Currently reading....

I am currently reading...

Ekaterinburg: The Last Days of the Romanovs by Helen Rappaport ; deals with the tragic story of the last days of the Russian Royal Family -  this is a sad story with amazing detail, most particularly it documents the real human beings behind the story and makes you shake your head sadly at the inevitability of it all; having said that, despite its inevitable conclusion, its not a depressing story and is filled with truly fascinating fresh information which continues to flesh out the story of the last Russian royal family.

Revelation by C. J. Sansom; this is the fourth 'Shardlake' series book and this is as fabulous as all the others;  historical fiction at its best - I won't spoil it for you if you are planning on reading it, but just to say - highly recommended.

Connecting with Horses: The Life Lessons We Can Learn from Horses by Margrit Coates - I am a real believer in understanding horses (or any animal) by trying to communicate and connect with them in their own language; Margrit Coates is a sympathetic author who writes about her subject with knowledge and good sense.

101 Things to Do Before You Diet by Mimi Spencer; this is one of those books you buy because you can't fit in your jeans in the hope that really it will get rid of the fat that is currently bugging you so much. Well, at least that was what it was for me.  Of course, just BUYING the book doesn't actually make you lose weight, and this book in particular argues that we might be fat (or not) but we are still lovely.  Yes, I guess we could still be lovely but our horse still goes 'oooof' when we get on him.  To be fair there is some good and interesting information in this book and it does make you feel better whilst carrying excess weight around.  What I really want is a book called 'Buy This And You Will Instantly Be The Weight You Want To Be Without Making Any Effort Whatsoever' but as the author didn't call this book that, I can't complain.   Its a very good book and I'd recommend it if your jeans have suddenly 'shrunk in the wash'.  Or if your horse goes 'oooof' when you get on him.

Computer Problems and a Sick Horse

Apologies to anyone whom I have missed contacting recently with an explanation for my tardiness...Merlin became ill and I played nurse - he was also cared for by my wonderful vet (thanks Vicky!). He's now back to his old self though I've noticed he seems even more loving than before. I am SO happy to see my horse back to his old self again, I worried myself sick about him.

Back on the Horse - well, nearly...

Many of you will know that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and how it has ruled my life for about the past 8 years. When I was immobile at the beginning of the illness, I lay in bed thinking I'd never move again. Doing things like making jewellery were a long way from my mind. It started with an ear infection after a walk on a Anglesey beach, and that led to some viral thing ...and eventually I was diagnosed with RA.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year one and all! I hope the year brings you health, happiness and prosperity - I do realise that the last one - prosperity - seems to be under a cloud of gloom at present, but fingers crossed it won't be as bad as it is painted.

I spent Christmas very quietly with the horse and the cats - with a round of kidney and chest infections - what a good time for the mechanics to break down - when business is quiet!! With the Rheumatoid Arthritis drug I am on, Actemra, my immune system is virtually non existent so the surprise is how long it has taken me to get a bug.

I can rely on Mark's help with Merlin as he is now fully stable trained and has been going out into the frozen wastes when I can't go to the stables though I felt frustrated and bored and missed my horse.

Above: Our 'New Boy', Blue....posing for the camera.......(he loves to sit under the photography lights)

We went out for a stableyard Christmas meal, and had Mark's Mum for Christmas lunch before I went to see my parents...then nothing much else though Mum and Dad came over yesterday because it was Mum's birthday. It was the same day that Merlin turned 12, so he got treats in his feed and extra fussing...(a bit like Mum).

I went Sheffield to visit my youngest brother Jonathan and his wife Anna, along with the rest of the family...my brother Chris and his wife Amanda have two girls, Aimee and Verity; Verity who is four was insisting we all keep quiet while she told us a story...then my Dad got put in the 'naughty corner' for talking...it was funny....she is a bossy britches!

The new/used cat 'Blue' has settled in so well - he is lovely, a real sweetie - I wish my cat Cleocatra would think so too - she is soooo territorial!!

For Christmas I got a Sony E-Reader...Mark claims if I buy any more books the studio floor will collapse with the weight (I confess to a serious book addiction) so he thought that I could carry my books on this e-reader contraption....well...really....its just an excuse to buy more books, but now they are 'invisible'! (or at least, till I get the credit card bill...gulp....)

Have a lovely new year.

When one door....

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” Helen Keller

Free Earrings!!

A Christmas Newsletter offer went out to everyone on the mail-list today...spend over £60 (not including postage and packing) and you can have a lovely pair of free earrings made from handmade glass, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal and gold-filled pierced earring fittings (if you have non-pierced ears, let me know and I can convert to plated clips at no extra cost), all wrapped up in tissue and in an organza bag...perfect for a Christmas gift for someone or...just keep them all to yourself. The offer is open until the 31st December...have a happy, healthy and warm Christmas everyone!

Blessings Earrings - want some free??