iPod iRony

So, I've climbed up onto one of the rickety kitchen chairs. I'm balancing precariously, screwdriver in one hand, freshly ironed curtain in the other and lips grasping a row of tiny screws. The iPod (set to 'shuffle') chooses that moment to start playing a particularly tinny and soul-destroying version of "Bah Bah Black Sheep" which seems to go on forever.

Why does that always happen?!

Just another one of life's little jokes I suppose.

Pictures, Candles and Cushions

Sometimes I use the hecticness (made up word) of everyday life as an excuse not to update my blog.

But no more excuses! *punches air determinedly*

I am back. It has taken a fair amount of time and a long process of mental workouts to force me to ‘pull my finger out’. Recently I realised it might be useful to make a list of things that would get me back on track. I’ve kind of veered off in recent months onto the lumpy, bumpy dust path that runs alongside. So, my list has - amongst other things - included getting back into blogging and decorating. Yes, the time has come to turn my tiny living space back into something resembling a cosy chillout zone rather than somewhere to store toys.

I feel better for it too. Granted, it's not much of a life change but at least I’m grabbing back a little control in a world where too often nasty things can creep up behind you and pull the rug out from under your feet.

So far the decorating is going well. I’m afraid I can’t take the credit for that. It’s all thanks to my wonderful Dad who, despite being pretty crippled with wrist/elbow pain has once again come up trumps. He never lets me down me ole Dad. (My goodness, I complain so much about life’s difficulties but I never lose sight of all the wonderful things too).

For once I have steered away from my beloved red and opted for something completely new. Turquoise. Well, 'Duck Egg Blue' to be more accurate. It’s fresh and cheery and quite a dramatic change for me. Perhaps this is symbolic of the U turn I intend to make... (can you tell there’s a BIG birthday looming?)

Ooh, and I have lovely new curtains which I can’t wait to hang. To be honest, I’m a little impatient. I can’t wait for it all to ‘come together’ so I can put all the finishing touches to the room – pictures, candles and cushions, that sort of thing. One of the downsides to decorating a tiny house is there is nowhere to put anything while it's all happening. It’s like one of those puzzles where you have to move the little squares in order to make sense of the bigger picture. Let's just say I hope I don’t need to make a quick exit out the back door because everything is stacked up rather precariously in front of it.

Junior is away this week. Spain with my lovely sister. It feels weird (and quiet) without him here. And bizarrely I can feel it in my bones that he is somewhere far away. But he’s having the time of his life and I am getting to bash on with the painting without having to worry about duck egg footsteps on the stair carpet. I would have liked to have had it all finished before he got home but that’s not looking likely.

I think Junior and Baby will miss the fact that for a while the living room resembled a squash court (see short video below).

Anyway, it was nice chatting with you again. It’s been too long.