| Early newyears wishes ;) |
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| 04:40pm 31/12/2009 |
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I'd like to take a moment to wish everyone the happiest new-years celebrations to date!
I'm doing this one early, because I am one of the doomed souls working the night shift in the pub, same as last year. A BLAST to work, but murder on the feet and just about everything else. Not to mention the horrendous clean-up after wards to look forward to.
This year I come prepared though... I'm bringing earplugs for the indoor piper! I'd still like to know who thought it would be a grand tradition to bring a piper INDOORS. |
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Read 14 - Post |
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| The holidays so far |
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| 02:24pm 27/12/2009 |
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Well, most of the holidays have been spend working, but we decided that the end of the December days were ours. It's one of the few days both Mr. Richardson and I get off, and we decided against going to the folks for a big dinner there and just spend those nights between the two of us.
We did pass around the folks for the obligatory gift exchange. All of us are tight when it came to money this year, so we were all told NOT to get each other anything. I haven't even been able to send out any holiday greetings (sorry!). Of course, none of us were able to stick to our vows and each got the other tiny stuff.
I bought Mr. Richardson's mom a wee bottle for aromatherapy oils, along with those wooden sticks you put in it to diffuse the scent. No burning, no smoke.. just lovely Jasmin-y goodness. His Da got some candy and some nuts, with which he was most pleased. We both got a new supply of socks, new pajamas's and some other small bits and bobs. It was really nice.
Coming home that night Mr. Richardson started fidgeting and asked if I 'wanted my pressie now'. I asked him if it wasn't the custom to wait until the morning, but immediately got the defense of having bought his present in November and him wearing them since then (new hiking boots). He apologized it was only one present.. but said he hoped I like it anyways....
Now, to re-cap quickly. At the start of this year there was an exhibition by Andrew Whitson, whom had just finished illustrating the story of Balor. He had a modern representation of Goibhniú. As many know Goibhniú means a great deal to me personally, and ever since I saw it I wanted that piece. Short on money, I figured that the piece would sell at the show, as almost all of the pieces did there on the first night. So, I took a digital picture and kept it in my mind. After the show I did post again; In this post. but I never thought I'd see it again.
Apparently, a certain Mr. Richardson got in contact with the artist about 6 months ago, and by some miracle, managed to get me the original for the gift-giving month! I am still at loss on what to say.. It's finally here! I can touch it! Talk to it! (Okay, you can stop looking at me in that way now)..
..As I said, the piece means a great deal to me.
I felt a bit iffy getting him a set of Hugo Boss stuff as a sneaky secret. But I hope he realizes how happy I am with his gift to me :)
The next morning we went around to see the family, and chat up a bit, before heading out in the afternoon to walk Oscar in Crawfordsburn Country Park. Sadly it was closed, but I knew there was another entrance near the Helen's Bay train station. We got there, entered onto the beach which leads to the country park, but sadly Oscar was having none of it and getting through the wide open space that is the beach to get to the forest cover was just too much. He climbed me, and crawled into my jumper. We carried him about like that up and down the beach but decided to go home anyway because I had 'some cooking' to do.
After about two and a half hours of cooking, I presented Mr. Richardson with our feast. Decadence galore!
 TEH feast!
It consisted of wild boar, wild red deer, portabello mushroom stuffed with bacon wrapped pheasant breast in a cheese, tomato and cream sauce. Cream based mashed potatoes, sprouts, cauliflower with a hint of nutmeg and apple wood smoked cheese, carrots and broccoli and maple syrup roast parsnip with a cranberry and red wine&cloves sauce.. Sauces were a heavy port-based gravy and a cup of apple sauce for the boar, a normal gravy and rosemary for the deer and a hot cranberry and wine sauce for... well.. what-ever you'd please it for! All pretty much locally sourced and/or caught.
It was epic! The deer and boar were cooked to perfection and the pheasant was out of this world!
Sadly, the apple-mead hasn't finished fermenting yet. And although I've been known to open up on half finished home-brew I didn't want to touch this one yet as it's a recipe I made for Mr. Richardson.
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After taking a break from taxidermy work, to get myself back together again, the time finally 'felt right' to sit back down to work. I had a long-eared owl to do and a female kestrel to finish up, and I'm very proud of the end results. They'll go to a good home with a game-keeper in Carrickfergus, whom has already requested a copy of my stock list to see what else he'd like me to work on.
Long eared owl, alert after landing
This gorgeous specimen was gifted to me by the Jubilee Veterinary clinic. It was put down by the exotics vet there, as the wing was too badly damaged for the bird to ever fly wild again.
The vet is a firm believer that if a wild animal cannot heal well enough to ever be returned to the wild, we should have the grace to let it 'escape' a life of captivity. I share his thoughts on that matter.
Female Kestrel all fluffed up, resting
Found by the school of falconry when they were out flying their birds for pest control. No obvious signs of illness, but there were TONS of oddly shaped plant seeds in between the feathers, well and truly hooked. I think they may have had something to do with the cause of death as ever I had trouble removing them. |
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Read 13 - Post |
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| Magic! |
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| 03:08pm 21/12/2009 |
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It was nothing short of pure magic as far as I was concerned. Coming into work, night-shift in the pub, with clear skies and sogging streets, and leaving for home some minutes after 2am with everything covered in a blanket of snow. Snow actually settling on the ground is a rarity in these sea-towns! The next morning everyone walked about the streets with their mouths wide open.
Needles to say, temperatures have dropped and the 'Norn Iron' way of saying it's cold, Baltic, is living up to it's name. I find myself muttering about the house, covered in my bright blue slanket, which seems to scare the hell out of wee Oscar.
Speaking of scaring Oscar, our handyman dropped off a gift which had Oscar unsure and scared for the better part of the morning. Joe knocked on the door, and was asking if I had any use 'for these', as he held his arms up I saw two pheasants (one male, one female) tied by the neck. He said that the game keepers had gifted him with a bunch of birds, but he had one pair left over. Hung for two days, and ready for eating, regards of Clandeboye Estate. Cheers!
Took the time to take the skins off both, which were still in good condition surprisingly enough. Both birds were in fine shape, and given the skins will keep well enough during tanning I assume I'll be able to do the pair of them justice. Oscar was gifted the 'juicy bits' in our "waste not" traditions, but only ate a wee bit of the pieces.
Bangor Auctions has provided me with oodles of frames at a good price.. and hey, it counts as recycling as well! Morrígan needed something more fitted, so she's getting a custom frame at a whopping £80. First and probably last piece I'll get custom framed :/ The rest is starting to come together nicely, and I'm both curious and terrified of the build-up date creeping closer. The 28th of January seems far away, but when I look at how much there is to do I get shivers down my spine.
The the big feast on the 25th of December this year I am pleased to say it'll just be Mr. Richardson and myself. I'm looking forward to some quality time and feasting together and just snoozing off these busy days. Imbas Creations is doing incredibly well, and we're nearly done with this years torcs... ready to design next years! Hopefully they'll be up at the start of the next year, but it might be a wee bit later. Either way, it's something to look forward to! |
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Read 5 - Post |
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| Still alive.. |
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| 01:32pm 17/12/2009 |
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Just can't find the motivation to write anything, even though plenty of things have been happening.
All the gift exchange packages were send out on the 7th of December if I recall correctly. I'm hoping they'll all arrive save and sound. The first one to me arrived yesterday as well; containing many goodies from 'Teavanna'. Needless to say for someone with a cold and an ear infection, this is pure bliss. Thank you EVER so much MedicineWolf!
That cold and ear-infection came from the Jenny Watts Staff-do, which was last Monday. Standing outside scantily clad really doesn't do your health any favours!
But it was a grand night out! Almost all staff (well, the ones we wanted there anyways) made it down. We took up two full length tables in the new Fifty-Two restaurant. My dinner consisted of soup for starters, a massive steak for mains and some ice-cream with rum-raisins after. Most of the staff stuck with the traditional turkey, but most were complaining they should have gone for the steak. I have to admit, it was perfectly cooked (or lack thereof... the way I like it).
Afterwards we all went back to Jenny Watts, and we sampled some of my home-made wines and meads. This took a toll on some of them (my wines are fairly heavy), so after some left for home the remainder of our staff-do troop went to Cafe Ceol for a dance or two. By this time most of the staff was tanked, and by closing we had our chef stumble out and inviting us back at his place.
It was 4am when me and Zara finally hit bed, but it was a good night. That morning I didn't awake to a screaming head-ache (hadn't drunk that much), but rather a stuffed nose and a rather painful ear.
Same day I was working the night-shift with Craig, which is when the cold grabbed a hold of me. Wednesday was spend sleeping most of it off, and today most is being spend hugging the tea-strainer that I got from the gift exchange with an awesome blend of tea in (thanks again!).
Hopefully the infection will clear soon enough. But I had a grand time indeed! |
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| The Golden Bolf |
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| 01:41pm 28/11/2009 |
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A piece made as a tribute to good friend and a wonderfully enchanting artist! And next to all that she create amazing artwork that doesn't need an introduction. Anyone that knows her name, knows that it is synonymous for grand anthromorphic and fantasy art!
 Goldenwolf's pendant features a fine silver head, and carries two sapphire eyes of 2mm each. The piece comes with an adjustable dark blue satin cord, that'll match nicely with that gorgeous golden hair of hers 
It will be coming with a personal surprise, but I won't post that until it has arrived
Hope you like it Christy |
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Read 8 - Post |
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| Saoirse Tattoo |
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| 02:39pm 26/11/2009 |
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A tattoo design, commissioned to fit either wrist of ankle.
The father of the commissioner had a knotwork dragon tattoo on his chest. After he fell ill with cancer, him and his wife decided that they would get unwound dragon tattoos when his journey was over. Sadly, he passed away in December 2008.
His daughter wanted a commission as a tribute and remembrance piece. She already had a peacock tattoo, and the animal meant a great deal to her. She wanted a tattoo with the two creatures intertwined.
I suggested an unwound dragon design, to signify that his journey was indeed over and that he is free. She liked that idea and so I set out to play.
The end result, a very tightly designed tattoo, in traditional styling. But where you can clearly see the dragons head should be following the pattern, and laying itself down to the design like the peacock, you can see the creature raise it's head and starting up with an almighty roar.
'Saoirse' written at the bottom, which is Gaelic for 'Freedom' |
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Read 3 - Post |
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| In regards to my mistake |
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| 05:46pm 25/11/2009 |
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Things are being resolved privately, and therefor all things surrounding this matter will be kept between the two of us.
I do wish to thank everyone for their support and wishes of healing to us, it is a very tough situation on us both |
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| 'fruit'ful day |
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| 01:26pm 24/11/2009 |
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Yesterday I finally finished up the red tailed hawk for the school of falconry. I had some troubles with touch-up paints not gripping and damp in the workshop, but finally it is done. I'm sure it'll get a good place in the falconer's home, as he seemed really pleased with the outcome;
This was the very first bird falconer John Carmichael owned and flew by himself. This male red tailed hawk could not have ended up with a better falconer if you ask me.
Since the School of Falconry, run by John, supplies me with most of my raptor birds they have a contract with me. And during a specimens pick-up at the beginning of this year John said that he would like his first bird back.
I started thinking, and thought it would be amazing to see this bird 'fly' one more time. Though an older timer, with worn tips and uneven feathers, it is ever the impressive creature to behold.
It will hang in the hall-way of the school of falconry, high above the doorway.
A close-up can be found here
While there, I picked up some specimen John had saved up for me; 2 Peregrine, 1 female Goshawk, 2 Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Raven, 1 Long-eared owl, 2 Kestrel, 10 wood pigeons, 1 Pine marten and a Mink.
After all were logged and put into my freezer I set to work on 5 of the wood pigeons for personal consumption. I filleted them, and frozen the breast meats for later. They'll make a grand dish ^.^ . Some bits and bobs were given to Oscar, whom immediately stuffed them in his 'food-tent' and looked quite proud of himself.
Before heading off back to Ballyholme again I spotted a framed drawing. I asked John about it, and he said it was going to be throw away. He asked me if I wanted to have it, and I didn't need to think twice about that one;
The image reminded me of John James Audubon’s work, which I had in mind for workshop decoration. I have one of those extra large sized books of his 'birds of America', and was thinking of getting a few panels enlarged and framed... but this is even better!
It became all the greater when John told me it was an old veteran of the first world war, suffering from shell-shock, that drew it. It even has the tag, with the almost un-mistakable font, on it;
I will proudly display this piece in the workshop :) |
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Read 3 - Post |
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| New goodies :) |
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| 03:48pm 20/11/2009 |
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As always, click for the larger files :)
Noble steel body braid, with two fine silver (99.9% pure) terminals. One is a black leopard, the other a barn owl. Both are based on Celtic styling and each features two rainbow moonstone eyes.
'The Loving Gaze' is a one of a kind commissioned bracelet, featuring two naturally stylized wolf heads. The body braid is made of noble steel, and the terminals are fine silver (99.9% pure)
One wolf has emerald eyes, the other aqua-marine. Eyes are 3mm each. Heavy patina sets out the detail on these heads.
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| Taxidermy - Peeking kingfisher |
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| 10:11am 15/11/2009 |
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A kingfisher, sitting down after fishing on the river, quickly realizes he's not alone (Dragonfly)
I held off on posting this one online, since it was entering the championships. But now that the results have been given (sadly, I have NO clue as of yet on how it or the other two did, since I wasn't there) I figured it would be fine to post it.
Brought in by someone that found it while walking. He said all he wanted was to be able to put it in his display cabinet with his collection. Aside from that I was free to do whatever. I still had a HUGE dried out dragonfly in my cabinet as well, and decided to re-hydrate it and use it in the display base.
Sparrow |
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Read 34 - Post |
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| Ramblings... |
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| 12:53pm 14/11/2009 |
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Aside from my Celtic reconstruction-based religion another important aspect of my life is self-sufficiency. To me, personally, it goes hand in hand with my religious practice, and it is something that gives me great feelings of pride. What better gift is there to offer the deities, spirits and ancestors, than to give something you've nurtured and helped grow.
What more joy is there to take the autumn fruits, or the spring oak leaves, or the honey from the bees and to create your own wine, beer or cider? And return their seasonal gifts with nurturing so that you may share in their offerings to you for many years to come.
I strive to one day become completely self-sufficient. With energy harvested from sun, wind and rain. All materials being recycled through food and compost. Rain water collected to irrigate the garden patches or even flush the toilet. Life-stock to take care of 'waste' disposal (pigs) and work along side ourselves until the day comes they'll provide us with food.
John Seymour, needless to say, is one of my great heroes. His books give me great pleasure and copious ideas for living. Life is hard work, but work is rewarding. I agree with that fact that today's society seems to shy away from work, and when something can be replaced by a machine it is joyously welcomed as 'progress'. What is so wrong about working yourself to a sweat prepping the land for new materials?
I've been eying the Killowen Smallholding for courses for the next year, but 625,- euro is a bit steep for me. Still, my books are all to me, and with them I feel I'm getting a wee bit closer to achieving my goal each year when another self-sufficient chapter is added to my life. |
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Read 3 - Post |
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| Delamont dander |
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| 12:42pm 10/11/2009 |
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It was about time that Mr. Richardson and I went on a wee dander together. So as soon as I found out we both had Monday together we set out to look for a nice place to walk. WalkNI has always been a good source for discovering new walks, and so after a brief search and assessment of Mr. Richardson (and his shoes) we decided to go easy on him. Delamont Country Park was our destination.
On arrival the park boards were inspected, and we realized there was a ráth on site, which immediately send me bouncing, ready to go. Throughout the park along the trail you'd also be finding 'fresh air fitness' equipment. Basically, it's a playground for adults with outside gym stuff.
We went on a short and easy up-hill slope, and after crossing a rather soggy field we reached the Strangford Stone. Standing over 10 meters high it is the tallest megalith in Ireland. It's a 'modern build', to commemorate the millennium, and it has this neat miniature solar system carved on it, with the position the planets were in on the day. The site offers grand far-sights of the Mourne Mountains, which is also where it was cut from the Thomas Mountain quarry.
We tried a couple of the fresh-air fitness stuff, which was hilarious and actually a pretty good work-out! Turning away from the standing stone, we set on along the Lough, before coming to a wooded 'path' of land on a hill top. Knowing that it was probably the site of the ráth, we went in to explore. Rooks were everywhere! So far, all wooded ráths we've visited have been 'infested' with corvids, something which never fails to put a smile on my face.
The ráth was rather large, and the wall around it still pretty steep. On the top there was a big old oak tree growing, but other then that it hasn't been kept very well. Overgrown and hidden away it did add to the charm of the site.
From there we went down and into the woodlands down to the pond. We spotted a squirrel just as we were coming to the opening, and as we came to the pond loads of things started darting away. The pond looked more like a swamp, and such dark waters always give me the chills. Rotting wood covered in ferns lay in the water, which looked more like grass in some areas. It was duck paradise, and we stood there watching them go about their business.
After the pond we headed back along the coast, before coming full circle and back to the ranger station. It was a good walk indeed, and next time we'll definitely combine the whole things with all the gym stuff.
Strangford Stone, with the Mournes in the back. The two highest mountains had the peaks in cloud cover.
( And, per usual, a ton more pictures behind this cut )
When we came back to Bangor darkness had settled in. We still needed to get some bits and bobs for Oscar, so a quick stop at the pets shop had to do. Once shopping was done, we got back into the car and headed back home. Reminiscing our day while Mr. Richardson focused on the driving I was suddenly pulled from my thoughts by a strange rattle and smell from the car next to us.. which was also waiting to turn. Looking at the car I quickly realized that the exhaust was SPEWING BLUE FLAMES, and that the underside of the car didn't have a 'pimped underside with strange yellow orange lights', but that the underside of the car was RED HOT and GLOWING.
Mr. Richardson had gotten his turn, and I told him to pull over as the other car was on fire and probably going to blow up by the looks of things. Mr. Richardson quickly realized I wasn't dreaming, as from the point where we had pulled over you could clearly see the car glowing from underneath, and the white hot metal parts. Stopping traffic Mr. Richardson ran back to the car, and told the driver to get the hell out. Clueless, the guy stepped out and wanted to grab his stuff, whilst being warned by Mr. Richardson to get away because the thing was on fire and could blow-up as far as we knew. The guy, now curious to see, went onto the ground in the middle of the road while traffic we passing his car to look underneath the car to see.
At this point I'm thinking that it probably wasn't the best idea that Mr. Richardson went that close to the vehicle, and gods only know what could happen. When the guy saw underneath the car he finally turned his engine off and waited for the whole thing to cool down. Once the underside was glowing with heat anymore Mr. Richardson and a passer-by pushed the car onto a parking space at the side of the road. The driver, also said he just filled the thing with petrol, and couldn't understand why it went like that.
I wonder if the guy knows just how lucky he was...
So, in short, a day filled with excitement. Back at home, Oscar's comfy-bed downstairs came out of the dryer. within second of Oscar finding out that his favourite snuggle spot was pre-warmed he slid into it, and was out light a light in seconds.
Love is.... a pre-warmed snuggle place |
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Read 16 - Post |
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| An deirfiúr mhór |
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| 02:57pm 07/11/2009 |
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An deirfiúr mhór - The big sister
A torc commissioned by my sister, with the request of addition of some gemstones to the terminals. Her first idea was something along the lines of citrine, but my heart called for Carnelian with her.
beidh grá agam duit go deo - I'll love you forever |
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Read 2 - Post |
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| All Hallow's Hangin' |
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| 11:43am 03/11/2009 |
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Well, it has been a busy week yet again. From work in my workshop to work in the pub. Oíche Shamhna was spend working in the pub, and I was looking forward to seeing all the celebrations from the bar-tenders' side of the bar. The pub was filled with the smell of the pumpkin lanterns and their wee candles started burning away the insides. The main area was decorated with spider-webs and fake spiders, along with the occasional swaying skeleton. To my surprise, it wasn't all that busy, and at the height of the evening I only counted 88 heads in the main area, and 21 out in the beer garden. By Jenny Watts standards fairly; easy going night. We had the few odd balls in cracking costumes, but the lady dressed as a banshee (and screaming like one on regular and unannounced occasions) took the cake. A couple of firework crap throw at the door, but nothing serious.
As the night went on, and the stories started coming loose, the people at the bar were asking if we perhaps knew who the man was that hanged himself at the road-bridge. I thought it was a cruel joke, but as more people butted in, it became obvious that some poor soul had indeed taken his life on All Souls. Seeing as we knew as much as anyone else (next to nothing) we left it in peace, as our pumpkin lanterns slowly went out at the end of the night.
The real horror only came when The Sunday opened up on the front page that morning, with a picture of the hanged man well and truly displayed on the front page under the header "Grotesque". Some shops turned the newspaper upside down, and warned everyone about the sickening front, while others didn't sell it at all that day and promptly send stock back. The amount of disrespect shown by the paper through this action are truly revolting, and many people complained which resulted in a apology from the newspaper.
Sunday saw dinner at the folks, which was per usual a superbly presented roast. Not only was the big dinner a nice celebration on it's own, but the night also included the birthday of Mr. Richardson's sister, whom became 28 I do believe. After a divine chocolate meringue pie, another chocolate cake followed, but this one was for the lucky lady herself to take home. Riddled with small change, so let's see if she get's the quid in one go! Best of luck!
 Monday was our glorious day off, and we were looking forward to it. After filtering our winter-mead for the second time, and some other morning errands, Mr. Richardson decided to drive me towards the big city of Belfast. Personally I was hoping for a good strong hike, but either way we were on the move. We stopped at the cinema in Victoria Square to check out the times for the Fantastic Mr. Fox movie.
On our way out we stopped by Rituals to stock up on some pamper materials; bath oils, shower stuff, fair trade teas and last but not least a scented 50-hour candle. Much happiness ensued!
But my happy-squeak noises were just getting started as we passed a 'Build-a-Bear-workshop'. Oh... my... gods. You know, I've always wanted to do that thing as a wee kid, but we never had a shop in our country (or well, not that I knew of anyways). I stopped, and before Mr. Richardson could turn to see what I stopped for I was already inside bouncing about amongst the kids with my 'grey wolf' plush empty skin. Oh yes!
So, we got it stuffed, and the wee cotton heart was kissed (with a grumble or two) by Mr. Richardson, before it went into my very own wolf plush! Epic! At the checkout Mr. Richardson asked if they got more of these 'big kids' coming in, and the staff laughed and nodded, saying it was rather popular and that the 'big kids' made up most of their client base over the whole of the year.
 The wolf in question!
This giant success was then followed by the aforementioned movie of Fantastic Mr. Fox which was... well... fantastic really!
In all, a very good day indeed, and one that was finished off with a dinner of salmon and spuds back at home, cooked with loads of love and a huge grin on my face.
Oh, and for those asking about Oscar.. he's doing fine! He has gone into winter-cuddle-up-mode, and everything that is slightly comfortable or warm is an instant nesting-spot. His fur pattering this winter is amazing!
 Oscar, in full winter-pretzel mode. In my bathrobe. |
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Read 21 - Post |
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| Fat Cat |
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| 01:29pm 29/10/2009 |
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Well, business is picking up and holiday orders are in full swing. It's going to be very tight trying to get everything sorted AND have the gallery opening in January. But hey, we'll just take it a day at the time and see where it goes.
Mr. Richardson and I had a little bit of a tiff at the start of this week, but luckily all was talked through and resolved. Communication for the win. Yesterday I was running rather late with sending out orders and such that I'd been holding onto because of the postal strikes, and it was 5pm already so the mood for cooking was fading fast.
Instead we decided to go to this new restaurant that had opened up just by our local shops. A place called 'The Fat Cat', which had dinner offers on. 2-course meal for only a ten quid... not bad! We decided to give it a try. Ran into a friend and we dragged her along as well.
Let's just say it's a place we'll be returning to. HUGE portions for a very reasonable price. And their pepper-sauce was to die for!
Also started my spring mead, but knowing us we'll probably be tucking in by the end of the year ;) Either way it's been strained and is now entering the full bubbling stages. When that is done with the bubbling I'll bottle them and try to hide them away.
Our heating still isn't working, but our fireplace never fails to light up so we're fine. We're lucky to have a back-boiler in there, so we can actually get the house warm at night, but we do need to get our boiler serviced as soon as possible. Also need our chimney swept. Did I mention there's A LOT to do before cold season fully hits?
Working on the last big piece for the gallery, pictures will follow soon.... ;) |
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Read 2 - Post |
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| 2010 Calendar! |
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| 02:42pm 26/10/2009 |
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 Now accepting pre-orders! Any orders made will be send out at the end of November. Get yours today!
( click here for the image index )
Featuring 12 full colour images of some of the most popular pieces from Imbas Creations, this calendar is a delight to have! Not only is it of a high quality, but next to the conventional holidays it also lists the four ancient festivals from the Irish calendar; Samhain (Oíche Shamhna), Imbolc (Lá Fhéile Bríde), Bealtaine (Lá Bealtaine) and Lúnasa (Lá Lúnasa).
And last but not least, copies bought via Imbas Creations are signed by the artist on the front cover!
Size: 279mm x 216mm
Paper Stock 100 lb with aqueous coating |
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Read 4 - Post |
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| And the gift-exchangers are.... |
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| 09:19am 25/10/2009 |
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Right, so Oscar was asleep in the closet and looked way too adorable to be stirred for 'name-digging' I decided to number each and everyone that signed up and have a random number generator do the picking.
So, with little further ado....
**drumroll**
1. CrescentMoon
2. Medicine Wolf
3. Almeruve
4. Rampant Rainbow
Congratz everyone!
Now I'd like you to re-write your likes and dislikes, along with your address details, and send them to;
ingrid @ imbascreations . com
if possible with "gift exchange" in the subject line :) I'll reply with my version of that, and that should be us settled! On with the fun!
And to those that didn't make it this year, better luck next time. In the meantime, if you wish, you can send your address to my email and you'll be added to the card list :) |
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Read 2 - Post |
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| Back! and Gift Exchange time! |
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| 02:12pm 22/10/2009 |
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Well, I'm back again. Actually I returned on the 15th of October, but things have been non-stop sadly.
When I arrived back on the 15th it had dawned on me quickly that Mr. Richardson had done none of the cleaning, and tried to do a very last-minute washing cycle with all the clothes he had accumulated in a space of eighteen days. He used up every shirt in the closet and was down to his last pair of socks! Sadly, our drying-rack barely holds one wash as is, and said mess came in at about 3, so after filling the dining-room chair with wet shirts and such he piled things up and sort of left them. Sadly, the weather got into them, so nearly all things had to be washed again.
The next day was spend, you guessed it, cleaning the place. Two cylinders of my bag-less hoover later, and two washing cycles later everything was starting to come together. The weather spirits were with me, as the sun even came out when I put ALL the laundry on the mill-thing outside to dry.
Checked on my mushroom logs whilst outside as well... still not a mother :(
 On a bright note, the "fíon trom" (elderberry wine) had finished, and so after a long day of cleaning I started bottling the wine. Needless to say, it has been thoroughly enjoyed already. Don't worry HollyAnn, I've got your sample stored away safely ;) Just waiting on another wee surprise before sending things your way.
Another sad note followed from Queen's University. Sadly, due to lack of turn-up the Gaelic studies level/year 3 have been cancelled. Only 2 (myself included) out of the needed minimum of 12 signed up. Crap :( Have to call them again and see if I can actually get my study money back.
Another bright note comes from the other fuzzy critter in our house. Oscar has been doing grand, and the changing season has gifted him with a rather bushy tail! The rest of his coat is still coming through, but his tail has finished. His coat is getting so much darker these days, it's near black!
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And now back to the fun business of the gift exchange! Last year was such a blast, and I hope those that participated are still having fun with the things they received. So for this year we'll be giving it another go :)
Are there any people out there that would be interested in a small gift exchange for the holidays this year? We're talking 10,- to 15,- euro a pop. I'd love this exchange to be of your local goodies. Silly things tied to your area. In my case it'll most likely include some Titanic paraphernalia, amongst other non-perishable goods (I think Guinness bread count as a non-perishable. It might even be a food-group of it's own)
As last year, there are 4 slots. So if anyone is interested in a wee gift exchange with "Norn Iron", leave it in a wee comment and you'll name will be added to the hat. Do include a little 'I like.. I don't like' in the description as well, so I don't have to send everyone the same thing but can actually look for something suitable.
I'll close the on Saturday morning, and put all the names in said hat (well, one of Oscars sleeping bags) and pull four names out. |
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Read 9 - Post |
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| I thought this was supposed to be... |
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| 03:38pm 07/10/2009 |
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I thought this was supposed to be a vacation. Yet I find myself rather stressed with projects over here, and trying to meet up with old friends. I'm feeling rather stressed and as I look at the remainder of days here I see all is pretty much booked up, leaving me little room to finish the projects I need to be finishing.
Ugh.
Either way, tonight there's Amsterdam so it's "Brain set on zero and sight set to endless" as they'd put it over here. Will try my best to relax. Meeting up with a good friend whom has just returned from South-American studies again I do believe (hard to keep track of your whereabouts Sara!).
So hopefully we've both got some good stories to share. Although it's hard to beat her stories of 'the places no-one ever comes', and on the attitude of the natives towards a white ancient languages student. Natives thinking all white men were there to steal their children. "Gringo factories" and organ stealing stories will soon set the village to defend it's children and chasing the poor student away with guns and all. Luckily he left after some stern advice not to go or try any further and just leave. According to her he was one of the luckier ones.
Her food-related stories do make me wonder what guinea pig actually tastes like though, which apparently is part of the staple diet over there
But so much to do...
Gods... and this trip is supposed to bring me peace of mind before my busy season hits?!
... I might as well be bringing back a sturdy helmet, and dig my bunker in the garden |
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Read 2 - Post |
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