Helter Skelter

I've been having a hard time and haven't even been near to the allotments or even a garden center since I last wrote about that Saturday we worked so hard. Life truly has felt like a helter skelter; each move forward I try to take is like climbing a massive steep set of stairs, only to have the smallest window of joy as I inevitably slide back down to land on my bum again. Plus I am exhausted, mentally and physically.

I did have a lovely birthday day in Belfast (Sunday 17th) with shopping, lots of good eating, and a few drinks with even a friend coming up for a couple of hours. Andrew and I even stayed over in hotel and then had breakfast out on the Monday and saw some art exhibitions in the Belfast MAC. On the Tuesday we visited one of our favourite National Trust sites, Rowallane. Pictures tomorrow x

However, throughout it all the depression and the feeling of it all being seen as though it was a film, never left me. I slept the rest of the week.

There were extremely thoughtful gifts in the post that made me tear up and feel so loved but after a few moments I hated myself and felt unworthy. I've been so mixed up.

Never the less I have still been looking out for those happy moments in the days and trying to photograph them. I've mentally been dreaming about happy things to come and craft projects I wish to do.  Which leads me to my Happy Days 21- 40.

 21 - Newest finished piece of sewing 22 - The Maud's ice cream bears waving "hello!" 23 - Stunning yellow and purple flowers together :) 24 - Coffee at the new cafe in The Bank House! 25 - New glasses today!! I can see :)

26 - Our WW1 remembrance candle  27 - New pincushions being made...love these buttons ;) 28  -Quickly made a black out eye mask, take that migraine!! 29 - I loves me a pretty candle or two 30 - A damp old day

31- Courgette and chilli omelette for late lunch ;)  32 - Maggie joins in with the #fatsit cool #schnauzer group :) on Instagram 33 - Dried apricots, fresh blueberries and natural yogurt - lunch of champions!! 34 - (Maggie says..) 'She trimmed my eyebrows and brushed my beard....I gave her stink eye and went to bed. Gggrr woof! to grooming!' 35 - Two big parcels posted off this morning :)

36 - Wall art in Carrickfergus Museum 37 - Gorgeous bracelet from Andrew for my birthday 38 - Naughty breakfast in the MAC Belfast - yummy! 39 - Spider in the keyhole..... 40 - Maggie resting after her conquest over the evil purple dragon :)

I have so much to catch up on, the blog will be full stream ahead over the next few days, thank you for waiting for me xxx

100 happy days 2

It's bloomin miserable out there, all grey and drizzly and yet muggy at the same time. I woke up early and now I can't get back to sleep though I have tried most desperately - of course Maggie snoring away here beside me isn't helping. In fact it's just not cricket at all, I may poke her (I didn't, she's too adorable).

To give me some fun and allow a break to remember the good times over the past 20 days I've only gone and done one of my 'happy days collages'. I know I finished that challenge once before, but a photo of something good every day really did lift my spirits last time so this is 100 Happy Days take 2, I do hope you enjoy...

Day 1 - The back garden this evening is just beautiful with the sunset.. Day 2 - Bumble bees are so fabulous! 
Day 3 - Wild meadow next plot over... Day 4 - Red gooseberry jam :)
Day 5 - Ohhh naughty, a lemon and poppy cupcake...;)

Day 6 - Pinky-peach rose on the bush  Day 7 - Just a little bit of the garlic harvest on the plot 
Day 8 - Guess what I'm doing.....red gooseberry jam! ;) Day 9 - A stunning trough with 2 mini rose plants in it! What a way to end the week :) Thanks to serenataflowers.com Day 10  - A pen pal letter arrived today!!! = :)

Day 11 - Maggie takes a selfie Day 12 - On the hammock reading a little and writing a blog post :) 
Day 13 - Mr Grumpy Cat, Whitehead :) Day 14 - Our stunning little window boxes are doing us proud ;) Day 15 - Wow! That's a dahlia in full blossom! Firework!

Day 16 - First ever name hoop done today - for a family member Rylee, in case you can't read it. 
Day 17 - Last nights doddle colouring. Day 18 - Maggie wishes her cousin a very Happy 2nd Birthday!
Day 19 - Beautiful dahlia in the back garden ;) Day 20 - More posies ;)

A little peek into what has been making me happy. I urge you to try this exercise out - all you need is a camera phone and everyday just appreciate something beautiful. It is certainly helping me to forget all the anxiety attacks and depression that goes on each day as well.

Hugs and Love
Carrie x