tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63486629714036022372024-03-13T17:04:49.398+00:00My So Called Life And Other LiesA crafting, quilting, knitting, sewing, baking, homeschooling, homesteading Muslim Mama, from the UK. Mothering with soul.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.comBlogger859125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-4886744384978996202014-04-30T07:45:00.000+01:002014-04-30T14:34:14.014+01:00Introducing... QalballahI had no intention of ever doing this, and I'm still a bit puzzled by just what happened last week. One thing led to another and before I knew it... well, that's how the creative mind works, isn't it? It fires off in tangents and leads somewhere, you follow and by the time you've caught up there's a whole new world waiting for you.<br />
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Some of you have been following me around my various blog incarnations for years. Seriously, it has been years. When I first started blogging I had no idea what I was doing and the very first two blogs were deleted completely. Then there was a family blog, and thereafter a homeschool blog both of which I've kept, but made private - just for my own memories. I think there is too much personal information in them which I no longer feel comfortable sharing given that a) blogging has changed, and b) audiences are bigger and no longer just friends and family.<br />
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My creative blogs have undergone a few incarnations until I landed here and quite happily set about making myself my online home, and it feels like just that - a place I find I can relax in in the online world; facebook, twitter, instagram are all great places to connect, but they're not the same as a blog and I don't suppose they ever will be. I have no idea whether blogging is dead or dying or will ever stay the course, but for now it works for me. <br />
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But it felt disjointed having old blogs all over the place, and it just felt right to move on and try something new. So I did this - I collected everything into one home and have moved house, hopefully for good (time will tell).<br />
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So pop on over to my new space - update your bookmarks etc and <a href="http://www.qalballah.com/" target="_blank">come and say hi</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://qalballah.com/" target="_blank"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWr_e307ato/U14-sNRUfQI/AAAAAAAADSU/R2umg75XVOA/s400/qalballahcomheader.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-57199706297659275402014-04-29T07:25:00.000+01:002014-04-29T07:25:00.435+01:00Bluebell Nature Walk - Spotter Sheets<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/12465327625" title="TEND issue 1 2014 OFFICIAL_page198_image160 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/12465327625_ed404bf718_n.jpg" width="340" alt="TEND issue 1 2014 OFFICIAL_page198_image160"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/12465496603" title="TEND by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/12465496603_d74abbf3d6_n.jpg" width="340" alt="TEND"></a><br />
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Pictures <a href="http://mysocalledlifeandotherlies.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-bluebell-nature-walk.html" target="_blank">From 15th May 2013</a>::<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8735506004/" title="DSC_0990 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8735506004_9d83a613a4_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_0990"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8734382021/" title="DSC_1012 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/8734382021_4ec4bcd6c2_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1012"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8735485700/" title="DSC_1047 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/8735485700_42e5aaaf52_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1047"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8735484136/" title="DSC_1051 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8735484136_cbdab4e893_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1051"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8735482518/" title="DSC_1052 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/8735482518_7a69fc0cb0_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1052"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8734359231/" title="DSC_1065 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/8734359231_4a1202655f_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1065"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8734353989/" title="DSC_1085 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/8734353989_1f56d239fc_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1085"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8735474284/" title="DSC_1081 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/8735474284_2dbd264051_z.jpg" width="424" height="640" alt="DSC_1081"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8734347411/" title="DSC_1096 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8734347411_acce98c6d7_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1096"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8734343377/" title="DSC_1111 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/8734343377_b5e4d2e12f_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1111"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8734340185/" title="DSC_1117 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/8734340185_9e06338e66_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1117"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8735464106/" title="DSC_1121 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8735464106_d42be27b60_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1121"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8735453970/" title="DSC_1124 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/8735453970_e0dea67d7f_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1124"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8734334037/" title="DSC_1166 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/8734334037_5fc0432a89_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1166"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/8734319729/" title="DSC_1195 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8734319729_62dd4930b1_z.jpg" width="740" alt="DSC_1195"></a><br />
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Most years we try to mark something special about each season - something that lets us know where we are in this journey around the sun. For spring we usually take the time to visit a local wood famed for its carpet of bluebells - it's always a real treat and never fails to take our breath away, you could never get bored of just staring at it all.<br />
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Last year I was trialing the spotter sheets you see above, and plenty of people wondered if they'd become available at some point ... well, in a round about way they are - they are <a href="http://tendmagazine.co.uk/products/issue-1" target="_blank">in the first issue of the magazine</a>, and you can print it out as many times as you like for your babes (free for personal use). It is a simple tick sheet, or the child can colour the item once they've found it too. I like spotter sheets on hand just in case activity needs to be a bit focused. Free exploration is our usual gig, but when we're on topic then spotter sheets can keep them focused. Or (as the case here) they were prohibited from free play and exploring due to having to keep to the paths whilst the bluebells were out - almost a torture for them. Spotter sheets and a clip board are a pay off for that.<br />
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If you have used these sheets already - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tendmagazine?ref=hl" target="_blank">let us know</a> how they went - and any photos would be appreciated to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/tendmagazine/" target="_blank">the flickr group</a> - I really want to see TEND out foraging in the wild. How did these sheets (and the other content) work for you?<br />
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We hope you have as much fun out there exploring as we normally do. There is so much to keep little minds awed and forever asking questions!<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-38284212295766815032014-04-28T07:33:00.000+01:002014-04-28T07:33:00.295+01:00Creative BugIt was probably the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03myqj2" target="_blank">Great British Sewing Bee</a> that whet my appetite. It's been a while since I've made a consistent effort to make clothes. There were <a href="http://mysocalledlifeandotherlies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/new-togs.html" target="_blank">a couple of tunics</a> run up a month or so back, but to be fair, they're probably the easiest thing to make other than a tote bag. They're like tote bags with arms. Wearable totes! Whatever. Hardly that taxing.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13758880145" title="In my defence, it was on sale... by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/13758880145_40d9ed63d1_z.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="In my defence, it was on sale..."></a></center><br />
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Then I spied this <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/workshop/pattern-drafting" target="_blank">little course on offer</a> over on <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/" target="_blank">Tilly's blog</a>. And for that price what's not to love. I signed up immediately and awaited the first episode - how to take measurements. Wait - that's it?? Well, I can DO that! Yeah, I can DO that so maybe I can make my own clothes?? The next few lessons I learned things just by watching <a href="http://hodgepodgefarm.net/" target="_blank">the way Cal worked</a> - how to transfer a dart pattern onto cloth - so easy. How to change a neckline on a pattern. Simple! After four lessons I'd hardly call myself an expert, but I AM now confident and enthused, and really for the price of a couple of coffees I'd say that was pretty amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13293038555" title="springtime sewing by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/13293038555_007aa1ff85_z.jpg" width="700" alt="springtime sewing"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13940587695" title="DSC_0086 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/13940587695_09feb17c4d_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life"></a><br />
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I'm eying those patterns of mine up with a whole new look in my eye. I'm such a lousy student, as soon as a pattern starts talking Klingon I just ignore it and make it up as I go along. Not a great idea. But I actually think I have a clue now! Yes, really. And maybe an entire handmade wardrobe will never be in my future, but the ability to make a few more things with confidence? Well, I'm excited about that prospect.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-20342210396199495162014-04-25T07:40:00.000+01:002014-04-25T07:40:00.063+01:00Into the Weekend<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13969551762" title="DSC_0120 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/13969551762_d3c794a2b9.jpg" width="450" alt="my so called life blog flowers"></a></center><br />
Have a great weekend!<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-16281391733630766642014-04-23T07:38:00.000+01:002014-04-23T07:38:00.088+01:00Earn money with TEND<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13948627793" title="DSC_0111 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5095/13948627793_6e22530449_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0111"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13917440816" title="DSC_0117 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/13917440816_4f7ddb8a04_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0117"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13917402111" title="DSC_0131 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/13917402111_6926c77e4d.jpg" width="331" height="500" alt="DSC_0131"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13941021464" title="DSC_0093 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/13941021464_edaa5fae22_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0093"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13917491751" title="DSC_0078 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/13917491751_010987ea33_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0078"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13917508611" title="DSC_0072 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/13917508611_9431aa78a7_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0072"></a></center><br />
I am aware how annoying it is to go to peoples' blogs only to be met with a hard sell. Blogs, unless they are part of a selling website designed to give you insider peeks and company information, should, in my opinion be a lot more personal than that. So apologies for when I (have to) talk about <a href="http://tendmagazine.co.uk/products/issue-1" target="_blank">the magazine</a>. What can I say? It's very dear to me, I spend vasts amount of my time and energy on it, it's like a baby that I want to see grow and it makes up a huge chunk of my creative time. If I <i>didn't</i> talk about it, I'd be lying about what I do all day.<br />
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That said, I will try to keep my hard sell to a minimum. <br />
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But I'm not really selling today - you are! Or at least you could be if you join up to our <a href="http://tendmagazine.co.uk/pages/affiliate-program" target="_blank">Affiliate Program</a>. Click to find out how you could help TEND and earn a little extra money for yourself at the same time! We need to get the word out about our magazine, and there are plenty of you who have written to say how much you love it - now we need to let others know too. So, get in touch! <br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-13644611469853898372014-04-22T07:01:00.000+01:002014-04-22T07:01:00.514+01:00Orla-less<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13941111594" title="DSC_0021 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/13941111594_bc9c8f4940.jpg" width="331" height="500" alt="not orla kiely that's for damn sure"></a><br />
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They removed <a href="http://mysocalledlifeandotherlies.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/handmade-bunting.html" target="_blank">Orla from the kitchen</a>. I asked them not to, but they did anyway. Now, instead of <i>fabulous</i> walls I have bland magnolia walls. MAGNOLIA. Do I look like a <i>magnolia</i> type of person to you?<br />
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The shame.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-26433875292556762182014-04-18T14:31:00.002+01:002014-04-18T14:31:37.053+01:00{Looking Back}<i>May 2008</i>...<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/2529064534" title="Untitled by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3078/2529064534_eb2acbe96d_z.jpg?zz=1" width="700" alt="my so called life"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/2528248039" title="Untitled by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3268/2528248039_9e409401bd_z.jpg?zz=1" width="700" alt="my so called life"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/2528249781" title="Untitled by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2091/2528249781_67eef7a7da_z.jpg?zz=1" width="700" alt="my so called life"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/2529063032" title="Untitled by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2309/2529063032_a3e0bd924f_z.jpg?zz=1" width="700" alt="my so called life"></a><br />
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Again, marveling at how small they were. Looking back to remind myself of so many things; adventuring with my babes in the sun, squeezing their little bodies in bear hugs that swept them off their feet, how happiness could be found in a net and a lakeside, how handmade clothes were easier (and cheaper!) to make (and how I should make more effort to make them some more). Milk teeth grins, mispronounced words left uncorrected because it was just too cute, the enormity of the privilege to be allowed to be the one they call 'mama'; podgy arms and legs, boundless energy and enthusiasm, sucking thumbs.<br />
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Good grief I do miss these times. Even though at the time I was utterly convinced I never could. <br />
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Hugs now are boney, sucking thumbs are a long forgotten habit, I can no longer lift my babes off their feet or indeed have them on my lap. I should get the last of those sweet chubby cheek kisses before they grow boney. And hairy.<br />
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Enjoy the madness of your family this weekend, and if you have little people under four feet tall, sweep them off their feet, carry them on your back, sit them on your lap and eat them up. For all their littleness, just melt into it and inhale.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-38031566374142203002014-04-16T07:08:00.000+01:002014-04-16T07:08:00.172+01:00The Makings of a Quilt (Top)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778409685" title="DSC_0002 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/13778409685_31988f71da_z.jpg" width="700" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a><br />
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<b>1: Interview</b> the fabrics.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778401455" title="DSC_0003 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/13778401455_a3717f7ef9_z.jpg" width="700" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778396333" title="DSC_0005 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5293/13778396333_fd3fa4cd90_z.jpg" width="700" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a><br />
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<b>2: Make</b> a selection.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778732234" title="DSC_0007 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/13778732234_3b69b41299_z.jpg" width="700" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778714774" title="DSC_0014 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/13778714774_5bb4550c9b_z.jpg" width="700" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a><br />
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<b>3: Cut</b> into the finalists.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778362723" title="DSC_0016 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/13778362723_d4092e951d.jpg" width="331" height="500" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a></center><br />
<b>4: Decide</b> who goes where.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778698274" title="DSC_0018 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/13778698274_5e189e6eda_z.jpg" width="700" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a><br />
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<b>5: Add</b> a little bit of this and that.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778300215" title="DSC_0036 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/13778300215_24d85f7fce_z.jpg" width="700" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a><br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13783355475" title="DSC_0022 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/13783355475_6ce096d8f6.jpg" width="366" height="500" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a></center><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13783261285" title="DSC_0024 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/13783261285_b6d40a9343_z.jpg" width="700" alt="quilt with orla kiely fabric"></a><br />
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<b>6: Sit</b> back and enjoy the view.<br />
<br />
Now to decide - a quilt, or just a blanket...<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-83076691510212673682014-04-15T07:30:00.000+01:002014-04-15T07:30:01.638+01:00From the Kitchen<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778004123" title="DSC_0118 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/13778004123_db2e46449b_z.jpg" width="700" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778169855" title="DSC_0071 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/13778169855_f8418748c5_z.jpg" width="700" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778207903" title="DSC_0060 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/13778207903_eb36a2a1f7.jpg" width="331" height="500" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778504574" title="DSC_0076 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/13778504574_3b1b7875b0.jpg" width="331" height="500" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13782096294" title="DSC_0079 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/13782096294_ac18e07352_z.jpg" width="700" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778102243" title="DSC_0088 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/13778102243_f1f1468049_z.jpg" width="700" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778422424" title="DSC_0094 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/13778422424_f4d200b8f3_z.jpg" width="700" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778059015" title="DSC_0101 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/13778059015_f677fbeddb_z.jpg" width="700" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778049725" title="DSC_0104 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/13778049725_c7eb404ce3_z.jpg" width="700" alt="TEND issue 1 recipe"></a><br />
</center><br />
It turns out that I love nothing better than pootling in my kitchen when I have a) time and b) space. Not meals, you understand, but all the extras - cookies, bread, granola, snacks, anything that adds a smile to our faces - just because. Meals... well, it's a chore isn't it? Doesn't really give me quite the same kick.<br />
<br />
Another thing I am enjoying right now is the first fresh green things in our vegetable boxes and supermarket shelves! Sugar snap peas? Already?? Yes, please! It makes a nice change from, well, root vegetables and soup.<br />
<br />
Grabbing more than my fair share of these peas, I knew exactly what the first batch was destined to become - my mouth has been watering for them all year - the '<i>Pickled-Dilly Snap Peas</i>' refrigerator pickle which <a href="http://tendmagazine.co.uk/products/issue-1" target="_blank">appears in issue 1</a> of <a href="http://tendmagazine.co.uk/" target="_blank">TEND</a>. I'm a big pickle fan and the combination of these sugar peas and the pickle spices is simply heaven - <i>heaven</i>, I tell you. I doff my cap to <a href="http://www.whollyrooted.com/" target="_blank">Denise</a> - she has an exquisite palette. Anyone who can get me excited about food has to be a genius, and I am already eying the recipes in the summer issue (mouth-watering, I'm not kidding).<br />
<br />
I will never go back to shop bought pickle again; I have been a bit lazy in the past in this regard - but oh, this recipe is so quick and EASY and so so gooooood. The only downside is that you have to wait a few days for the flavours to be ready and they're gone so quickly!<br />
<br />
I can see this will be another staple of our spring/summer diet this year, along with the never ending popcorn snacks and <a href="http://mysocalledlifeandotherlies.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/scenes-from-my-kitchen.html" target="_blank">hummus</a>. After a long winter it feels good to finally eat fresh and local produce.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-12150240642126937102014-04-14T07:37:00.000+01:002014-04-14T07:37:00.128+01:00Plans Ahead<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778246565" title="DSC_0048 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/13778246565_edb85d4ef1_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0048"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778243943" title="DSC_0050 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5099/13778243943_29efbd9d3a_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0050"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13778583464" title="DSC_0053 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/13778583464_094e2c7479_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0053"></a><br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13740088933" title="Popcorn trees! When midget was really little he called 'blossom' 'snow trees'.... Awww by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/13740088933_2f18aaaa27.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Popcorn trees! When midget was really little he called 'blossom' 'snow trees'.... Awww"></a></center><br />
How can it be April already? How? Just... <i>how</i>??<br />
<br />
It's growing season, and I honestly don't know if I have the energy or wherewithal to commit to the allotment this year. I'm sad to say that I think this will be our last year of tending it. If it were just at the end of our garden, or made of soil rather than brick, or if we could leave all our things there safely, then it would be totally doable. Right now it's a drive away with all the equipment in the car with no idea when we'll return. Hardly ideal. And this year, just like last, there has seen a bit of extra workload due to <a href="http://tendmagazine.co.uk/" target="_blank">the magazine</a> now. <br />
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I don't really like being beaten so there is a good chance I might actually do the diametric opposite of giving up. But after three weeks away from home, and having three years' worth of crud to shift on returning, I am so very weary.<br />
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For now I'll enjoy growing season the old fashioned way - by buying flowers, watching blossom pop up on our trees, and enjoying seasonal food from our farmers.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-6921380165479402232014-04-08T07:18:00.000+01:002014-04-08T07:18:00.736+01:00Back<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13674115463" title="Oh yes I did by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/13674115463_c28b5187bb.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="my so called life"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13674571824" title="Coming home to a fabric delivery eases the pain.... by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/13674571824_d280c1fcec.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="my so called life blog"></a></center><br />
We're back. Back to utter chaos and smell and hassle and a mess SO big, SO wide and SO tall that there is no way to clean it, there is no way at ALL. (Yes, I've just broken out into Seuss verse, because whenever I go look at the mountain - literally MOUNTAIN - of jobs left to tackle it's the only thing that runs through my head. Other than 'I wish I was someone else'.)<br />
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Keeping me sane (and I use that term relatively) is a little pile of goodies that awaited my return. Patrick Grant (I wish) and some sewing projects and a wee pile of fabric from <a href="http://www.celticfusionfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Celtic Fusion Fabrics</a> - that foxy fabric just kept calling... "Les Amis" by Patty Sloniger for Michael Miller... until I could stand it no longer. And there it sits waiting for me to "pick up all the things that are down" when I can squirrel maybe an hour just for ME to sit and make something.<br />
<br />
I have no idea when that will be. *Flips down visor* smoke me a kipper....<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-60942399109638339902014-04-07T07:35:00.000+01:002014-04-07T07:35:00.245+01:00Lost and Found... Again<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13584065464" title="DSC_0008 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/13584065464_6e0a4d3579_z.jpg" width="700" alt="debbie qalballah"></a><br />
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For the third year in a row, around the same time as the others, I have found yet another lost item in <a href="http://mysocalledlifeandotherlies.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/lost-and-found.html" target="_blank">the back of that cupboard</a> of mine.<br />
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This time? A shawl from years gone by that I thought I had given away. It was such a nice surprise as with all hand knits it's not just the item, but the <a href="http://mumudesign.typepad.com/mumu_design/2010/03/my-little-takealong-friend.html" target="_blank">memories of the time that I knit it in</a> which are woven in <a href="http://mumudesign.typepad.com/mumu_design/2010/03/on-the-sticks.html" target="_blank">with the yarn</a>. I can't quite believe this is four years old... where does that time go?<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-11787207501482751432014-04-04T07:11:00.000+01:002014-04-04T07:11:00.130+01:00{This Jumah Moment}<center>A Friday (Jumah) ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.<br />
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. . . . . . . . . .<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13583678375" title="DSC_0076 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/13583678375_95c074fb28_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life"></a><br />
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<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-22740723044942108612014-04-03T07:02:00.000+01:002014-04-03T07:02:00.465+01:00Treasures Found<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13426383815" title="DSC_0003 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/13426383815_d6290c652e_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13426372105" title="DSC_0004 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/13426372105_8963999aff_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13426452093" title="DSC_0010 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/13426452093_69f19c112b_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
<br />
One thing about being back in the family home is the amount of treasures to rummage through and find. This time around the boys were thrilled to find this old train set. They've hit a Hornby obsession and we have neither the money nor the space to fit a set, so finding this little tiny track and train set hidden away from years gone by was a big hit for all of us.<br />
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And it might have just fueled a desire for a real Hornby set all of their own, but for now this is taking the edge off it. Just.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325" /></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-7182516366641790412014-04-02T06:09:00.000+01:002014-04-02T06:09:01.991+01:00Still Out of Town<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380532125" title="DSC_0021 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/13380532125_119e94f345.jpg" height="640" alt="DSC_0021"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380356325" title="DSC_0072 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/13380356325_22053511d0.jpg" height="640" alt="DSC_0072"></a><br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-28517871354464373542014-04-01T06:35:00.000+01:002014-04-01T06:35:00.372+01:00Sneaky Peeks<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13330843704/" title="upload by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/13330843704_05b46993ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="upload"></a></center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13386115893/" title="DSC_0002 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/13386115893_524444cf1d_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0002"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380702343/" title="DSC_0011 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/13380702343_91fb7f60f0_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0011"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380728863/" title="DSC_0004 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/13380728863_677be9eac2_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0004"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380598345/" title="DSC_0003 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/13380598345_b66aa5bc31_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0003"></a><br />
<br />
Something being worked on right now for <a href="http://tendmagazine.co.uk/" target="_blank">the magazine</a>. It doesn't feel quite so sneaky now you know about TEND. Maybe I'll rename this series <i>TEND in progress</i>...<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-83838298284540420272014-03-31T06:49:00.000+01:002014-03-31T06:49:00.113+01:00Flea<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380472263/" title="DSC_0077 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/13380472263_d2ab9ab6b0_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0077"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380317235/" title="DSC_0080 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/13380317235_654823a6c3_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0080"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380651644/" title="DSC_0087 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/13380651644_9b05a80187_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0087"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380600954/" title="DSC_0098 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/13380600954_b6b9fb47fa_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0098"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380186245/" title="DSC_0105 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/13380186245_1b41473b9d_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0105"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380254323/" title="DSC_0118 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/13380254323_5013665e57_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0118"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380012183/" title="DSC_0201 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/13380012183_ca006cb571_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0201"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13379857685/" title="DSC_0203 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/13379857685_ceac1338a9_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0203"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13379983283/" title="DSC_0207 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/13379983283_19ae7f6594_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0207"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13379938703/" title="DSC_0214 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/13379938703_09681cfddf_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0214"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380487934/" title="DSC_0115 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/13380487934_db691cd23e_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0115"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13379914393/" title="DSC_0219 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/13379914393_a80e80e5ff_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0219"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13379926253/" title="DSC_0218 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/13379926253_6a82508a6b_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0218"></a><br />
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I'm not really a gal who subscribes to retail therapy, but the three exceptions to that are: yarn shops, fabric shops and flea markets or junk shops. Heaven. Really. Even if I don't buy a thing, I can spend hours walking slowly around these places, remembering the people in my life who might have something similar, or what I can do with another doily. If I'm lucky I might find something we need at a reasonable price (to be honest we're all maxed out space-wise now, so I rarely buy anything any more), or something I don't need but DO want and can afford once I've figured out where I can put it (I think I actually need amber glassware). I dream of having more space so I can fit more things in, and yes, a flock of sheep to justify me buying that antique pair of sheers (really, these fancies come over me and I'm on the brink of several insane purchases before I'm talked down off the ledge).<br />
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This time I walk away with nothing, but still very content with all the day dreaming that comes along with walking around these aisles. And you never know, one day I may go back for those sheers. And a few dozen other things.<br />
<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-18587711696887206462014-03-28T06:45:00.000+00:002014-03-28T06:45:00.042+00:00{This Jumah Moment}<center>A Friday (Jumah) ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.<br />
<br />
. . . . . . . . . .<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13381352624/" title="DSC_0125 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/13381352624_e872b66cb7_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-60577918183923026722014-03-27T07:12:00.000+00:002014-03-27T07:12:00.691+00:00For Freddie. And Eddie.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380816604/" title="DSC_0044 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/13380816604_87ea7c9ff2_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0044"></a><br />
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I remember three years ago sitting in a chemist shop picking up Dad's prescription of tinned gloop which was designed to stay in his stomach and keep him alive.<br />
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His body was being ravaged with pancreatic cancer and only the syringe driver continually pumping chemicals straight into his stomach enabled him to keep food down. And even then it was tinned food crammed with every vitamin and mineral known to humankind since his appetite was now the size of a yogurt a day.<br />
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I sat waiting. And there at the till was the ubiquitous Marie Curie daffodil appeal in jolly spring yellow. Had I ever noticed these badges before? Probably, but now I bought one. Pinned it on my cardigan. And waited. I don't know why. It wouldn't change anything for Dad, but for some reason I felt defiant and pinned that bloody daffodil on my lapel as a flipped bird to cancer. <br />
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Two weeks later Dad was dead. This year will mark three years of his death. And as horrific as having diagnosis-to-death of only 8 weeks it still will never equal the death of a child. <br />
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Merry over at <a href="http://www.patchofpuddles.co.uk/" target="_blank">Patch of Puddles</a> should be making plans for a fourth birthday party for her first son, Freddie, next month. Instead she is honouring his memory by marking his birthday with the symbol of daffodils. A flower which seems so hopeful, so full of defiant life. I am contributing to this crafty vigil by offering my own crafty take on daffodils too. <br />
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So this post is for Freddie, and my Dad, Eddie, and for those everywhere whose passing seems to have left a hole larger than the life that filled it. For those who are starting to forget and want so desperately to remember; for those that remember and who want desperately to forget.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13293081493/" title="DSC_0014 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/13293081493_cd9d31cd87_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0014"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13292871515/" title="DSC_0019 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/13292871515_acc88b5e2d_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0019"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13293177884/" title="DSC_0027 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/13293177884_a183859060_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0027"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13293060743/" title="DSC_0016 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/13293060743_fab6240457_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0016"></a><br />
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Let's be gentle with one another; all of us are carrying invisible burdens.<br />
xx<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-91238892624882837992014-03-26T07:22:00.000+00:002014-03-26T07:22:00.677+00:00Yarn, Naturally<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13379698575/" title="DSC_0228 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/13379698575_1833fce13b_z.jpg" width="700" alt="DSC_0228"></a><br />
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</center>If you're ever in the neighbourhood, and even if you aren't but don't mind a day out, then you need to visit this little corner of Cumbria - <a href="http://www.caldbeckvillage.co.uk/about.htm" target="blank">Caldbeck</a>. As well as being a beautiful little village with a beautiful beck to sit and picnic by, there is a sweet little cafe and bric-a-brac shop, an old church (where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Peel_%28huntsman%29" target="_blank">John Peel </a>is buried [alongside some of my relatives, do say 'hi']), and more importantly, <a href="http://www.woolclip.com/" target="_blank">The Wool Clip</a>, a shop of yarny proportions which will have all fibre addicts' hearts a pitter-pattering. The Wool Clip is a co-operative whereby members have pulled together and pooled resources and talents, and there you will find yarn, fibre, knitting needles, hooks, ready-made items, knit kits, drop spindles, <a href="http://www.tinkertailors.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank">buttons</a>, rugs and almost anything you can think of to do with wool. And best of all, it's all locally sourced from the member themselves - from Cumbrian slate buttons, to Herdwick fleece, everything is Cumbrian born and bred.<br />
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And that's not all. These entrepreneurs have also, for the last ten years, held the now infamous '<a href="http://www.woolfest.co.uk/" target="_blank">Woolfest</a>' each summer. To my shame, even though it is mere miles away from my family home, I've never attended, but THIS YEAR I have high hopes to make it back up here to support local yarnies, and those from further afield too.<br />
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It's very rare in our modern age that we get a chance to support local businesses, and especially local craftspeople, in such a direct way. And so I like to think that is why I always spend so much money whenever I go there, and make the effort to get there whenever I am in the area - it's not really about my yarn addiction. It's about supporting local farmers and craftspeople.<br />
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Yep. That's what I'm telling myself. And my husband. And the bank manager. <br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-28577464473141338972014-03-25T06:40:00.000+00:002014-03-25T06:40:00.372+00:00Cool Runnings<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13379897645/" title="DSC_0180 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/13379897645_be3d19a5fe_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13379885755/" title="DSC_0183 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/13379885755_6388361f3f_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13380413454/" title="DSC_0141 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/13380413454_6c2edddeae_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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Perhaps since moving south I've turned into a southern softy, a big girl's blouse and a namby pamby southerner. Whatever. I don't ever remember being this cold before. Good grief, how do you people function under such conditions?!<br />
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The sun came out the other day. We took a walk on the beach. One solitary cloud scuttled overhead and hurled hailstones at us whilst the rest of the countryside basked in sun. If I had been down in the dumps it would have been enough of a metaphor to push me over the edge. Instead, with a freezing cold head, we continued our walk and idly scoured the beach to see what the sea had offered us this tide.<br />
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Seaweed, shells, all those pebbles and glass, and a tractor tyre (guess which one they wanted to bring home?). With Scotland over the water and the Cumbrian Fells on the other side of us we found treasure after treasure, stuffed our pockets and made for home.<br />
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There is nothing as tiring a sea air to wear us all out and we all melted back into those beds that night with another day behind us filled with adventure. And when the weather warms up perhaps we'll be here again, enjoying these beaches and the creatures we find here with a little more grace and few less runny noses.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-48280880212346764652014-03-24T06:58:00.000+00:002014-03-24T06:58:00.506+00:00Springtime Sewing<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13293113393/" title="DSC_0011 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/13293113393_fa37e04102_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13293038555/" title="DSC_0002 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/13293038555_007aa1ff85_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13293103553/" title="DSC_0012 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/13293103553_ebe39971a3_z.jpg" width="700" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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I know I'm <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2014/03/a-springtime-jinx.html" target="_blank">not the only one</a> antsy for a bit of springtime sewing. This little pile of lovelies will have to wait till I get home to bring some sunshine into our lives. At least it isn't snowing here (she says, shivering). And some vintage, thrifted buttons? I can never walk away from those. Useful, old, pretty - everything I love in one bundle.<br />
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And these bird samplers are in the <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/tend_magazine" target="_blank">magazine's Spoonflower shop</a> - each 'test swatch' has one bird, and are designed to go hand in hand with the embroidery pattern (free for those who sign up for the <a href="http://tendmagazine.co.uk/" target="_blank">newsletter</a>). These pieces are destined for the boys and their hoops, just as soon as I can peel them away from Minecraft.<br />
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Yes, springtime always gets me itching for the machine. I have no idea what any of these will become. I think that's why I like fabric so much. A promise not yet fulfilled.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-58492204931949023432014-03-21T07:12:00.000+00:002014-03-21T07:12:01.021+00:00{This Jumah Moment}<center><br />
A Friday (Jumah) ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13293369083/" title="DSC_0053 by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/13293369083_b1795e2a33_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="my so called life blog"></a><br />
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<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-13604187008048452952014-03-20T12:26:00.002+00:002014-03-20T12:26:35.710+00:00Tuckered Out<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13277230734/" title="upload by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/13277230734_72f2a6f563_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="my so called life"></a></center><br />
It's been cold and very windy here. We hit the beach, but it seemed like the beach hit us, so a wander around town, a few new books for bedtime and a walk around the park where I used to run cross country when I was at school. <br />
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At night we melt into these over-stuffed duvets. Sometimes we are just too tired to clear the bed first. Apart from the eldest who reads way past midnight, after two lights out and sneaky lights-back-on, a couple of stern threats and a resigned shrug of the shoulders. That one exists on forty winks.<br />
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Something about visiting a nana is extra exciting and twice as tiring.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348662971403602237.post-69541951687527032132014-03-19T16:47:00.001+00:002014-03-19T16:47:30.039+00:00Out of Town<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13264606693/" title="Out of town. Normal service will resume sometime by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/13264606693_55f40af2c5_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Out of town. Normal service will resume sometime"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qalballah/13216155574/" title="Wherever I go yarn comes with me by Debbie Qalballah, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2730/13216155574_8d9a60b3e9_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Wherever I go yarn comes with me"></a></center><br />
A rather last-minute trek to see family as our house gets a kitchen makeover thanks to our landlords. It does mean I'm a little out of sorts, still packed up and all over the place. But! I have yarn, so all is well in my world.<br />
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Hoping to be back in this space regularly soon! <br />
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Wrap up warm, people. It's cold up north!<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7210039062_72445e6ea1_o.jpg" width="325"></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05025492709452476763noreply@blogger.com3