payed for it the next day having to be up early. Today Louise was volunteering at a fair in Clare doing face painting. I went along to see what was going on and ended up spending 4 hours painting kids faces besdie her, at opne stage there was a ques of about 20 kids (and their parents). It was all for the nursing home where the fair was on. It was such fun that I would love to do it again!

Before I head off this is a LO i did during the week. I "interviewed" Shona about her favourite food and it ended up being the funiest conversation. The silhouette is her profile, using a torch and a dark room. I love the photos (my little actress). Gosh she gives me great material to scrap!

First Exhibition

2008-04-10T21:48:00.011Z

Just back in door from my first photo exhibition :) I was excited all day, couldn't wait to see my photos up and i have to say it was fantastic!!! I've really been bitten by the bug, I'm already planning my next collection!!!!! :) :) Ber, Mary, Phil, myself and of course others from our club had our exhibit in Watch House Cross library . The room is perfect for showing work! The following are just a few photos of the gang :)

Ber and her wonderful Photos:

Photographer from Limerick leader, Mary and Ber with some of work the background :)

Phil and his fantastic photographs :

Shona was with me and I'm hoping that the LL photographer got a nice photo of us two with her holding a photo of herself :) Here are 3 of my Photographs at the Exhibit:

Anyways off to my labba to dream about giving up the day job and becoming a full time artist!:) Ciao x

lurve

2008-03-22T22:46:00.004Z

lookie what i treated myself to :) i lurve my iPod nano sooooo much, i've loaded up a few of my favourite albums and downloaded an audiobook too, you can even watch movies on it, how cool is that! I love using out walking and would recommend it to anyone who loves music! Another little treat for myself to celebrate 2 months smoke free. I can't believe it, not one ciggie but you know what, i knew the day i stopped that i would never smoke again. Boy is the mind a powerful thing.

Happy Easter :)

February - A Feast or a Famine?

2008-03-05T21:59:00.016Z

Definitely a feast but boy am i looking forward to the famine in March!

Photo Club - Back at the begining of the month a few of us from the photo club decided to go out for the day to try and capture some photos... It really was a blast, plenty of fresh air, plenty of photos and alot of getting to know each other! We plan on doing plenty of these during the rest of the year :)

These are some of my favourite shots from the day:

Season - I was looking out my kitchen wondow one very frosty morning when i noticed this stunning web which up close actually looks like crystals. Its funny how you can see a photo op anywhere and everywhere! I love the colour combination of the frosty web against the blue of the swing. i even love the rusty bolt just about in shot.

Another UL shot, imagine about 2 weeks ago there were daffodils!!! I couldn't believe it, even with the frost there are signs of spring everywhere :)

Frosty Sunrise in Barcelona, I woke up to this view last week, amazing to be looking out your kitchen window one day and then upon a misty morning in Spain the next.

Crafteire - Another wonderful event! This year I met up with most of the crafty girls and met some new ones too (*Hi Girls*). I was teaching again this year (2 classes), and hope the girls learned a thing or two from them. The kits used were scrummy (supplied by Crafteire). I loved the classes I signed up to but I wish I could of taken all the classes as each one was wonderful!

The only photos I took at Crafteire were of Tigger and Bronwen, as ever Tiggs was orange and black and look at her hair, how cool is that - she is my biggest fan - LOL! And look at the beautiful young woman Bron is becoming! There are 5 or so photos I loved of the two of them but the orange strip is a real Tigger photo.

Ber and I stayed until Monday, taking the day off work :) Sunday night dinner was sooooo funny with Gertie, Noelle, Bron, Louise, Tigger, Donna, Izzy, Ber and I (Itchy what? Ewwww) I haven't laughed like that is aaaaages, we all had tears rolling down our face and aches in our tummy's! Roll on the next time we all meet up - Crafteire 2009!

On the way home on Monday, Ber and I got caught in a Blizzard, at times it was a little scary but we were the only mad people on the road, so even if we lost control we wouldn't of hit an other car for at least a mile, lol. We decided to check out Birr Castle - and to take a break (30 km in one hour). The photo below captures the wonderful blue sky that lasted about 20 mins before it got dull and grey again. The snow was so bright we nearly got snow blindness - hee hee. I love the direction of the tree, pointing to the seat, to me there is something magical about this photo.

Right that was most of Feb and little of March... There is a Soiree this weekend, Ray's Birthday, and hopefully after that there might be a little famine :) but not for too long hopefully just enough to catch my breath :)

Partee Photos

2008-02-09T17:24:00.001Z

Parteeeee

2008-02-09T16:05:00.000Z

OMG!!! What a laugh, i don't think i danced so much in my life - more like moshing. I drank like a fish {do fish drink?} and have no hang over, just still a little light headed :) Not smoking wasn't a problem, i just drank and danced more :) Ber asked me a few weeks ago to go to a fancy dressed party with her and i'm so glad i did. Chris the birthday boy was such a sweetie even getting a cake for Dana and Ber whose birthday it was too.

I dressed up as an "old devil called Love", I borrowed Shona's devil horns, and wrote on a red T. I'd recommend wearing devil horns any day, we started off in the White House and this guy came running over to me as asked "are you a horny devil"... i said "i am now" hee hee! Oh and a photographer from the paper took our photo...

We moved onto Scotts Bar which has a great venue downsatirs for a party. As you can see Ber was a cowgirl and I love the photo of her drinking the beer wearing the mustache, can't wait to scrap it :) Right off to flake out on the couch for the evening, need my energy for tomorrow as a gang of us from the photo club are heading out for the afternoon with our cameras. Ciao for now. x.

Look what i treated myself to....

2008-02-07T22:40:00.000Z

i had my eye on a writing desk 3 months ago in Instore, when i went to buy it in the new year it was sold {*sniff sniff} but they promised me they had an identical make in their store in town.... so weeks later {today} i trotted off to town at lunch time to purchase this gorgeous writing desk :)
It is designed for computers, its got a hole at the back for all the wires so it looks nice and neat :) I've really hated looking at all the wires for the last 5 years and now i don't have to!!!! oh i'm so happy! And i'll have it paid for in 3 months with the money i used to spend on smokes :)

I lurves it soooooooooooo much :@)

the girls are back in town

2008-02-02T22:04:00.000Z

and they are back for good!

I have one happy little woman, her best friends are back in Ireland for good. They left last June for Scotland and Shona was so upset. But at Christmas their daddy got a full contract with the college so they've decided to stay here! The girls spent the afternoon with us, crafting, playing twister, watching dvd's and eating pasta. We really all had a great time and looking forward to doing it again really soon :)

Soiree Sisters (and brothers too!)

2008-01-27T23:34:00.000Z

Well last night was our first SS&B2 and it went down a treat. The food was scrummy, wine delis, conersation hilarious and twister was really difficult after a feed, LOL. The idea behind the SS&B2 is to try something different so i prepared a Moroccan Lamb Stew, and i have to saty it was gorgeous! (this might have to do with the taste buds not been covered in nicotine). I think it was Ray who asked for the recipe (wine goggles) so i thought i'd share it with anyone who want to try it out. I loved it so much i made it again on sunday and have it forzen to have during the week. The main ingredients are Lamb, sweet potatoes, couscous and spices. Enjoy!

Moroccan Lamb Stew – serves 4-6
Ingredients
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds crushed
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds crushed
• 3-4 small dried chillies
• a small bunch of fresh rosemary, leaves picked and finely chopped
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• extra virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds stew lamb
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 2.5 cm/
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced
• 2 tins of tomatoes
• 1 stick of cinnamon or ½ teaspoon crushed cinnamon
• 1 bay leaves
• a handful of dried apricots
• 285ml (½ pint) boiling water
• 350g/12oz couscous
• 1 large bunch of fresh coriander and a few leaves of mint
• 4 tablespoons creme fresh

In a large bowl mix your cumin, coriander with the dried chillies, rosemary, ginger and a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Add Lamb and toss to coat with mixture

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add lamb to pot and sauté until brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per batch. Remove and leave to one side.

Add the sweet potato, onion and garlic to the pan fry your veg for about 4 minutes until the onions are slightly soft. Add your tomatoes, give the pan a shake and place the meat on top. Add 2 wineglasses of water, the cinnamon, bay leaves and dried apricots, and stew for 1 hour 30 minutes.

Pour the boiling water over the couscous and allow it to be absorbed. Then fork the couscous through, season with salt, pepper, a lug of olive oil, cover with tinfoil and place in the oven for 5 minutes to steam.

Roughly chop the fresh coriander and stir it through the couscous just before serving. Serve with creme fresh with chopped mint leaves.

i love cash

2008-01-26T01:55:00.001Z

while on MSN with Tigger and Evonne i cranked up the volume and listened to Mr Cash, that mans velvet voice is amazing i could listen all night! You can hear the passion and the pain in 9inch nails song Hurt, wowzer!

Last week of Got Paint :(

2008-01-25T12:15:00.000Z

I've really enjoyed Emily's class over on Big Picture Scrapbooking. The handouts and audio messages were great, I never got a chance to do the "chat" thing as it was always in the wee hours (being an american site). The last class is up *sniff sniff* i'm going to miss learning new techniques, especially to do with paint. Its really encouraged me to look at being creative from a different light. I love the painting and I'd love to just go mad with the paint but in a bigger scale.... like 6ft x 4ft (mind you i'd need a box to stand on - hee hee)

I really feel i've got paint :)

Day 3/4

2008-01-24T23:38:00.000Z

Day 3: After Curves Ailis and I went food shopping, we were thinking something fresh and delis for supper. Salmon, baked potatoe and spinach.. yummy, oh and a small glass of vino :) After dinner as we were chatting Ailis pointed out that I was playing with my gloves... pulling at them, rolling them .... without thinking i was trying to keep my hands busy. it was so funny. next thing i knew i was wearing the gloves... i didn't even notice putting them on :) whatever was happening it was working!

Day 4: This week in work has been difficult, i was thinking today that i haven't smoked during a really stressful time. I didn't go to Curves today, my body was exhausted and needed a break! I had a lovely brown bread salmon sandwich at lunch and salmon with pasta for tea.... i think i'm all salmoned out, LOL.

Tonight Shona and i headed out for a walk and to buy the ingredients for saturday's nights dessert, then my little helper and i spent the next hour making the most unusual dessert. Can't wait to have a slice :) I'll post up the recipe after the weekend. As a treat tonight i soaked, scrubbed and lathered in cream the soles of my feet, ahhhhhhh bliss oh i'm so worth it!

Day 3

2008-01-23T14:37:00.000Z

I think today has been a little easier!? Ok maybe not, I still have this feeling that my limbs are about to fall off, my stomach has constant knots, I feel I need to itch but can't find the scratch.... this has been the hardest thing I've ever done! But do you know what????...... I don't smoke! I'm a non-smoker!!!

Day 1: 24 hours of completley thinking about smoking (or not smoking). Went to Curves, drank loads of water & herbal tea, chewed chewing gum, went for a walk after tea, went to bed early and read a book about de-stressing (i used smoking to de-stress). Awake 5.30am... day 2....

Day 2: The cravings were a little more difficult to deal with today. Went to Curves again at lunch time, just to keep myself busy. Was up really late last night 2am, awake 6am.

Day 3: This morning I felt "wow! I don't even want a smoke, i'm not even thinking about smoking..." then i got out of bed! LOL! Eating rice cakes while I type... yuck its like airy cardboard. Anyways off to Curves after work, getting some ingredients to try for my experimantal food for the smoke free soiree on sasturday night.... I'm thinking tarts for the tarts, hee hee!!!

Scrap West Class

2008-01-14T22:32:00.000Z

This week Scrap West we've tried something a little different. Each of the SW-ies is going to do a tutorial each week with full instructions!! This week was my little 8x8 LO called resolutions... and no photo! A great way to scrap lists!

The wooden wine box is my paint box and I decided last night that it too needed a little paint, so using techniques from Emily's Got Paint class, I began paint! Didn't know where to stop, hee hee! This was great fun!!! Nothing is safe now - mwhahahahahahaha!

Got Piant? 2

2008-01-11T12:41:00.000Z

Week 2 of the Got Paint? class got off to a start last night, the techniques this week is using stamps and paints on your LO. I went a little (lmao) over board with the stamps last night but loved getting messy. I finding the class very liberating and was looking for inspiration to get back painting... I think I may have found it!!! The photo was taken on the 1st of Jan while out for a walk in UL. If you are ever over there check out the Living Bridge... it actually moves, so cool :)

Soiree Sisters (and brothers too!) is part of my new year resolution. The "gang" have decided to have a monthly get together. We take turn in hosting one of our drink & craic fueled evenings. We gotta try something new food wise (and drink wise if we're not driving), plenty of food, fun and laughter :)

Right, off for a little lunch and then get ready for the Scrap West class tonight.

Have a lovely weekend :)

2008-01-04T22:03:00.000Z

We've had a ball!!! Mind you I'm glad to get back to the routine food and exercise wise - did too much of one and not enough of the other! LOL! Here's what we were up to on Christmas Day (thanks to Annamarie showing how to do the mosaic thingie over on Scrap West). We had a fantastic time at Lou's with all the gang :)

For the new year I've enrolled in a 4 week class called "Got Paint?" over on Big Picture Scrapbook. I used the first class for this weeks Scrap West theme called Reflections. It is the beginings of an Art Journal using paint techniques. I'm loving it and painted for 4 hours last night, its great being arty :)

Check out Scrap West next friday when we do something totally different..... what do you think about a class a week????

Have a great weekend darlinks!

Where has the time gone?

2007-12-15T11:40:00.000Z

The last few weeks have flown by and soooooo much as happened! I've been mad busy with work and socialising but very little time for being creative (tough life, eh?)

John's 30th Birthday

...... yeah right!!! At the begining of December the usual suspects (and a few others too) were invited to a candle lit sworee at John and Rays apartment for John's 30+ birthday. He has exaggerated his age for so long that he now has difficulty remember his real age. As always everything was just superb, the food, the wine, the craic :)

John as you can see is a handy with a screw driver (LMAO). He is busy assembling my birthday gift......

....which in my opinion was very appropriate gift, PMSL! Happy 30th John!

Secret Santa

Years to come my darling daughter is going to kill me for photos like this one. Here she is before breakfast last weekend pulling the names for the Secret Santa on Craft Supplies. There is about 38 crafters signed up to SS this year, posting was last friday and parcels will be arriving in their doors over the next few days. I wonder how long they will last before being opened????

Getting Ready for Christmas
Being busy with work jet setting around the world... ok to the UK this time.. I've produced very simple Christmas cards this year. The cricle punch is a God send, that with the ric-rac, gems for a little bling and some doodles made for a quick assembly line of cards.

Getting the tree decorated this year was a sinch as it was the first year Shona had any interest in helping. She did a wonderful job, my little helper.

Sleep Over
Shona's cousin Bayleigh has been to visit for a sleep over, actually twice in the last few weeks. The girls get on so well, its such a lovely realtionship and they have so much in common... as you can see!

Portraits

Last Sunday, Shona and I headed to my sisters for lunch. It was the perfect oppurtunity to get some family snaps as part of my Christmas gifts. Here is my gorgeous sister Louise, she is soooo photogenic.

Here she is with her two handsome dudes. They growing up so fast and yet are the most gentlemanly boys I know.

Work is finished until the new year, I had loads of days to use up before 08, so next week is dedicated to shopping, crafting, small bit of cleaning and loads of chilling!!!!! :)

2007-11-30T21:27:00.000Z

Last sunday at the cork crop i got my November kit from Annamarie, I was really looking forward to getting this as it looks gorgeous online. All I can say is Wow!!! This kit did not disappoint. The Fancy Pants papers are just devine!!!! And the felt shapes are scrummy to work with. I made one of my Christmas pressies with it this week, its a covered telephone book.

BTW, I loved the tea and chocolates (3 of each comes with the kit), what a fabby idea, when I finished doing the book I had only one choc left (Green and Black too my favourite) :)

For Scrap West this week I covered another telephone book - trying to get all the pressies done asap! This one could of done with the felt in yellow, but mad do with hand cut swirl. The papers are one of my favourite all time collection by Crate Paper.

I started my savings for Scrapaganza! And to keep me on track I altered a mayonaise jar, wish me luck that I have enough in 6 months time :)

Another candle light supper tomorrow night, this time in John and Ray's apartment. We are celebrating John's 30th birthday (yeah right). Have a fabby weekend all :)

Blackie

2007-11-28T10:34:00.000Z

Blackie was a stray that my Mum looked after every summer in Kerry for the last few years. When he first arrived at the cottage he was in an awful state but My Mum looked after him well and by the end of each summer he would look so much more healthier. With my parents living in an apartment they did not have the chance to bring him home. But ever summer Blackie would arrive at the cottage a day or two after they arrived. This year my parents spent about 7 months in Kerry, so Blackie's coat looked amazing, he was so healthy and glossy looking. When Shona and I went to Kerry in August the cat was really friendly too, following Shona all over the cottage, playing with her and being very affectionate. Mum and I were in shock!

Last week I got a call from my Mum to say that Balckie had passed away. His breathing had been very laboured all week and with her heading back to Killaloe she was thinking maybe he should be put to sleep. The night before he died my Mum had him on her lap for hours, just talking and rubbing him (very unusual for this cat), eventually she had to go to bed so she put the cat out, the next morning he was dead. I know my Mum is heart broken but as she knows at least he hah a great 7 months and knew he was loved.

Cork Crop

2007-11-26T11:07:00.000Z

Wow! What another fantastic crop from Caroline! It was an early start with a late night before up until 2.30am with Annamarie, catching up on her trip to Scarpaganza (I am so going in June). We collected Ber on our way and really missed Kate (*sniff) hopefully she will be with us on the next trip :)

What made this a wonderful day? There was a few things actually! Tigger arrived with Bronwen, it was so good to see them both with everything that has happened over the last 2 weeks. Tigger was a vision of orange loveliness and such a ray of sunshine!!! Annamarie's shop is just amazing!!! Imagine all the stock was outside my house the night before and I didin't insist she unpack it all for me to have a quick peek :O Carolines class was brilliant! A tansparency mini book in Autumnal colors - yummy! Once I have it finished I pop up a photo.

We finished off the day with a gorgeous meal in Corbetts Court near Charleville. The chocolate fudge cake is to die for! I would recommend it to anyone!!!!

Right back to work, talk soon :)

Scrap West

2007-11-23T20:44:00.000Z

Oh my, where does the time go? Its the 23rd of November already. I can't believe how fast this year is going. Do years go faster the older you get? Anyways below are 2 LO's from Scrap West. This first one is called "Just the two of us". Tis funny, Shona and I were singing this song all last week, we even got on youtube to find Will Smith's version, which I think is da bizz.

This weeks Scrap West set by Audrey is called "Books". The perfect oppurtunity to scrap these photo's of my babes in the Killorglin Library back in August. I love to read books now but as a child I'd prefere to play with my Cindy Dolls, so where on earth did my little Mrs get her love of books? From such an early age she can't get enough of them, it really feeds her imagination :)

Anyone want to listen to the song we've been dancing and singing to all week? here ya go. Just make sure you sing out loud!

Kerry

2007-11-11T21:29:00.000Z

On the way down to Kerry yesterday, we decided to break up the journey by stopping at a playground we often see but have never been in. It is on the Kerry side of Abbeyfeale. It is very compact but as you can see Shona had loads of fun :)

We stopped off at the Cottage to say hi to Pappa Bud, then headed off again while the weather was still dry. We usually go to the stoney beach (aka Cromane) but this time we drove by the beach and headed to the fishing area, where the famous Cromane Mussels come from. The journey down was really bumpy but great fun.

It is a small area with no pier, loads of small boats and machinery sitting around. There was a huge artic being filled with mussels, heading to Holland. We got out and explored the area, with the fishermans eyes on us, I'm sure no one in their right mind would be down this far unless they had to. Being two city girls it was fun for us to see a part of Irish life we wouldn't see every day. Mind you I think it is worth it as the view is amazing!

Shona was very accomondating witht he camera, mind you she didn't know half the time I was taking photos as I had a zoom lens. This shot below, I think she was on her way over to give out, LOL!

We had such a laugh, just walking and talking (and me shooting). I've been so busy for the last few weeks that it is wonderful just to slow down, breath in the sea air and really appreciate what is around you :)

2007-11-09T21:18:00.000Z

Oh it's been such a long time since I updated the blog, just such a busy time at work and by the looks of it it won't let up until next June. When I think back to this time last year, when I was working with the charity, knowing it wasn't going to last, I realise how lucky I am and I'm so grateful and happy with where I am now today :)

This weeks Scrap West was Changing Colours. I picked a colour I normally wouldn't use (baby blue) and teamed it with some of what I would use (pink). The "S" shape was to create a sort of balance on the page but in a fluid way. The idea behind the journalling came from my last marketing trip... "This is not a..." I am thinking about doing an album called "This is not an Album". The idea is to describe the item/person etc in a way that gives it more a personal feel. Looking forward to this.

Every second wednesday I am at the Limerick & District photo club, where we either have a competition or a visiting speaker. At the moment I find it diificult to sit for 2 hours solid and listen to someone talk technical after putting down a days work. I know it will get more interesting over the next few weeks. Below are some shots of the family business which rolled into the local shopping centre over the mid term. The next competition is called movement, so I may enter it this time.

The Bank Holiday Monday, Ber and I headed off for the day and drove around Co. Clare taking some nice Autumn shots. Mind you the first two shots were taken beside where I work.

As part of my Christmas gifts to friends and family I am doing a little photo shoot for each of them. I managed to get 2 lots done over the Bank Holiday weekend, mind you they haven't seen these yet and I know Viv will be on the phone (or email) as soon as she sees this :) I love this shot, aren't they such a gorgeous family :)

I had such a laugh with John and Ray, I think this was such a chore for them but I got some fab shots of the two of them :)

Shona and I are heading off to Kerry tomorrow for the night to see my parents. Have to bring the laptop to do a little work for meeting next week, mind you I don't mind one bit. I so love my job!

Enjoy the weekend all!

Scrap West Cyber Crop

2007-10-14T22:37:00.000Z

Ok, hope you've all kept Sunday 21st as free as possible as we have a day full of creativity :)

Class Times
8am-9am: Best Freinds Forever by Kate - 6"x4" B&W photo Landscape
9am-10am: Beautiful Bride by Noelle - 5"x7" B&W or Sepia photo Portrait
10am-11am: Lucky Me by Annamarie - 3 photos 3"x2"
11am-12pm: You Are My Sunshine by Lainey - 5"x7" B&W photo Landscape
12pm-1pm: Permission by Crafteire - 6"x4" B&W photo Portrait
1pm-2pm: If Friends Were Flowers by Ruth - 5"x7" B&W photo Landscape
2pm-3pm: Play by Eva - 6"x4" photo Landscape
3pm-4pm: Circle Of Friends by Carrie - No photos
4pm-5pm: Jackie's Cards
5pm-6pm: Flag Book by Caroline
6pm-7pm: Fancy Framing by Audrey - 7"x5" photo Portrait

There are a few kits left on Crafteire and some of the Pirate Princess papers for Jackies class, so get them while you can! :)

Bad Girls Class 4 & 5 and Antwerp

2007-10-09T11:40:00.000Z

Bad Girls Class 5 - Unity. I really loved doing this class, I concentrated on the unity of colour shape and repitition. I got the idea for the title from a LO that Tigger did of Sophie, really clever :)

Last week I was in Antwerp for a marketing meeting. I know I complained alot about going but I loved it when I got there! We got loads of work done but we also had such a laugh. Its amazing how you can still laugh in broken english, hee hee! Coporate took us all out for a gorgeous meal in Antwerp and we did a little sight seeing along the way. I took these photos with my mobile as I wouldn't dare bring my new baby!!!

Bad Girls Class 4 - White Space. I found this one really difficult to do, but still enjoyable. The classes really get you thinking about what you're doing.

Shona and I have taken the day off to have a girlie day, it was her Birthday on Sunday, so we are heading off for lunch, a little shopping and maybe even a DVD later :)

Bad Girls & Scrap West

2007-09-22T13:52:00.001Z

This weeks class on Bad Girls is design elements, we have to choose one, I have picked Shape.

"Triangles suggest action. They can convey either conflict or strength. Triangles can direct movement rather than moving themselves, they point the way"

I picked the triangle to represent the conflict I have in relationships, to suggest me always moving my decisions, not knowing what i want or rather wanting it all. Hoping that one day I find my way.

This week in Scrap West the theme was set by Jackie and was called Going Dotty :) This is a photo of Shona and I with our Crocs and Jibitz. Shona was very slow on the take up of wearing Crocs, however this summer she couldn't wait to get a pair and to pick out her Jibitz too :)

Have a fabby weekend :)

Lustful thoughts...

2007-09-17T20:45:00.000Z

...anyone who knows me knows how lustful I am, ha ha! But since this is a family blog I had to scrap something suitable for a general audience for the Scrap West blog, the theme this week being "Seven deadly sins - pick one"... Just one?

From the day I saw Lisa Browns Scraproom i was in LUST! I didn't envy her as all Scrapbookers root for each other, I really lusted after a room like hers, its just so neat and tidy, loads of light, really well organised and in RED! I contacted Lisa to make sure it was ok to use photos of her Scraproom, which she kindly gave me permission to use (good thing as the LO was done already, ha ha!), she also informed me this was her "old" scraproom - i forgot to ask what she did with it... I have images of it sitting on the trash heap of unwanted scrap spaces (OMG! the horror). Anyways, thanks Lisa... one day, when i win the lotto or find my sugar daddy, I'm going to have a scrap space like yours (even if its only like that for 5 mins)

This weeks class in Bad Girls was texture and dimension. It was really unusual to design a page with these two aspects in mind, rather than letting the page evolve. It took 2 days for me to decide on the final look and when I glued the flowers down, it looked exactly the same as my first choice.....The photo of Shona was tken first thing saturday, you can see she is a morning person :) The papers are from Crafteire, its the new Cherry Arte collection called Kitty Lou - the ones Amber Jane named!!!! Love them all, just so beautiful:)

I don't think I mentioned my new motto.. "Just Do It".. I have a habbit of thinking things through, thinking of every outcome in every situation, so when I was asked to go on a blind date recently I spent 3 days making up my mind whether or not I would, then I spent about a week thinking about why I think so much...... So eventually when I did make up my mind I also decided that I needed a motto, hence "Just Do It". So now when I find myself thinking a bit too long about a decision I just remind myself to "Just Do It"..... then 3 days later I do it!

Bad Girls Assignment #1

2007-09-11T20:16:00.000Z

Assignment #1 for the Bad Girls Top Designer was colour theroy. Turquoise is one of my favoutite colours. It looks so fresh, crisp and calm. However i really love the combination of turquoise with more muted colours such as brown and beige, which i believe warms up such a cool colour. The meaning of Turquoise: calming, emotional healing, protection, refreshing, sophisticated.

The papers are DCWV, turquoise and beige cardstock and chipboard letter which i covered with brown ink and turquoise paint.

There is some amazing LO's on the gallery and there's still time to sign up and get your assignment in by thursday night!!!

Scrap West - Back to School

2007-09-07T22:56:00.000Z

This weeks theme was set by Lainey and was back to school. Shona looks really pensive in this photo (which i love) the camera is really producing amazing photos I am so happy I invested :-) My little sweetie doesn't like school at all! So I do hope this year that she enjoys it more than anything else. Mind you this week has been really good! Keep fingers crossed :-)

Have a fabby weekend all :-)

And the winner is......

2007-09-07T20:25:00.000Z

Thank you all who left a comment on the Blog Celebration post. I put all the names into an envelope and pulled out one winner and it is ...

Evonne

Congrats Evonne, hope you enjoy the box. p.s. email me your addy please.

Keep posted for some BIG news from Scrap West :-)

Are you a Bad Girl?

2007-09-04T23:12:00.000Z

Tracie posted up on her blog an image that made me drool, follow a link and sign up to a 6 session contest... now what would make anyone do that???? You got to see that amount of stash they are giving away! And all from fantastic sponsors. If you want to be a Bad Girl, you have until the 7th of September to sign up.

Grateful

2007-09-02T10:12:00.000Z

I've just finished reading a book called The Secret which was sent to me by Audrey at a time that I was feeling quite low. Not only did it help me through this stage but I also found it very inspirational. It is the type of book you need to keep on your bookshelf and dip into every now and then.

One of the chapters talks about being grateful for what we have in our lives. I was so inpsired that I knew I just had to dedicate a LO to it. Each of the tags in the pocket journals what I am grateful for... Shona, Family, Friends, Home and being Creative.

The papers were a birthday pressie from Caroline, they are from the Basic Grey Infuse collection. There are gorgeous diecut flowers which are perfect to use as embelishments.

Thank you both Audrey and Caroline :-)

Blog Celebration

2007-08-30T22:52:00.000Z

Over in Scrap West we are celebrating Blogs. The idea is to share something creative. The technique I am going to share is altering a box into something unique either to keep for yourself or to house a gift for someone special. If you would like to win the finished box then leave a comment in the comments section and check back here on Friday 7th to see who has won.

Ok for this you will need any sized box with lid (2Euro shop has 3 boxes for 2 euro), paint, paper, ribbon and a few embelishemnts for decorating.

Remove the lid and cut a square out from the centre. Depending on the size of the box, I left a good 1 inch around the edge. Paint the lid inside and out with emulsion or acrylic piant matching your paper.

Paint your box, inside and outside, including the underneath. Leave the paint to dry in between layers.

Using the section of the lid you cut out, glue it down to a larger piece of card making sure it is no bigger than your lid, I used the back of an A4 pad but any hard card will do.

Cover both sides of this square in your patterned paper.

Cut 2 to 4 lenghts (again depending on the size of the box) of your patterned paper no higher than the height of your box. If you like you can ink the edges of the paper. Glue these to the side of your box

When the lid is dry, adhere a good few foam pads (or folded pieces of card as I did) to the corners of the inside of your lid, and glue down your sqaure insert to these foam pads (or folded pieces of card). The idea is to give the impression that the lid is slightly recessed.

Turn the lid over and decorate with your favourite embelishments. I used some ribbon, feather, paper flower, chipboard letters and a little journalling.

And thats it, a very personalised gift box. I hope you found a little inspiration in this Blog Celebration. And remember if you would like a chance to win this gift box just leave a your name in the comments section and check back on Friday 7th for the winner.

Candlelight Supper....

2007-08-27T23:09:00.000Z

... and not one Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles insight!!! What a terrible host am I, LOL!

How can I describe the night? It was a hilarious, easy-going, delicious, wine fuled and utterly entertaining night. The time flew by, especially for those not driving, hee hee! The food was just perfect! None of us will forget Viv's delectable salad with sundried tomatoes, pinenuts and spinach leaves (drool) so glad I saw her make this and is forever stored away in my memory. My smoked salmon pasta with cream, lemon and tarragon (thanks Louise) went down as easily as the copious amounts of wine. And the dessert, also supplied by Viv, topped off what was trully a scrummy meal.

After dinner we decided to play a few games of cards, this is when I remembered to bring out the camera. Seven's was so funny, with some bold people holding back... you know who you are! hee hee! But when we decided to play old maid, well then thats when it got really serious, as seen by the photographs below:

Can you guess who the old maid was??? LOL! You will have to forgive the quality of the images... they looked perfectly fine through the wine goggles I was wearing :-)

What really made the night so wonderful was the company!!! Thank you boys and girls :-) I am so grateful to have you lot in my life (awwwwwww). Here's to many more night candlelight suppers :-)

Scrap West

2007-08-24T18:39:00.000Z

This weeks theme is called Memorable Moment. The journalling under the photo explains the story. When Shona and I were at Coolwood and she saw what she thought was a statue of a hawk....!?(anyways) as she was walking over to check it out the bird moved. Well, Shona got the fright of her life, and the photograph was snapped just as she was turning around to say it was alive. She was a little upset by the laughter from her mammy, hopefully one day she'll learn its ok to laugh at yourself (we could all learn that one). Next week we are doing something really special on the Scrap West blog :-)

Have a great weekend! I'm preparing for my candle light supper with the hand painted royal doulton, LOL!

Kerry Holidays

2007-08-20T21:47:00.000Z

Is it possible to feel exhausted and refreshed at the same time??? Yes! We did loads but got time to rest too. My little woman was attached to me at the hip for the first few days, we kept telling each other how much we loved and missed each other, awwwwwwww.

Ok, prepare for a load of photographs, with the new camera I'm really snap happy :-)

Cottage Antics - A little piece of heaven is our little cottage in Killorglin. Set amongst mountains, country lanes and beautiful scenery.

All the fun at the Fair - Euroshow funfair at Puck Fair

Pottery Painting - If you get a chance to go to Ballyferriter you gotta check out the pottery painting, a fun way to pass a few hours.

Holden Handcrafted Bags - Trully scrummy but way too expensive for my pocket (*sniff sniff*) but I did get a beautiful photograph of a bay beside the factory with a magnificent view of Dingle Bay

Dingle Aquariam - A must stop for anyone with kiddies, we even found Nemo while we were there, and we met Ringo and her family there too :-)

Happy Birthday Don & George - We spent a wonderful night at Fels Point Hotel in Tralee for the boys birthday. Yummy food and a trully luxuriuos room with a view to the new Dome - at no extra charge, LOL!

Coolwood Wildlife Park - Not as nice as Fota but plently of animals for both Shona and I to enjoy.

Pauline Bewick Exhibit - at the Killorglin Library, while Eve and I checked out the paintings from the Seven Ages Exhibit, Shona was checking out the books, Art really isn't her thang!

Louise, Ross & Cian - It was brilliant when the boys arrived with their Mammy on friday. Shona and I love to spend time with them. If you are looking to do something in Killarney (while its raining) check out the Outlet Centre, plenty of shops, gorgeous Coffe in Costa and even a Bungee Jump for the more adventurous.

So that was some of what we did in Kerry for the week, we both had a wonderful time and no matter the weather there is loads to do!!!

Loads more photography

2007-08-12T08:14:00.001Z

Another Busy week and I'm so tired, this hectic social life is getting the better of me , hee hee, must be getting old(er). I'm really looking forward to a wee break in Kerry this week, my first holiday since I started the job in January. Bliss!

Yesterday Ber and I had a wonderful day. We started with our photography class with Peter of Living Images (thanks Peter). We learned everything about our camera settings, especially to do with indoor portrait photography. We learned loads of really useful tips which I can't wait to put into practice :-) and I now know the Lens I sooooo need, better start saving! I would really recommend this type of one to one (or two to one) class for anyone interested in learning about their camera.

After the class we met Louise in Ennis for lunch, we had scrummy food in The Town Hall, check it out if you are ever in the area. Afterwards we checked out the craft shop and then a little more retail therapy. Ennis has some amazing shops for clothes, handbags and jewellery :-)

One evening during the week, Ber and I headed to the weir in Annacotty to checkout slow shutter speed, trying to capture the silky feel of the water. Landscaape really isn't my thing but as an exercise I found it really useful, below is my fav from the evening.

This weeks theme for Scrap West is pets, check out the blog for some amazing works of art. We had 3 guest this week too, thank you ladies for submitting your LO's.

Finally, leaving with this photo of my sweetie girl whom I haven't seen in nearly 2 weeks. I've loved my free time, got loads done but I miss her so much and can't wait to hug and kiss her :-) No doubt she'll oblige me for about 2 minutes, hee hee. She has been in Kerry with her Dad enjoying Puck Fair, the both of them even went my parents cottage for tea during the week. I love the fact that my parents respect her Dad even though it didn't work out between us.

Right let the holiday begin :-)

7 Things Tags

2007-08-07T08:58:00.000Z

I have been tagged by both Noelle and Audrey, doing it fast as the last time everyone I knew with a blog had been tagged already, so here it goes:

7 Things about me:

1. When I was born my Dad wanted to call me Willamina
2. First time I got really drunk I was about 5 (the dog and i drank a bottle of sherry)

3. I nearly drowned at the age of 8 in Ibiza (drink was not invloved, lol)

4. At 12 I was Queen of Puck Fair, its on this weekend in Killorglin

5. I went to Boarding School for 3 years (and hated it)

6. I lived and worked in Moscow for about 8 months (and loved it)

7. I have 1 tattoo, gonna make it 2 soon :-)

Tagged:

Jackie

Kate

Beckie

Annamarie

Maura

Gertie - oops have you been tagged already?

Lainey - and you too Lainey???

Busy Week

2007-08-03T22:07:00.000Z

Its been a another busy week, not only in work but with my new found freedom I've been making the most of it (miss you Shona *sniff sniff*).

Tuesday evening was scrummy food served up by Ber's hubbie (my friends all have wonderful cooks for husbands) afterwards it was into the garden to find some photographic opportunities. I love the way the evening light is caught behind the leaves below, and look at the burnt edges, love texture like this. Talking about texture, what is it about weathered wood??? Its so grungy looking and the colour is devine .... thinking about changing the colours of my walls now!

"Spider pig, spider pig, does whatever a spider pig can" Did you see it??? OMG!!! Went to see The Simpsons new movie on wednesday, it was 10/10! It's sooooo funny! I kept turning to Ailis and saying I'm so glad I didn't bring Shona to this! It really was made for an adult audience! I'll bring her anyway, hee hee!

Thursday night was more scrapping and chatting with Ber, we got loads done (including the Scrapwest below). The papers are from Piggy Tales and the LO is part of my BOM. I also did a LO for Tigger which I'm really happy with. I'll post it up next week after I've posted it to her (BTW, have you seen her hair? Its so cooool)

Tonight I'm chillin, up early for a few appointments tomorrow, then off to the Boys (John & Ray) for dinner, more scrummy food. Imagine I haven't cooked all week, lovin it!

Have a fantastic weekend all :-)

Freedom

2007-07-31T13:20:00.000Z

Wowzer, what a weekend! It was non stop! Shona has gone off withy her dad for 2 weeks holiday and while at first I was feeling very lonely I soon realised I had so much freedom :-) - still love my baby, but will have withdrawl symptoms when she comes home!

On Sunday I returned from Co.Clare (visited my fabby sister, drinks, chat and a little bitching) and met up with Viv at the local pub for a few drinks with her family. This is something I normally wouldn't do because Shona would be coming back on Sunday evening and I prefere to be drink free! After the pub I headed off to Viv's for scrummy food her gorgeous hubbie made (along with some yummy starters from the local indian). But before the food her two beautiful girls posed for a few shots. It is so refreshing to take photographs other than Shona, the cat and myself.

Just look at those beautiful eyes :-) looks like butter wouldn't melt, Ha!

This one reminds me of 1980's punk with attitude - which so suits her personality!

I've recently discovered Gimp, which is free to download and is excellent for editing images.

Tonight I'm heading to Ber's home for dinner a little photography. She joined the Limerick Camera Club last year and is loving it. We had such a laugh last wednesday using a slow shutter speed and writing our names with light, will have to post those up soon.

Ciao for now!

Eva x

Saturday Market

2007-07-28T15:47:00.000Z

Early this morning I decided to head to the market. I love the food there, tarts, chocolate, humus, sundried tomatoes, cheese and bread. This time I brought my camera too with the idea of taking a few shots of the yummy produce. It is a great opportunity to photograph various food stuffs :-) The light was perfect too, a little over cast but still perfect.

After the market I headed to John & Ray's for our usual tarts 'n' coffee. I was telling them about my photography one to one next week with a view to taking portraits. They kindly said yes to act as my models over the next few months while I practice. I brought out the camera and took a few shots of them (I'm sure they won't mind if I post a two up). The lighting was really poor ('twas raining) and I didn't want to use a flash so we took the images as close to the window on a setting of F5.6 and 1/200. They had to be lightened slightly in photofiltre but I'm still happy with the images considering the conditions.

Scrapwest - Friends

2007-07-27T22:20:00.000Z

This weeks theme for Scrapwest is called Friends. Such a perfect theme for me at this time as I have discovered recently true friendship. The photos below are from my birthday meal at the Red Door Restaurant. I couldn't have asked for better people to celebrate with.

Love you all xxx

Lookie-lookie

2007-07-22T08:39:00.000Z

I am one lucky girl, look what I bought.... a Canon EOS 400d. I ordered it a few weeks ago and it arrived while I was away. I got the twin lens kit which comes with an extra lens and grip. Look at the bed hair, LOL! I have the flu at the moment and am as weak as a kitten, but when ever i get the energy I take out the camera and play, just like a kid :-)

The first thing I did was read the instructions - first time ever, LOL! I've been trying out different settings, one of the things I really love about this camera is the setting are on the LCD when you preview the image, so you know exactly how it was taken. The photo of baby was taken on 1/60, 5.6 - I wanted to focus on her and blur the background.

The photo of Shona was taken 0"3, 5.6 - I wanted to capture movement with a longer shutter speed. Off to play again.... well after a lie down first, I'm exhausted LOL!

Brussels photos

2007-07-21T10:55:00.000Z

The quality of these shots are only ok, it was dark, I had no tripod and had a few drinks under my belt (LOL!) so I'm quiet happy with them considering. On tuesday night Joke (Yoka), Anne and An brought Nicola and I out for the most beautiful meal, afterwards the took us on a tour of Brussels. I got very excited when they mentioned Manekin Pis, my Dad had told me about him on my last trip, so I was really looking forward to seeing it.....

Manekin Pis - I was very surprised at how small he was, LOL, well Manekin means small man. I would have missed him if I wasn't with locals. Seemingly he is famous for peeing on a fire which stopped Brussels from burning to the ground - you see size doesn't matter LOL!

Janekin Pis is a piss take (hee hee - sorry) on Manekin Pis, she was built in 1985 and you would have to be with a local to find her, she's down a lane way near a few nite clubs and restaurants.

Grand Plaza is a huge square surrounded by amazing architecture, the above photo is the City Hall. At 11pm every evening there is a light show to music with the focus on this building.

This is the Gallery, a type of shopping centre in Brussels, it is very french looking. I love the height of the ceilings and the couple in the foreground show the dimension of the building.

At the end of the night the girls brought Nicola (seen on the right) and I to a little square surrounded by bars, there was even some guys playing bowls, very french. The locals really know how to live. I had a cocktail with rum, mint leaves, crushed ice and lime, it was scrummy (still can't remember the name of it).

The tour really made the trip worth while, ok I know I was there to work but I would hate to miss an opportunity to see local architecture :-)

Birthday photos

2007-07-20T21:51:00.000Z

Hey there, well made it back in one piece, after delayed flights and a night in Dublin I eventually got home. I got loads of work done but I'm a home bird and was looking forward to getting back to my own place!

I've loaded up a slide show of my wonderful friends who celebrated with me my birthday last weekend :-) The company was fantastic and the food amazing. I love you all so much and feel so lucky to have you in my life! Viv, Tigger, Caroline, Ber and I finished off the night with champers back at my house (a pressie from Valerie - thanks Val it was scrummy!)

The next day Tigger, Caroline, Ber and I spent the day scrapbooking, we had a blast, chatting and being a bit creative too! When the girls left I had to go and pack a bag for Brussels (photos to follow)

Bonjour from Brussels

2007-07-18T13:12:00.000Z

Just a quick post to say bonjour from Brussels. Training has finished and I have a few hours in the office here before my flight tonight. Mind you its not all work and no play!!!! The girls in the Corporate office brought Nicola (UK) and I out last night for food, drink and sight seeing, photos to follow :-)

The birthday meal on saturday was fantastic with loads of fun, fantastic food and wonderful company. I'll upload those photos when I have a moment to spare. A big thank you to all who were there Viv, Fiona, John, Ray, Tigger, Caroline, Louise, Valerie and Ber. I was spolit rotten with wonderful gifts (of course I deserve it), what a lucky girl I am to have such wonderful friends, love you all!

Right, signing off now, looking forward to being in my own bed tonight, even if it will be late.

Au revoir :-)

ok go

2007-07-13T20:29:00.001Z

I love Ok Go, especially A Million Ways to be Cruel. The video is so clever and funny, it spawned a huge competition on You Tube where you had to load up your version of the video, some were really weird and others sooooo funny but there is nothing like the original. So sit back and enjoy :-)

eva birdthistle

re:view, re: focus, re:vision

Its finally happened!

Budapest

Lush 4 Limerick

09.09.09

Kerry Rocks!

Bank Holidays are the biz!

Ellie Maguires

Sunbeam

Cache #8

Scrappy Day

The first of many!

Just what your head needs...

Surreal or what?

Photography website

Happy 50th Birthday Billy

Mini Book & People's Park

Crafteire, Scrapbooking, Photos and more...

"heart cog"

Crafteire 2009

What a mad few months...

What a great party!!!

Its Party Time....

She's well again

Can you tell that we had a few scoops???

MEGA- mega scrap!

If you go down to the woods today....

Republic of Loose

This day 10 years ago...

Gosh, I love this kid!

Shona & Eva's Day Off

Happy 1st Birthday

And another...

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Life Lessons

Happy Birthday Fiona

#1

Scrapping at last!

50 years and still going strong...

Food for the Soul

The last few weeks..

Summer Camp

Crafteire Crop

Birthday celebrations

Photoshop Elements & Photocourse

OMG, 2 in one week!

Where does the time go?

Woohoo...

Is this becoming a habit?

Rachel's Communion

The Party of All Parties!

Happy Birthday Tigger

Happy 69th Birthday Mum

First Exhibition

*lurve*

February - A Feast or a Famine?

Partee Photos

Parteeeee

Look what i treated myself to....

the girls are back in town

Tags

Soiree Sisters (and brothers too!)

i love cash

Last week of Got Paint :(

Day 3/4

Day 3

Scrap West Class

Got Piant? 2

Where has the time gone?

Blackie

Cork Crop

Scrap West

Kerry

Scrap West Cyber Crop

Bad Girls Class 4 & 5 and Antwerp

Bad Girls & Scrap West

Lustful thoughts...

Bad Girls Assignment #1

Scrap West - Back to School

lurve