Grovel, grovel, grovel...

I admit it, I've been very lax for the past few weeks. "Where have you been?", I hear you cry! Well, maybe not that exactly, but I'd like to think some of you have at least a vague curiosity...

It's been nearly six weeks since my last entry and life's been pretty hectic so this could be a long one...

To start with the stitching, April proved to be a particularly unproductive month in terms of finishing items. Unfortunately I came down with a nasty virus that turned into pharyngitis - most unpleasant, and resulting in the disappearance of virtually all my remaining brain cells. So the construction of the latest box design is still in progress, I've not yet finished a second model of the workshop piece, made any headway on Angel of Love or taken the birth sampler much further....very poor show.....

However, I did shoot up to Cumbria for a couple of days to join lots of other Sampler Guild members on the stitching retreat. Sadly, I couldn't make the full week but was able to make it up for a couple of fascinating talks, one given by Elizabeth Pritchard about the history of Ruskin Lace - very informative and inspirational, those who went may well spot elements in future designs! The second was an entertaining history of American quilt techniques by Barbara Slee who brought with her a huge number of incredible examples.

It was wonderful to meet so many fellow stitchers in such beautiful surroundings - the base for the week was Muncaster Castle, near Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast, and I only wish I had been able to spend longer with everyone. I never did have time to explore the castle! Linda, Bev and Katie did a fantastic job in organising the event, including a chance to mingle quilters, embroiderers and patchworkers from the local area on the final night amongst a display of work that had a contribution from almost everyone present.

Everywhere I went, I heard people saying what a lovely time they were having and how everything was running so smoothly - although I'm not sure it felt like that to Linda at the time! The staff at the castle were exemplery, obvious even from the short time that I was there, and I hope to be able to join everyone for the full week next year.

After a hectic couple of days dashing up & down the M6 and gossiping with fellow stitchers, I was back on the motorway heading south to see my parents - I saw far too much tarmac that week...

My visit home included another trip to France, and yet another outstanding meal. Snails cooked in garlic butter and parsley followed by the largest platter of Fruits des Mer I've ever seen! Admittedly, this was divided between the three of us, but there were many, many winkles and shrimps left behind. To complete the feast, a large slab of tarte tatin with creme anglais...a small slice of heaven on a plate....

Other stitching news...I've been invited to design a piece for Glastonbury Abbey - a chart to go on sale in their gift shop that will encapsulate the essence of the Abbey and its environs! I'm unbelievably excited about this, it's a fantastic opportunity and it looks like it's going to be really fun to do. It's all thanks to FionaB, as it was her suggestion to the Friends of the Abbey that prompted them to contact me, and I can't begin to say how much I appreciate her putting my name forward!! Thank you! :-D

This not only means another design is in the pipeline, but also a weekend away exploring the Abbey and the local area which I'm really looking forward to. Things are still going very well with A, so I will have an escort and partial chauffeur for the weekend!

To finish off for today, as this entry's far too long as it is, here are the results of being tagged by Julie! I have to pick five of the following, complete the sentences, and then tag another 3 people...

If I could be a scientist . . .
If I could be a farmer . . .
If I could be a musician . . .
If I could be a doctor . . .
If I could be a painter . . .
If I could be a gardener . . .
If I could be a missionary . . .
If I could be a chef . . .
If I could be an architect . . .
If I could be a linguist . . .
If I could be a psychologist . . .
If I could be a librarian . . .
If I could be an athlete . . .
If I could be a lawyer . . .
If I could be an inn-keeper . . .
If I could be a professor . . .
If I could be a writer . . .
If I could be a llama-rider . . .
If I could be a bonnie pirate . . .
If I could be an astronaut . . .
If I could be a world famous blogger . . .
If I could be a justice on any one court in the world . . .
If I could be married to any current famous political figure ...
If I could be a goat...
If I could be a time-traveller...
If I could be a vineyard...

My responses?

If I could be a llama-rider, I'd probably smell but be extremely happy.
If I could be a librarian, I still wouldn't have time to read all the books I want to before I die.
If I could be a chef, I'd insist that someone else did the washing up!
If I could be a farmer, I'd do my bit to revive rare breeds of sheep & keep an ancient 2CV in the yard for the chickens to roost in.
If I could be a writer, I'd re-work my old stories into bodice-ripping blockbusters, make a fortune & use the money to support me while I designed full-time. And in my final novel, the house would burn down... ;-)

Jen, Stacey and Thutmosis - consider yourselves tagged...