WE GOTTA GET BACK TO SCHOOL,
WE GOTTA GET BACK TO HOGWARTS,
WHERE EVERYTHING IS MAGIC....COOL!!
After a break of 18 months or so, today I am returning to 'proper' work, as a Teaching Assistant at my village Primary school - a job I did for 10 years previously. A combination of circumstances has led to the need for some extra employment - paid, too, now there's a bonus!! Consequently, Wednesdays are going to be somewhat fuller than before, so I may be tardy in replying to comments...but I will get around to everyone if I can :)
Sewing has been my priority this past week, trying to get ahead for the craft fairs that are fast approaching...
Peg bags of differing shapes and sizes...
Pretty button detail on the across body version...
I know...ANOTHER bag....!!
Workdesk No 2 - a.k.a. the dining table...
I've got a couple of orders to do, so this is to work on while the evening meal is cooking - I'm not very good at just sitting doing nothing. I can't help it, think I've always been like that! Just want to pack as much as I can into each day....
Next week, Mr LLJ and I celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary...blimey, that man deserves a medal for putting up with me all that time (vice versa as well... *grin*) We decided that we weren't going to do 'big' presents for each other, just a nice meal out...you know the sort of thing! But I had a really lovely surprise today. G3 and DH made me shut my eyes and led me out into the garden where there was this little beauty....
Our surname is Appleton, you see, so they bought an apple tree to celebrate our life together plus the fact that we've grown two apples of our own (the Big O and G3!!) It made me cry....and means more to me than any flashy gift. It's now been planted with a libation of Calvados to ensure prosperous, healthy and happy times ahead...and you can't ask for much more than that in life.....
54 comments:
Happy Anniversary!!!!!!
What a lovely gift to get:) Good luck going back to the working world.
i think i qualify as the slowest to get round to commenting on 169 and the fastest on 170. how funny! Little miss A was a tad demanding this week. Hence the comments after midnight on a school night too!
love the tree
caroline
What a lovely gift :o) I always like to see that scotty dog fabric in use. We went to Clarks Village at Street yesterday and I spied a lot of your funky Union Jack fabric wrapped around trees and pillars there!
Fiona x #76
Obviously 1982 was a good yesr to start a long and happy life together. :-) Many congrats and here's to many more happy years together.
Hugs,
A x #85
What a beautiful story.
Lynn x
Jan you will be shattered, it really is a shock to the system after a break - I can remember thinking I would never not be tired again after going back full time after two years part time...and yup i am still only semi conscious most of the time...
the up side is the joy of the workplace, colleagues and good old Jo Public (never a dull moment) make sure you put a little of your earnings to one side for pure indulgence - it is a marvelous salve to the wounds of a lousey day at work...
I am sooo looking forward to hearing your stories!
dx @91
Oh Jan, what a lovely family you have and what a special gift they have given you. I know what you mean. Flashy gifts mean nothing, it's the memories that count. I hope you have a really Happy Anniversary and share many more happy years together.
I hope you've had a great day back in the world of employment. They will wear you out so I think you'll need to put your feet up rather than crafting tonight!!! I'm back next week, but not paid!!!! That may have to change though!!
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #105
How wonderfully sweet. So glad I am back online to have read it. Happy Anniversary!
Mary Anne (29)
Right Jan I NEED that bag for my best friends Christmas present please, I love it and I know she will too. I am also returning to a proper job this week and start training tomorrow...a few changes a foot here....for the same reasons. Have a fun Wednesday. Love the tree. x
Hugs Erika. #107
Hi there Jan ah what a lovely way to finish your post - you made us all sigh happily! that's what families are for eh to bring tears of joys to your eyes and hearts!! Hope your 30th anniversary is a "PEARL-er" :D! and so you are back at school yet again - will you never learn?? :D have a great if busy week! and thanks for sharing ~ happy WOYWW! Shaz in Oz. x #48
i love this dog fabric i need to get some for my kitchen in 'normal' and oil cloth versions
i need to tidy my desk and de clutter to make room for new stash but hey im sitting on sofa on here lol all good intentions and all that! lol
happy WOYWW love Mrs.C.xx #95
I just love looking at your sewing projects, you're so talented and certainly have an eye for great fabric...just love the scotty dog bag. Hope you have a wonderful anniversary.
EllieWee #105 xx
Always love your bags but the apple tree almost had me blubbing too! How lovely and how thoughtful. Have a wonderful anniversary, you are well blessed!
Lots of love JoZarty (40)
Haha, me again...I'm now #106!!
It's a beauty, no wonder you cried, so totally thoughtful...and hey, them Apples didn't fall far from the tree, huh!! Speak later..hope the day is erm, fun!
Loving those scottie dogs.
** Kate **
You can never show us too many bags, I love them all, those doggies are so cute. Congratulations on 30 years and what a perfect present. You certainly have a wonderful family. Good luck with returning to work, I don't think I could do it, getting lazy in my old age (he he).
Have a great week and enjoy your apples!
Von #58
Happy 30th Anniversary to both of you. Love your little tree and the tender thoughts about it. Your fabric for this bag is so pretty, just love those colors. Also wishing you much luck and patience on returning to work. Thanks for sharing and Enjoy your day.
Happy Anniversary to both of you Jan. I felt a lump in my throat after reading about your lovely gift. I love your Scotty dog peg bag and what a great idea to make them over your body too. Hugs Rita xx 123
Oh bless! A very happy anniversary to you and Mr A, Jan! A fab little tree, and I love the fact that the libation of Calvados was added - going to be making Apple Brandy, are ye...?
I know what you mean about not being very good at sitting doing nothing - hence me having cross-stitch available for TV nights. LOL... Make sure you show us close-ups of the beadwork you're doing!
Morti #64
Happy Anniversary! Your little scottie bag is so lovely. Great fabric choice! dani 137
Happy Anniversary - and thanks for the peeks all around today. S #131
Love your sewing projets. Happy Anniversary and what a sweet gift!
awwwwwww the apple tree was a great choice, love the meaning behind it, Happy Anniversary to you both, hope y'all have a wonderful dinner! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)
Aw what a fab idea, I may adopt that approach for my parents 40th anniversary next year! I hope today went well for you and you enjoy your new job. Happy anniversary for next week too. Take care Zo xx 98
I'm just wondering, out loud, are we twins separated at birth? We have so many of the same thoughts! And yet we are separated by that annoying pond--the ocean. My mother always had scotty dogs, and I was always trying to find scotty dog fabric!! She would love a bag like this! Your comment on my post CRACKED me up--I wrote a play, about a group of knitters, and one of them accuses the other of accidentally knitting a thong! Of course, the way my crochet is going, this could happen. Don't tell the Dunnits.
Happy Anniversary to you both.. I love the gift!!I adore your sewing creations.. I got a new sewing machine last week for my birthday boy I hope I can in time sew as good as you... Love visiting your desk... good luck with the new job!! Hugs May x x x#5
The money is nice, but I'm warning ya, they might actually expect you to work at that job thing. Somehow for some reason they are starting to expect that of me too. Can you imagine???? The nerve!
Love the Scottie dog bags, too cute. I'm with you about the can't sit still part. Something always has to be happening, well right up until you turn the TV on and then my brain turns off (why I hate TVs).
And I'm glad you added the vice versa saying that is a two-way street for sure! Happy anniversary to you and Mr. LLJ! The tree is a neat idea!
good luck with the 'new job' that will cut into your sewing time.
The tree looks fab mr LLJ obviously knows you very well, as he should after all this time ... enjoy your meal.. apple pie for pud?
janet #65
Hi LLJ,
My job is definitely getting in the way of visiting desks -- especially this week. Congrats on your anniversary. The apple tree is the perfect gift!!
Thanks for visiting me already!
Happy WOYWW
Hugs, Kay #15
How fitting that you should have 30 comments too! Congrats to you both! Lovely gift, may it be fruitful and give lots of joy. Good luck with going back to school too.
Good luck with the job! Love all that doggy fabric, I would have to buy up everything you made using it, so cute!
love the apple tree, what a sweet gift! Happy Anniversary!
Debxx
Good luck on the new job! Love the pretty fabric and very creative use of it. How sweet that you got an apple tree! Congratulations to you~!
glenda #119
Wishing you all the best in your new venture Jan, hope your first day wasn't too nerve wrecking?
What a wonderful idea your hubby had, a lovely apple tree that will grow and blossom as I'm sure your marriage has. Something that will give you great pleasure l'm sure, happy anniversary to you both.
Lovey sewing as usual :)
Happy WOYWW #99 xxxx
Hope the first day went well! Many congratulations on reaching your 30th anniversary, love the idea of planting a tree. Love, love the scottie dog makes, they are fabulous! Thanks for your earlier visit. Crafty hugs, Anne x
oh how super sweet!!! Congratulations on your Anniversary and the new apple tree!!! Trees are perfect gifts!!! love your workspace!!!!
Oh Jan that is really beautiful and the gift is really from the heart, gosh it bought tears to my eyes, how thoughtful. Just think how many more Appleton children you can grow now on that tree. I hope you don't get upset when you have to eat them LOL. Congrats I think on your returning to work, I am sure working with children can be rewarding and challenging at the same time LOL great that you could return to your field so easily and not struggle to find employment.
Eliza #20
happy creating while you can
No, you can't ask for much more, Jan! What a lovely, lovely gift for you. Happy Anniversary to you both! And I love the Scottie dog fabric!
Have a great week and good luck with returning to work! Darnell #93
...firstly congratulations on your usoon to be here anniversary, thats awesome and what a super gorgeous celebratory gift that you can watch grow...love your bags the scotty fabric is so cute and lastly Jan back to work eh, life throws things at us and we have to adapt it's as simple as that, you'll be tired for the first few weeks as your busy enough as it is, wishing you good luck and a hearty dollop of spirit...Melxx :)
Thanks for dropping by me have a super week...xx
What a lovely way and gift to celebrate your 30 years of happiness. Someone put a lot of thought into that. Congratulations on your (Pearl?) wedding anniversary.
Well done on going back to school, I could never do that (apart from being way too old) - not enough patience these days. Hope all goes well and you enjoy.
Hugs, Neet 84 xx
What an awesome and thoughtful gift!! DH is like that too and rarely gives just roses or such. Looks like you have been busy with the bags but what are you making with all the beads? Wish you could come visit the store I think you would have a fun time with these crazy women! Have a great week! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I love to hear from folks. Vickie #66
Congrats on celebrating such a marvellous innings. Love the tree and I am sure there will be plenty more to come. Enjoy your return to work ... I dream of retiring but this crafting habit keeps me working to finance it all!!
Sandra @144
It sounds like you’ve had a very busy week Jan.
I always think it’s wonderful to receive ‘living’ gifts that will go on for years and years, so I can understand why it made you cry.
Happy Crafting!
Sue @# 117
x
Where will you find the time for all the sewing when you get back to work? I'm sure you will though. Love the sentiment with the tree, just so fitting. Thanks for stopping by. BJ#63
What a lovely lovely gift! Just my cup of tea, gifts like that are. Fabulous fabrics as always but no bag will ever match my "Jan-Bag" (geddit? Man-bag? Jan-bag? No? I'll get my coat....) ;-)
Thanks for stopping by my desk earlier this week. I'm a little late with my desk hopping! Awww love the apple tree, such a thoughtfull gift! And as always I love the dog fabric! x
What a wonderful thoughtful gift. I would have been shedding a tear too.
I think when a present comes with such loving thought...there's nothing better and can mean so much more.
I'm the same as you by the sound of it...I try to cram in so much into my day that sometimes my son says I fright him!
By the way that scottie fabric is so cute and I love the bag too.
Good luck with the new job but I don't think you'll need it...I think you'll be fine ;D
Apologies for being late visiting but better late than never eh?
Happy WOYWW Neesie #13
What a very special gift! No wonder it made you cry.
Happy anniversary to you.
I love the scottie fabric and those beads? to die for.
happy belated WOYWW!
Tertia #70
I think that is a truly lovely present, so meaningful and I'm not surprised you cried! I'm finding life more hectic than normal too as I'm back to teaching after a year off. Seem to be permanently playing catch up at the moment. Thank you for popping by my desk earlier this week :) Btw, hubby's cushions were blogged here http://furrytalecardsandcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/sewing-yes-sewing-on-my-blog.html and the bag here: http://furrytalecardsandcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/a-little-more-needlecraft.html
As I'm frightened of the sewing machine(!), I'm amazed at what he made!
Hi Jan thanks for popping by. I am just catching up with a few visits this evening. What a fabulous way to celebrate your anniversary. Congratulations to you both. Have fun in your new job. Hope you still get time to play! Hugs Helen (ps it is our 30th in December too)
The tree is lovely and so is that bag! Happy Anniversary and many more years!Tamika #149
I can't believe I missed this last week, so sorry - and glad you had a good and Happy Anniversary Helen, 20 on week 171! I have been there too....
I missed this last week too Jan, so sorry. What a fabby gift. Happy Anniversary.
Di xx
Don’t get too excited about my sewing machine being out Jan, it’s only so I can neaten the edges of the little pillows so I can cut them close to the edge before turning then the right way out. There’s some nice projects in the Docrafts Creativity mag and not all stamping so it might be worth a look at, especially the little sweet cones that I could see being easy to create with fabric rather than paper.
Happy Crafting!
Sue
x
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