Wednesday 20 May 2009

Tinkering...

OK I confess, I have an inability to concentrate at the moment, tick tick tick...I find I am just watching time passing me by a second at a time.  Some days I awake and I am in 'full on' action mode, the washing gets done, the house gets cleaned and I even manage some time sewing.  Then there are those other days I struggle to get out of bed in the morning and the day just sort of gets lost... I have noticed I am am having more of the latter than I find acceptable,  despite the present situation I find my little family in.  So I am trying to take action.  Whats a crafty girl going to do when the going gets tough??? Well get crafting of course... now inspired by some yarn and a knitting book I bought a while ago I finally got round to some chicken knitting.  I had planned to knit these a while ago and when I saw .....Periwinkle Park.....  (8th May 09) results I was inspired to pick up the pins.  Something that needed shaping, a little concentration even but, quick results...
So I sat there on Saturday night in front of the fire with a quilt over my knee and watching a tear jerker of a film with a good glass of wine for company I got clacking (or should that be clucking) away.
Ahhhhhhhh I am now on to the crochet bits, as I do not crochet very well this could be challenging...


I have been really good this year on my book buying and only actually bought a couple of books.  Recently though I have had a desire to hold some new inspirational books in my hands.  So I took a peek through blogland and noted down the books recommended and made some purchases.  As the books arrived the guilt of buying myself something kicked in.  It disturbed me a little, I looked back on last years 'May'  postings and I discovered I had bought a pile of books at just the same time.  SO I am guessing its a season thing with me, after the bleakness of winter passing and the promise of sunny days, the in between stage of rainy days and gloriously sunny days, it aspires me to get lost in the beautiful pages and the wonderful photographs of these books...
I am slowly working my way through them, devouring each book with passion, my head is spinning with ideas and my design pad is getting scribbled in daily.  My guilt in these purchases is still there, but I justify them against the price of a meal out or of a few drinks in a county pub on a Sunday afternoon, things I just do not do anymore, and I feel that taking that into account, these books are good value, and what is more they will last me for years to come.  I am especially enjoying the Homemade book, to be fair its nothing none of us will find new, but the photography is superb and I adore the feel of the matt pages, not shiny and glossy but a lovely smooth papery texture...just beautiful.  Should you buy a book for beauty alone...I should think so!!!
Its also that time of year when the food I feed my family changes.  The heavy warming stews cooked in the slow cooker and the thick creamy soups of winter are now not being made.  I sift through my cookery book shelf looking for brighter, lighter summery dishes.  So once again fresh inspiration is required... with books like these, Voluptuous delights, Family cooking and the wonderful Bill Granger's Feed me... well there will be some goodness  being put out on the dinner table this summer that's for sure.  My favourite cooks are the fabulous Jamie Oliver who's energy and zest for living really speaks to me.  The other favourite is Bill Granger, his books are always so beautifully photographed and the lifestyle he puts over is incredibly appealing to me (OK I give in I also find him very attractive)... 
The opening words from his cookery book...I really don't think we can underestimate the importance of good food in our lives.  Providing nutritious and delicious meals for loved ones-and taking time to eat together-is one of life's prime sources of satisfaction.  It is also fundamental to good health and happiness.  But, in today's world, where the pace of life seems to be ever increasing, and we are all juggling competing priorities, time for preparing and sharing meals can easily be compromised.  But it needn't be... and should not be.

Well I could not have said it better myself if I tried...The book is filled with family orientated food, with excellent (and available) ingredients, all laid out in easy to follow  chapters with stunning pictures.  Yes maybe its a lifestyle kinda thing but his books are the most inspiring for me and if you get a chance to watch his cookery programmes, pull on your shades, imagine the sand between your toes and the salty sea spray as you enjoy outdoor eating!


Music I am listening to... Nelly Furtado In Gods Hands
A beautiful person with a stunning voice, a song that rips through my heart about love lost, trust and sadness. 

23 comments:

Linda said...

You mustn't feel guilty about those books, as you say you don't spend the money on anything else. The Homemade book looks lovely, I browsed through it the other day, might have to go back!
Well done for getting into the crafting, where would we be without it! Take care,
Hugs x

Sal said...

Glad you have found some wonderful books to keep you company,Suzie!
A great choice!
Big Hugs ;-)

Gina said...

Some great books and no need to feel guilty! Love those little knitted chicks - so cute.

Caroline said...

Those little chickens are just fantastic - well done you! They look great in a row there!
love
Caroline
xx

Dotty said...

Caroline, the picture is the pattern, I have only made one so far, but I am pleased to say... it looks like the picture.... :P

driftwood said...

oh how lovely a pile of books to lose yourself in - enjoy xxx

French Knots said...

It's important to do small thing that make you feel good, you need to look after yourself as well as the boys. Knitting, books, a good film all good!x

Anonymous said...

Those chickens are so cute, and your books are fab! xxxx

periwinkle said...

Aren't the chicks just so quick and easy :-). did you manage the crochet bits ok ? I'm so glad I'm not the only one changing food .. I made chicken casserole the other day and Hub didn't want it as it was " winter food " I'll have to check those cookery books out. Keep knitting :-)
Lisa x

annemarie said...

I absolutely adore your knitted chicks. Could you share the source of the pattern with us? Your new books look so inviting.

Lazylol said...

Lovely song - thanks for the link.

Don't feel guilty about the books - you deserve a treat!

Unknown said...

Suzie - if you haven't found it already you must check out Lucy's blog at Attic 24 - she is a whizz at crochet and her tutorials are an inspiration

Locket Pocket said...

Never feel guilty about buying books!!!! Although you probably should feel guilty about buying the one I really want - Sew Darn Cute!!!! Is it gorgeous? Do I NEED it???? I know I want it!!!!

I've been really pleased with a new cookery book purchase recently - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Fizz Carr's Family Cookbook - it's lovely!

Lucy x

Kitty said...

I just treated myself to one of those Debbie Abraham books too! I am thinking about trying to knit a blanket. Only thinking, mind you! But enjoying the pictures very, very much.

x

Anonymous said...

Good for you for treating yourself to some books. Your knitted chickens are adorable!

Jacoline said...

I'm in love with the chickens!!

the homely year said...

Books are one of life's great pleasures...so don't feel guilty, just enjoy!
Margaret and Noreen

tea time and roses said...

Hello Suzi!

I just love those little knitted chickens! You are a talented knitter my friend.:o) I love your books too. Sometimes I have to ask myself what do I love more knitting or knitting books! :o)

Smiles...

Beverly

Jane said...

The books look very interesting. Never feel guilty about them though, books are wonderful. Jane x

Jane said...

oops forgot to say I love your knitted chicks. Jane x

Ragged Roses said...

Hope all is well Suzie, take care!
I love your knitted chickens, they're great. Take time to enjoy your books without feeling guilty
Kimx

Tracy said...

Hope the crafting cure adds some spice to your days, Suzie! :o) Your stack of books is a great treat...and we all need treats sometimes. I just lately bought the Weekend Sewing--it's nice, great ideas. Good to catch up with you here. We're just back from a two-week trip...Getting over jet lag, oh, my...Happy Days ((HUGS))

Kim Dellow said...

I love those birds they are fabulous. I know what you mean about time. Sometimes I am full of get up and go but some days the get up and go has taken a bus to somewhere else and forgot to take me along with it. Thanks goodness for crafting. Kim