Not Cool

I've never posted anything remotely negative on this blog. It's not the space for that sort of thing. But lately something's been bothering me and I'd like to share my course of action and feelings regarding this issue. For the last 6 months or so, I've been experiencing harassment in the form of unwelcome spam comments being left on my blog, as well as explicit comments and links being left in other languages. I have loved sharing my creations, and little glimpses into our family life over the last two years that I have been blogging. I've made some wonderful friends through blogging, but I'm offended and disgusted at the people who are putting links to cheap, smutty "adult" sites in a space where I share photos of my precious children. Comments will be moderated by me from now on. How disheartening it is that people would behave so abhorrently.

Winter Beach Love

The children and I agree that we like the beach just as much in Winter as we do in Summer. We go nearly every day. How could we not, when it's just over the road?

Having lived here at the beach for almost a year now, I'm not sure I'd ever want to live anywhere else!

What's your favourite time of year for beach visits?

Oranges and Lemons...

"Oranges and Lemons, say the bells of St Clements!

Bullseyes and Targets, say the bells of St Margarets!

Brickbats and Tiles, say the bells of St Giles!

Halfpence and Farthings, say the bells of St Martins!

Pancakes and Fritters, say the bells of St Peters!

Two sticks and an Apple, say the bells of Whitechapel!

Maid in White Aprons, say the bells at St Katherines!

Pokers and Tongs, say the bells of St Johns!

Kettles and Pans, say the bells of St Annes!"

I spent a large part of my childhood in England. And today as I looked out of the window to see the branches on the orange and lemon trees groaning under the weight of all the ripening fruit, I had a sudden vivid memory of skipping double dutch in a playground under a concrete-grey sky and reciting the above rhyme! Do you still remember your favourite games and rhymes from childhood?

And also, what should I do with all these oranges and lemons? I'll definitely visit my lemon curd recipe again, as I so enjoyed making (and eating) it last year. But what else? Perhaps some marmalade is in order as well....

Warming Words

Gosh it seems like I've made a lot of rabbits lately! I've just finished 4 (one had to be posted before I had a chance to photograph it-darned Winter light!). I do adore making rabbits, but I felt the need for some fresh inspiration, so I ordered this book, as a treat for myself.

I think I'll definitely have to try one of these gorgeous elephants...

And a new pincushion too.

What a lovely way to spend a grey, indoorsy type of Winter day. I'll leave you with a quote I read in a magazine which I thought was very eloquent.

Be careful of your thoughts

For your thoughts become your words.

Be careful of your words

For your words become your actions.

Be careful of your actions

For your actions become your habits.

Be careful of your habits

For your habits become your character.

Be careful of your character

For your character becomes your destiny.--author unknown

Hope everyone else is having an inspiring day too xx